Actions8
Overview
The node integrates with CloudConvert, a cloud-based file conversion and processing service. It allows users to convert files between formats, create thumbnails, merge multiple files into one, add watermarks, optimize/compress files, extract metadata, create archives, and capture website screenshots or PDFs.
For the Convert File operation specifically, the node uploads an input file (either from binary data or text content) and converts it to a specified output format using CloudConvert's API. This is useful for automating file format conversions in workflows, such as converting documents, images, audio, or video files to different formats without manual intervention.
Practical examples:
- Convert a Word document (.docx) to PDF.
- Convert an image from PNG to JPG.
- Convert a video file to a different codec or container format.
Properties
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Method of authentication: "OAuth2 (Recommended)" or "API Key". |
| Output Format | The desired output format for the converted file. Options depend on the selected operation. |
| Binary Input Data | Whether the input file is provided as binary data (true) or as text content (false). |
| Input File Content | The textual content of the file to upload (used if Binary Input Data is false). |
| Input Filename | The filename (including extension) of the input file (used if Binary Input Data is false). |
| Binary Property | The name of the binary property containing the file data to be converted (used if Binary Input Data is true). |
| Additional Options | A JSON dictionary of extra options to customize the conversion task, compatible with CloudConvert job builder. |
Output
The node outputs the result of the conversion operation in the json field of the output data. This typically includes metadata about the converted file and a URL or reference to download the converted file.
If the node handles binary data, the converted file is also available in the binary data output, allowing subsequent nodes to process or save the file directly.
Dependencies
- Requires access to the CloudConvert API.
- Requires either OAuth2 or API key authentication configured in n8n credentials.
- Network connectivity to CloudConvert's API endpoints.
- No other external dependencies are required.
Troubleshooting
- Invalid Operation Error: If an unsupported operation is selected, the node throws an error indicating the invalid operation. Ensure the operation parameter is set correctly.
- Authentication Failures: Errors related to authentication usually mean the API key or OAuth2 token is missing, expired, or incorrect. Verify credentials configuration.
- File Not Found or Invalid Input: If the input binary property does not exist or the input file content is empty when expected, the node may fail. Confirm that the input data is correctly provided.
- Unsupported Output Format: Selecting an output format not supported by the chosen operation will cause errors. Use the dynamic dropdown to select valid formats.
- API Rate Limits or Quotas: CloudConvert enforces usage limits; exceeding these may cause request failures. Monitor usage and upgrade plan if necessary.
Links and References
- CloudConvert Official Website
- CloudConvert API Documentation
- CloudConvert Job Builder – for generating additional options JSON
