Backup Credential

Backup Credentials

Actions2

Overview

This node operation, Restore Workflows under the Backup resource, is designed to restore workflow data from a binary input. It takes a binary field containing backup data and processes it to reinstate workflows within the n8n environment.

Typical use cases include:

  • Restoring workflows after accidental deletion or corruption.
  • Migrating workflows between different n8n instances by exporting backups and restoring them.
  • Automating recovery procedures in disaster recovery plans.

For example, a user might have exported their workflows as a backup file and wants to restore them into a new n8n instance by providing that backup file as binary input to this node.

Properties

Name Meaning
Input Binary Field (data) The name of the binary input field that contains the backup data to be restored. This must be provided and typically corresponds to the binary property holding the backup file content.

Output

The node outputs JSON data with a data field containing the result of the restoration process. Additionally, it outputs the same data in binary form under the binary.data field.

  • json.data: Contains the restored workflow data or confirmation information about the restoration.
  • binary.data: Contains the raw binary data related to the restoration process, likely the processed backup content.

This output structure allows subsequent nodes to access either the JSON representation or the original binary data as needed.

Dependencies

  • The node requires an API key credential or similar authentication to interact with the n8n backend services responsible for managing workflows.
  • It depends on internal n8n services to read and write workflow data.
  • No external third-party APIs are directly called by this node based on the static code analysis.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  • Missing or incorrect binary input field: If the specified binary field does not exist or is empty, the node will fail to restore workflows.
  • Invalid backup data format: Providing corrupted or incompatible backup files may cause errors during parsing or restoration.
  • Insufficient permissions: The API key or authentication token used must have permissions to create or update workflows; otherwise, the operation will fail.

Error Messages and Resolutions

  • "Binary data not found": Ensure the binary input field name matches the actual binary property name containing the backup.
  • "Failed to parse backup data": Verify that the backup file is valid and was created by a compatible version of n8n.
  • "Unauthorized": Check that the API credentials are correctly configured and have sufficient rights.

Links and References

Discussion