Daily n8n Backup to S3: Export Workflows via n8n API

Daily n8n Workflows Backup to S3 (via n8n API)

Keep your n8n automation safe: this workflow runs daily to export every workflow from your n8n instance through the n8n API, then uploads each workflow’s JSON backup as a separate file to your S3-compatible bucket.

What this workflow does

• Runs on a schedule or on-demand: triggers daily at 03:00 or can be manually executed.
• Fetches workflows from your n8n instance using the n8n API.
• Exports each workflow individually: converts each workflow object into a JSON string.
• Creates safe backup filenames based on the workflow name.
• Turns JSON into a text file (using a “Convert to file” step).
• Uploads to S3: stores each workflow backup as its own object in the selected bucket, then continues until all workflows are backed up.

Use cases

• Disaster recovery: restore prior versions of n8n workflows after accidental edits or failures.
• Change tracking: keep daily snapshots in S3 to review what changed over time.
• SaaS operations: maintain backup coverage across multiple workflow lifecycle stages without manual export.
• Compliance-friendly backups: centralize workflow definitions in durable, external storage.

Technical details

• Integrations/Nodes: n8n, Code, S3, Sticky Note, Convert to file, Manual Trigger
• n8n API key: required to retrieve the workflow list.
• S3 credential: supports AWS S3 or any S3-compatible provider for uploads.
• Bucket configuration: set the target bucket name (default is backup-n8n) and ensure it exists with permission to upload objects.

Perfect for n8n users, automation engineers, and SaaS operators who want reliable daily workflow backups to S3 with minimal effort.