n8n FTP Workflow: Download File & Upload via FTP

Download a file from your FTP server and upload it back—fully automated in n8n

This n8n FTP workflow helps you automate a common file transfer task: it connects to an FTP server, downloads a file, and then uploads the file via FTP using a dedicated workflow you can install and customize in minutes.

What this workflow does

• Starts with a Manual Trigger so you can run the process on demand.
• Connects using the FTP node to access your FTP server.
• Downloads the target file from the FTP location you specify.
• Uploads the file via FTP to the destination path you configure.
• Supports controlled execution for repeatable transfers whenever you need them.

Use cases

• Migration and synchronization: Move files between FTP directories (or environments) without manual copy/paste.
• Data handoffs: Download a generated report or exported dataset from one FTP location and upload it to another for downstream processing.
• Operational support for SaaS: Run ad-hoc transfers when troubleshooting or performing maintenance windows.
• Manual on-demand jobs: Trigger the workflow whenever a file becomes available, without needing a scheduled system.

Technical details

• Workflow type: n8n automation workflow
• Nodes used: FTP, HTTP Request, Manual Trigger
• Purpose: FTP download followed by FTP upload, with optional HTTP Request support for orchestration within the workflow

Built for n8n users, automation engineers, and SaaS operators, this workflow provides a practical starting point for reliable FTP-based file transfers.