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Backup all n8n workflows to Google Drive every 4 hours

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Backup all n8n workflows to Google Drive every 4 hours preview
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Important notice

This workflow is provided as-is. Please review and test before using in production.

1. Workflow Overview

This workflow takes off the task of backing up workflows regularly on Github and uses Google Drive as the main tool to host these. This can be a good way to keep track of your workflows so that you...

Best for

  • DevOps automation workflows
  • intermediate n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.manualtrigger, n8n-nodes-base.n8n, n8n-nodes-base.splitinbatches, n8n-nodes-base.googledrive, n8n-nodes-base.converttofile, n8n-nodes-base.scheduletrigger, n8n-nodes-base.filter

Source and attribution

This workflow is cataloged by N8N Workflows and links back to its original n8n.io source page by Zacharia Kimotho.

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title
Backup all n8n workflows to Google Drive every 4 hours
Workflow name
Backup all n8n workflows to Google Drive every 4 hours

This workflow takes off the task of backing up workflows regularly on Github and uses Google Drive as the main tool to host these.

This can be a good way to keep track of your workflows so that you never lose any workflows in case your n8n goes down.

How does it work

  1. Creates a new folder within a specified folder with the time its backed up
  2. Loops around all workflows, converts them to a JSON file and uploads them to the created folder
  3. Gets the previous backups and deletes them

This has a clean feel and look as it simplifies the backup while not keeping a cache of workflows on your drive.

Setup

  1. Create a new folder
  2. Create new service account credentials
  3. Share the folder with the service account email
  4. Upload this workflow to your canvas and map the credentials
  5. Set the schedule that you need your workflows to run and manage your backups
  6. Activate the workflow

Happy Productivity!

@Imperol

1.2 Logical Blocks

This catalog entry is organized from the workflow JSON. The node-level section below shows the executable blocks available for review before importing the template.

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - On clicking 'execute'

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.manualTrigger - manualTrigger
Config choices
Version 1

Block 2 - n8n

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.n8n - n8n
Config choices
Version 1

Block 3 - Loop Over Items

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.splitInBatches - splitInBatches
Config choices
Version 3

Block 4 - create new folder

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleDrive - googleDrive
Config choices
Version 3

Block 5 - Convert to File

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.convertToFile - convertToFile
Config choices
Version 1.1

Block 6 - Google Drive

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleDrive - googleDrive
Config choices
Version 3

Block 7 - Schedule Trigger

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.scheduleTrigger - scheduleTrigger
Config choices
Version 1.2

Block 8 - Filter

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.filter - filter
Config choices
Version 2.2

Block 9 - delete folder

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleDrive - googleDrive
Config choices
Version 3

Block 10 - Get folders

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleDrive - googleDrive
Config choices
Version 3

3. Summary Table

Workflow Backup all n8n workflows to Google Drive every 4 hours
Complexity intermediate
Nodes 10
Categories DevOps
Author Zacharia Kimotho
Published 12 Feb 2025

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

  1. 1. Download the workflow JSON

    Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/2886/2886.json as the source template for this automation.

  2. 2. Import the template into n8n

    Open n8n, import the downloaded JSON, and review each node before activating the workflow.

  3. 3. Configure credentials and variables

    Replace placeholder credentials, API keys, webhook URLs, account IDs, and environment-specific values with your own settings.

  4. 4. Test with sample data

    Run the workflow manually or in a staging workspace, inspect node output, and confirm downstream systems receive the expected data.

  5. 5. Activate and monitor

    Enable the workflow only after testing, then monitor executions, errors, and rate limits during the first production runs.

5. General Notes & Resources

Review imported nodes carefully before activation. This catalog entry is intended to help you inspect the workflow structure, understand required services, and find related templates faster.

Node names, credentials, schedules, webhook paths, and external service limits may need adjustment for your workspace.

Frequently asked questions

What does Backup all n8n workflows to Google Drive every 4 hours do?

This workflow takes off the task of backing up workflows regularly on Github and uses Google Drive as the main tool to host these. This can be a good way to keep track of your workflows so that you...

What do I need before importing this workflow?

Review the workflow JSON, configure any required credentials in n8n, and test the automation in a safe workspace before using it in production.

Can I customize this workflow?

Yes. Use the block-by-block analysis and the downloadable JSON to inspect each node, then adjust credentials, prompts, schedules, filters, or destinations for your DevOps use case.