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Clone n8n workflows between instances using n8n API

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Important notice

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

1. Workflow Overview

The n8n Workflow Cloner is a powerful automation tool designed to copy, sync, and migrate workflows across different n8n instances or projects. Whether you're managing multiple environments (develo...

Best for

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

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.manualtrigger, n8n-nodes-base.n8n, n8n-nodes-base.httprequest, n8n-nodes-base.set, n8n-nodes-base.splitinbatches, n8n-nodes-base.stickynote, n8n-nodes-base.code, n8n-nodes-base.splitout

Source and attribution

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

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title
Clone n8n workflows between instances using n8n API
Workflow name
Clone n8n workflows between instances using n8n API

Overview

The n8n Workflow Cloner is a powerful automation tool designed to copy, sync, and migrate workflows across different n8n instances or projects. Whether you're managing multiple environments (development, staging, production) or organizing workflows within a team, this workflow automates the transfer process, ensuring seamless workflow deployment with minimal manual effort.

By automatically detecting and copying only the missing workflows, this tool helps maintain consistency, improve collaboration, and streamline workflow migration between projects or instances.

How to Use

1️⃣ Set Up API Credentials

  • Configure API credentials for both source and destination n8n instances.
  • Ensure the credentials have read and write access to manage workflows.

2️⃣ Select Source & Destination

  • Update the "GET - Workflows" node to define the source instance.
  • Set the "CREATE - Workflow" node to specify the destination instance.

3️⃣ Run the Workflow

  • Click "Test Workflow" to start the transfer.
  • The system will fetch all workflows from the source, compare them with the destination, and copy any missing workflows.

4️⃣ Change the Destination Project (Optional)

  • By default, workflows are moved to the "KBB Workflows" project.
  • Modify the "Filter" node to transfer workflows to a different project.

5️⃣ Monitor & Verify

  • The Loop Over Items node ensures batch processing for multiple workflows.
  • Log outputs provide details on transferred workflows and statuses.

Key Benefits

Automate Workflow Transfers – No more manual exports/imports.
Sync Workflows Across Environments – Keep workflows up to date in dev, staging, and production.
Effortless Team Collaboration – Share workflows across projects seamlessly.
Backup & Migration Ready – Easily move workflows between n8n instances.

Use Cases

🔹 CI/CD for Workflows – Deploy workflows between development and production environments.
🔹 Team Workflow Sharing – Share workflows across multiple n8n projects.
🔹 Workflow Backup Solution – Store copies of workflows in a dedicated backup project.

Tags

🚀 Workflow Migration
🚀 n8n Automation
🚀 Sync Workflows
🚀 Backup & Deployment

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 - When clicking ‘Test workflow’

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

Block 2 - GET - Workflows

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

Block 3 - CREATE - Workflow

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

Block 4 - n8n - GET - Projects

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest - httpRequest
Config choices
Version 4.2

Block 5 - SET Project ID

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.set - set
Config choices
Version 3.4

Block 6 - PUT - Workflow in Project

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest - httpRequest
Config choices
Version 4.2

Block 7 - Loop Over Items

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

Block 8 - Sticky Note1

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

Block 9 - Sticky Note

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

Block 10 - Sticky Note2

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

Block 11 - GET - Destination Workflows

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

Block 12 - Code

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.code - code
Config choices
Version 2

Block 13 - Split Out Workflows

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

Block 14 - Split Out Workflows1

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

Block 15 - Merge Workflows

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

Block 16 - Split Out Projects

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

Block 17 - Filter Project

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

3. Summary Table

Workflow Clone n8n workflows between instances using n8n API
Complexity advanced
Nodes 17
Categories DevOps
Author Alex Kim
Published 28 Feb 2025

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

  1. 1. Download the workflow JSON

    Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/3048/3048.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 Clone n8n workflows between instances using n8n API do?

The n8n Workflow Cloner is a powerful automation tool designed to copy, sync, and migrate workflows across different n8n instances or projects. Whether you're managing multiple environments (develo...

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.