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Import CSV files from filesystem into Postgres

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Import CSV files from filesystem into Postgres preview
Open on n8n.io

Important notice

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

1. Workflow Overview

Disclaimer: This template is mainly made for self hosted users who can reach CSV files in their file system. For Cloud users, just replace the first few nodes with your file system of choice, like ...

Best for

  • Engineering automation workflows
  • beginner n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.manualtrigger, n8n-nodes-base.readbinaryfile, n8n-nodes-base.spreadsheetfile, n8n-nodes-base.postgres

Source and attribution

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

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title
Import CSV files from filesystem into Postgres
Workflow name
Import CSV files from filesystem into Postgres

-- Disclaimer: This template is mainly made for self-hosted users who can reach CSV files in their file system. For Cloud users, just replace the first few nodes with your file system of choice, like Google Drive or Dropbox --

How to automatically import CSV files into postgres

1、project description

This workflow demonstrates how CSV file can be automatically imported into existing PostgreSQL database.

Before running the workflow please make sure you have a file on the server:

/tmp/t1.csv

The name of the test database is db01, and you can replace it.

then create table t1

create table t1(id int,name varchar(10));

And the content of the file is the following:

|id|name| |-|-|-| |1|a| |2|b| |3|c|

2、Other

If you want to import a custom csv file, please refer to the following methods.

2.1、Create a table in the database

SQL Commands: https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/sql-createtable.html

2.2、Upload csv file

Upload csv file to N8N server and make sure it can be read.

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 - Read From File

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

Block 3 - Convert To Spreadsheet

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

Block 4 - Postgres

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.postgres - postgres
Config choices
Version 2.5

3. Summary Table

Workflow Import CSV files from filesystem into Postgres
Complexity beginner
Nodes 4
Categories Engineering
Author rpshu
Published 17 Feb 2025

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

  1. 1. Download the workflow JSON

    Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/2926/2926.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 Import CSV files from filesystem into Postgres do?

Disclaimer: This template is mainly made for self hosted users who can reach CSV files in their file system. For Cloud users, just replace the first few nodes with your file system of choice, like ...

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 Engineering use case.