Simple file based key value store (GetKey)

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Important notice

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

1. Workflow Overview

Read a value by key from a local json file. Related workflow: WriteKey Create a subfolder in your n8n homedir: . In docker look at the data path and create a subfol...

Best for

File Management automation workflows
intermediate n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.manualtrigger, n8n-nodes-base.functionitem, n8n-nodes-base.readbinaryfile, n8n-nodes-base.movebinarydata

Source and attribution

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

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title: Simple file based key value store (GetKey)
Workflow name: Simple file based key value store (GetKey)

Read a value by key from a local json file.

Related workflow: WriteKey

Create a subfolder in your n8n homedir: /home/node/.n8n/local-files. In docker look at the data path and create a subfolder local-files. Set the correct access rights chmod 1000.1000 local-files.

Put the workflow code in a new workflow named GetKey.

Create another workflow with a function item:

return  {
  file: '/4711.json', // 4711 should be your workflow id
  key: 'MyKey',
  default: 'Optional returned value if key is empty / not exists'
}

Pipe the function item to an Execution Workflow that calls the GetKey workflow.

It would be nice if we could get someday a shiny built-in n8n node that does the job. :)

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 - Config

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

Block 3 - Read Binary File

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

Block 4 - BinaryToJSON

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

Block 5 - ReturnValue

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

3. Summary Table

Workflow	Simple file based key value store (GetKey)
Complexity	intermediate
Nodes	5
Categories	File Management
Author	Peter
Published	24 Jan 2022

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

1. Download the workflow JSON

Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/1408/1408.json as the source template for this automation.
2. Import the template into n8n

Open n8n, import the downloaded JSON, and review each node before activating the workflow.
3. Configure credentials and variables

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

Download workflow JSON Original n8n.io source File Management workflows

Frequently asked questions

What does Simple file based key value store (GetKey) do?

Read a value by key from a local json file. Related workflow: WriteKey Create a subfolder in your n8n homedir: . In docker look at the data path and create a subfol...

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 File Management use case.

Peter

2 workflows

Nodes

n8n-nodes-base.manualtrigger n8n-nodes-base.functionitem n8n-nodes-base.readbinaryfile n8n-nodes-base.movebinarydata

Complexity

intermediate

Published 24 Jan 2022

Likes 0

View on n8n.io Download Workflow

Install path: /data/workflows/1408/1408.json

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Simple file based key value store (GetKey)

Workflow preview

Important notice

1. Workflow Overview

Best for

Tools used

Source and attribution

1.1 Workflow description

1.2 Logical Blocks

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - On clicking 'execute'

Block 2 - Config

Block 3 - Read Binary File

Block 4 - BinaryToJSON

Block 5 - ReturnValue

3. Summary Table

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

1. Download the workflow JSON

2. Import the template into n8n

3. Configure credentials and variables

4. Test with sample data

5. Activate and monitor

5. General Notes & Resources

Frequently asked questions