How to Share and Use Workflows in n8n Using JSON Files

​

Importing a JSON Workflow into n8n

• Access your n8n instance (either cloud or self-hosted)
• Sign in with your credentials

​

Step 2: Create a New Workflow

• Click on “Create Workflow” button
• This will open a blank workflow canvas

​

Step 3: Import the JSON File

• Look for the ”…” (three dots) menu button, typically located in the top-right corner
• Click on it and select “Import from File” from the dropdown menu
• Browse your computer and select the JSON workflow file you want to import
• The workflow will be loaded onto your canvas

​

Step 4: Configure the Workflow

• Review all the nodes in the imported workflow
• Follow any prompts or instructions provided by the workflow
• Configure necessary credentials, API connections, and parameters for each node
• Set up any required authentication or account connections
• Test your workflow to ensure it functions correctly
• Save and activate the workflow when ready

​

Exporting Your Workflow as a JSON File

​

Step 1: Open Your Workflow

• Navigate to the workflow you want to export

​

Step 2: Download the JSON File

• Click the ”…” (three dots) menu button
• Select “Download” from the dropdown menu
• The workflow JSON file will be downloaded to your computer automatically

​

Step 3: Share Your Workflow

• Share the downloaded JSON file with colleagues, team members, or the n8n community
• Recipients can import the file using the import steps outlined above

​

Best Practices

• Review before activating: Always check imported workflows thoroughly before running them in production
• Update credentials: Remember to reconfigure all authentication and API credentials after importing
• Test thoroughly: Run test executions to verify the workflow operates as expected
• Document your workflows: Add notes within your workflow to help others understand its purpose and configuration
• Organize your files: Use descriptive file names when saving JSON exports (e.g., “customer-onboarding-workflow.json”)
• Version control: Consider keeping multiple versions of your workflows as you make improvements

​

Troubleshooting Tips

• If a workflow fails after import, check that all required nodes and integrations are available in your n8n instance
• Ensure you have the necessary permissions and API access for third-party services used in the workflow
• Review the execution logs to identify any configuration issues