Master n8n CLI Commands: Start, Export, Import
Ever wondered how you can streamline your workflow management without breaking a sweat? Well, let me introduce you to the powerhouse that is the n8n CLI. If you’re into automation and looking to level up your game, you’re in the right place. The n8n CLI is your secret weapon for managing workflows, credentials, licenses, user management, and even security. And guess what? It’s easier than you think. Let’s dive in and see how you can start, export, and import like a pro using these powerful CLI commands for n8n.
Getting Started with n8n CLI
First things first, let’s get you up and running with the n8n CLI. Whether you’ve installed n8n using npm or Docker, the commands are tailored to fit your setup. If you’re using npm, the n8n command is directly available at your fingertips. On the other hand, if you’re a Docker user, you’ll need to run the command within your Docker container like this: docker exec -u node -it <n8n-container-name> <n8n-cli-command>. Simple, right?
Executing Workflows
Now, let’s talk about executing your workflows. Ever needed to run a specific workflow by its ID? No problem. Just use the command n8n execute --id <ID>. But what if you want to change the active status of a workflow? You can do that too. To set a workflow’s active status to false, you’d use n8n update:workflow --id=<ID> --active=false. Want to activate it? Flip the switch with n8n update:workflow --id=<ID> --active=true. And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even toggle the status for all your workflows at once with n8n update:workflow --all --active=false or n8n update:workflow --all --active=true.
Exporting and Importing
Exporting and importing workflows and credentials is a breeze with the n8n CLI. Want to export all your workflows to the terminal? Just type n8n export:workflow --all. Need to export a specific workflow? No sweat, use n8n export:workflow --id=<ID> --output=file.json. And if you’re looking to export all workflows to a directory, you can do that with n8n export:workflow --all --output=backups/latest/file.json or use the –backup flag with n8n export:workflow --backup --output=backups/latest/.
Credentials are just as easy. Export all your credentials to the terminal with n8n export:credentials --all. Want a specific credential? Use n8n export:credentials --id=<ID> --output=file.json. And for a full backup, you can export all credentials to a directory with n8n export:credentials --all --output=backups/latest/file.json or use the –backup flag with n8n export:credentials --backup --output=backups/latest/. If you need them in plain text, just add the –decrypted flag: n8n export:credentials --all --decrypted --output=backups/decrypted.json.
Importing is just as straightforward. To import workflows from a specific file, use n8n import:workflow --input=file.json. Want to import all workflow files from a directory? Use n8n import:workflow --separate --input=backups/latest/. And for credentials, you can import from a specific file with n8n import:credentials --input=file.json or import all credential files from a directory with n8n import:credentials --separate --input=backups/latest/.
Managing Licenses and User Accounts
Ever needed to clear your license or reset user management? The n8n CLI has got you covered. To clear your existing license and reset n8n to default features, use n8n license:clear. Want to check your license info? Just type n8n license:info.
And if you’re dealing with user management issues, you can reset it to its pre-setup state with n8n user-management:reset. This will remove all user accounts, perfect if you’ve forgotten your password and don’t have SMTP set up for email resets. If a user loses their recovery codes, you can disable MFA for them with n8n mfa:disable [email protected].
Security and Audits
Security is crucial, and the n8n CLI helps you keep your instance safe. You can reset LDAP settings with n8n ldap:reset and run a security audit to detect common issues with n8n audit. It’s like having a security guard for your automation system.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are a few more nuggets of wisdom to help you master the n8n CLI:
- When exporting workflows and credentials, n8n also exports their IDs. If you have workflows and credentials with the same IDs in your existing database, they will be overwritten. To avoid this, delete or change the IDs before importing.
- n8n limits workflow and credential names to 128 characters, but SQLite doesn’t enforce size limits. This might result in errors like “Data too long for column name” during the import process. Keep your names short and sweet.
So, what do you think? Ready to take your automation to the next level with the n8n CLI? It’s time to start, export, and import with ease. And if you’re hungry for more, why not check out our other resources to boost your workflow management skills? Let’s make automation work for you, not the other way around!
