Automatic FTP to Google Drive Backup Sync - n8n Workflow

System administrators needing routine backup automation. Data engineers requiring reliable file syncing between private servers and public cloud storage. Users looking for efficient n8n templates for cloud storage management. Businesses that rely on FTP for reports or data dumps and need automated archival.

Data integrity and redundancy are critical. This n8n workflow provides a robust solution for ensuring files stored on an FTP server are automatically mirrored to Google Drive on a fixed schedule. Instead of relying on complex, manual scripts, this simple n8n workflow utilizes core n8n node functionality to handle listing, downloading, and uploading seamlessly. This specific n8n template is highly valuable for disaster recovery planning and ensuring vital reports or backups are safely stored off-site in Google Drive, triggered automatically every hour.

This automation begins with a time-based n8n trigger, initiating the synchronization process hourly.

1. Scheduled Activation: The n8n trigger, configured as a Cron node, activates the entire process every 60 minutes, ensuring timely syncing.


2. FTP Listing: The workflow connects to the designated FTP server and uses the FTP n8n node configured to 'List Files'. It targets a specific remote folder defined by a variable ({{FTP_FOLDER}}).


3. Iterative Download: The data is passed to a second FTP n8n node set to 'Download File'. Crucially, this node uses an expression (={{$json["path"]}}) to dynamically retrieve the file path for every item listed in the previous step, handling multiple files efficiently.


4. Google Drive Upload: The downloaded binary file data is then handed off to the Google Drive Upload n8n node. This final n8n node uploads the binary content to the specified Google Drive folder, completing the secure, automated cloud backup.

1. Import: Copy the provided JSON code and import it into your self-hosted or cloud n8n instance as a new workflow.


2. FTP Credentials: Locate the 'FTP: List Files' n8n node and set up your FTP server credentials (Host, Port, Username, Password).


3. Google Drive Credentials: Locate the 'Google Drive: Upload' n8n node and connect your Google Drive OAuth2 account. Ensure this credential has permission to upload files.


4. Configure Paths: In the 'FTP: List Files' n8n node, replace {{FTPFOLDER}} with the exact path of the source folder on your FTP server.


5. Configure Destination: While not explicitly visible in parameters, ensure you configure the target folder ID within the Google Drive n8n node settings, typically replacing a placeholder like {{GDRIVEFOLDER_ID}}.


6. Activate: Save and activate the n8n workflow. The n8n trigger will start running on the defined schedule.

Start: Every Hour (Cron n8n Trigger)
Function: Acts as the primary n8n trigger, initiating the backup sequence.
Key Configuration: Set to run everyHour.

FTP: List Files (FTP n8n node)
Function: Connects to the remote server and identifies all files within the specified directory that need backing up.
Key Configuration: Operation is list. Path uses the dynamic placeholder /{{FTP_FOLDER}}.

FTP: Download File (FTP n8n node)
Function: Downloads the content of the files listed in the previous step, preparing the binary data for transfer.
Key Configuration: Path uses the dynamic expression ={{$json["path"]}} to process items iteratively.

Google Drive: Upload (Google Drive n8n node)
Function: Takes the binary data output from the download step and uploads it to the designated folder in Google Drive.
Key Configuration: binaryData is set to true. Requires OAuth2 authentication.