S3 File Upload and Bucket Content Listing - n8n Workflow

DevOps engineers needing to automate file transfers to AWS S3.
Technical users looking for advanced n8n templates for cloud storage operations.
Backend developers seeking low-code solutions for managing cloud assets.
Anyone wanting to understand how the S3 n8n node handles binary data.

Managing files in cloud storage like AWS S3 is a critical component of many technical infrastructure setups. This comprehensive n8n workflow provides a clear, executable demonstration of two key S3 operations: uploading a file and listing all bucket contents. By utilizing the standard HTTP Request n8n node to fetch remote binary data and seamlessly passing it to the S3 n8n node, this n8n automation template drastically simplifies file lifecycle management, eliminating the need for complex scripting or SDK usage. This is a crucial n8n workflow for anyone integrating cloud storage into their business processes.

This automation initiates using a basic n8n trigger and follows a four-step sequence:

1. Manual Start: The n8n workflow begins with the 'On clicking 'execute'' manual n8n trigger. This is perfect for testing and running the n8n workflow on demand.


2. File Retrieval: The HTTP Request n8n node is executed, downloading the n8n logo image from a specified URL (https://n8n.io/n8n-logo.png). Crucially, the response is configured as a file, ensuring the output is binary data ready for the next step.


3. S3 Upload: The first S3 n8n node receives the binary file. It is configured to perform an upload operation to the designated 'n8n' bucket. The file name is dynamically referenced from the preceding HTTP Request n8n node using an expression.


4. Bucket Listing: Immediately following the upload confirmation, the second S3 n8n node (labeled 'S') executes a getAll operation. This step uses the returnAll setting to retrieve and display a complete list of every object currently residing in the 'n8n' S3 bucket, providing verification of the upload.

To deploy this powerful n8n workflow, follow these steps:

1. Import: Copy the provided n8n JSON code and import it directly into your n8n instance via the 'Workflows' section using the 'New' -> 'Import from JSON' option.


2. S3 Credentials: You will need to configure the required AWS S3 credentials.

1. Bucket Configuration: Ensure the bucket name 'n8n' exists in your AWS account, or modify the bucketName parameter in both S3 n8n nodes to match your target bucket.


2. Execution: Since this uses a manual n8n trigger, click 'Execute Workflow' or use the 'Test Workflow' button to run the entire n8n automation flow.

On clicking 'execute' (Manual Trigger): This n8n trigger starts the n8n workflow manually, allowing for immediate testing and controlled execution of the n8n templates.
HTTP Request n8n node: Functionally, it acts as a downloader, fetching the n8n logo. Key configuration is setting the responseFormat to 'file' to handle the output as binary data.
S3 (Upload) n8n node: Performs the core file upload. The operation is set to 'upload', targeting the 'n8n' bucket. The fileName parameter uses a dynamic expression to ensure the uploaded file retains its original name from the HTTP Request n8n node binary data.
S (S3 Get All) n8n node: This final S3 n8n node confirms the state of the bucket. The operation is getAll, set to returnAll: true. It executes immediately after the upload to list all contents, completing the robust n8n workflow demonstration.