⚙️ Backup n8n workflows with versioning and Notion tracking
⚡ 765 views · ⚙️ DevOps & CI/CD
Description
Copy n8n workflows to a slave n8n repository
Inspired by Alex Kim’s workflow, this version adds the ability to keep multiple versions of the same workflow on the destination instance. Each copied workflow’s name is prefixed with the date (YYYY_MM_DD_), enabling simple version tracking. Process details and workflow counts are recorded centrally in Notion.
How it works
- Workflows from the source n8n instance are copied to the destination using the n8n API node.
- On the destination, each workflow name is prefixed with the current date (e.g.,
2025_08_03_PDF Summarizer), so you can keep multiple daily versions. - The workflow tracks and saves:
- The date of execution.
- Number of workflows processed.
- Both details are recorded in Notion.
Rolling retention policy example:
- Day 1: Workflows are saved with
2025_08_03_prefix. - Day 2: New set saved with
2025_08_04_. - Day 3: Day 1’s set is deleted, new set saved as
2025_08_05_. - To keep more days, adjust the “Subtract From Date” node.
How to use
-
Create a Notion database with one page and three fields:
sequence: Should contain"prefix".Value: Today’s date asYYYY_MM_DD_.Comment: Number of saved workflows.
-
Configure the Notion node:
- Enter your Notion credentials.
- Link to the created database/page.
-
Update the “Subtract From Date” node:
- Set how many days’ versions you want to keep (default: 2 days).
- Set the limit to 1 in the “Limit” node for testing.
-
Input credentials for both source and destination n8n instances.
Requirements
- Notion for tracking execution date and workflow count.
- n8n API Keys for both source and destination instances. Ensure you have the necessary API permissions (read, create, delete workflows)
- n8n version this workflow was tested on 1.103.2 (Ubuntu)
Need Help?
🔗 Nodes Used
Notion, n8n, Filter
📥 Import
Download workflow.json and import into n8n:
Workflow menu → Import from File