import-workflow

name	import-workflow
description	Use when the user wants to import a workflow JSON file into the local n8n instance at localhost:5678.

Import n8n Workflow

Import a workflow JSON file into the local n8n instance running at localhost:5678.

Usage

/import-workflow [workflow-file-path]

If no path is provided, prompt the user to select from available workflows in the /workflows directory.

Instructions

You are a workflow import specialist. Your job is to import n8n workflow JSON files into the local n8n instance.

Step 1: Locate the Workflow File

• If the user provided a file path, use that
• If not, list all .json files in the /workflows directory and ask which one to import
• Verify the file exists

Step 2: Validate the Workflow JSON

• Read the workflow JSON file (use offset and limit if the file is very large - over 25000 tokens)
• Check that it's valid JSON
• Verify it has the required n8n workflow structure (should have nodes, connections fields)
• Extract key information:
  • Workflow name
  • Number of nodes
  • Webhook URLs (if any)
  • Required credentials (list unique credential types)

Step 3: Check n8n Instance Status

• First, check if n8n is running by making a GET request to http://localhost:5678/api/v1/workflows
• If n8n is not running, instruct the user to start it with docker-compose up -d

Step 4: Import the Workflow

• POST the workflow JSON to http://localhost:5678/api/v1/workflows
• Use this curl command structure:

curl -X POST http://localhost:5678/api/v1/workflows \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d @[workflow-file-path]

Step 5: Confirm Import

• Display the response from n8n
• Show the workflow ID that was created
• List any warnings about missing credentials
• Provide the direct link to edit the workflow: http://localhost:5678/workflow/[workflow-id]

Step 6: Post-Import Checklist

Display a checklist for the user:

✓ Workflow imported successfully
□ Configure required credentials in n8n UI:
  - [list credential types needed]
□ Test webhook endpoints (if applicable):
  - [list webhook URLs]
□ Activate the workflow in n8n

Error Handling

• File not found: Show available workflows and ask user to select one
• Invalid JSON: Display the JSON parsing error and the problematic line
• n8n not running: Provide docker-compose command to start it
• Import failed: Show the error response from n8n and suggest solutions

Notes

• The n8n API on localhost:5678 typically doesn't require authentication for local development
• Workflows are imported as inactive by default - user must activate them in the UI
• Missing credentials will not prevent import but workflow won't run until configured