n8n Docker Setup: Export & Import Workflows + Credentials (5 Min Guide)
Find me here: rolandsoftwares.com
I'll show you how to:
Set up n8n with Docker Compose
Configure the encryption key correctly
Export workflows and credentials
Copy data out of containers
Nuke everything and restore from backup
This is perfect for local development or migrating between VMs.
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:20 - Create .env and encryption key
1:00 - Docker Compose setup
1:45 - Start the stack
2:30 - Create test workflow with credentials
3:30 - Export workflows and credentials
4:45 - Docker cp: copy out of container
5:30 - Delete everything and reimport
7:30 - Production considerations (Kamal)
🔗 Commands used in this video: [link to your blog]
🔗 Full written guide: https://rolandsoftwares.com/content/s...
📌 Key commands:
Export workflows
docker compose exec n8n n8n export:workflow --all --output=/home/node/.n8n/backups --separate
Export credentials (decrypted)
docker compose exec n8n n8n export:credentials --all --decrypted --output=/home/node/.n8n/backups/creds.json
Copy out of container
docker cp n8n:/home/node/.n8n/backups ./backups
Import credentials
docker compose exec n8n n8n import:credentials --input=/home/node/.n8n/backups/creds.json
Import workflows
docker compose exec n8n n8n import:workflow --input=/home/node/.n8n/backups --separate
#n8n #docker #automation #selfhosted