FTP consultants

Q: What operations does the FTP node support?

The node supports: List (show files in a directory), Download (retrieve a file as binary data), Upload (send a file to the server), Delete (remove a file), Rename (change a file's name or path), and Create Folder. It works with both FTP (unencrypted) and SFTP (encrypted over SSH) protocols. For SFTP, you can authenticate with a password or a private key.

Q: What is the difference between FTP and SFTP in this node?

FTP transmits data and credentials in plain text, which is a security risk. SFTP runs over SSH and encrypts everything, including login credentials and file contents. The n8n FTP node supports both, and you choose the protocol when configuring the connection. We always recommend SFTP for any workflow that handles business or sensitive data.

Q: Can the FTP node handle large files?

The node handles files within n8n's memory limits, which works well for CSV files, XML documents, and typical business files up to several hundred megabytes. For very large files (multi-gigabyte), we use the SSH node to run server-side transfer commands instead of pulling files through n8n's memory.

Q: What are common business use cases for FTP automation?

Common scenarios include: pulling daily sales files from a supplier's SFTP server and importing them into an ERP, uploading compliance reports to a government SFTP portal on a schedule, retrieving bank statement files for automated reconciliation, syncing product data files between trading partners, and backing up server-generated reports to a central file store.

We can help you automate your business with FTP and hundreds of other systems to improve efficiency and productivity. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss implementing FTP.

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About FTP

The FTP node in n8n connects to FTP and SFTP servers to upload, download, list, rename, move, and delete files programmatically. It authenticates with a hostname, port, username, and password (or private key for SFTP), and handles both active and passive transfer modes. The node works with binary file data, so files retrieved from an FTP server can be passed directly to other n8n nodes for processing, storage, or delivery.

FTP may seem like old technology, but it remains deeply embedded in many business operations. Suppliers send EDI files via SFTP. Accounting systems export reports to FTP directories. Government portals require SFTP uploads for compliance submissions. Legacy systems that can’t use modern APIs often have FTP as their only integration option. The FTP node lets you connect these systems into modern automated workflows without replacing the underlying infrastructure.

At Osher, we use the FTP node in system integration projects where a client’s suppliers, partners, or legacy systems rely on FTP for file exchange. We’ve built workflows that poll SFTP directories for new files, process the data through transformation and validation steps, and push the results into modern databases or cloud applications. Our automated data processing team handles the full pipeline from file retrieval to downstream delivery.

FTP FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about how FTP consultants can help with integration and implementation

What operations does the FTP node support?

What is the difference between FTP and SFTP in this node?

How do you automate file processing from an FTP server?

A typical workflow uses a Schedule trigger to check the SFTP directory at regular intervals. The FTP node lists files in the target directory, a Function node filters for new files (based on name patterns or timestamps), and then the FTP node downloads each file. Subsequent nodes parse the file content (CSV, XML, JSON), validate the data, and push it to a database, spreadsheet, or API.

Can the FTP node handle large files?

What are common business use cases for FTP automation?

How does Osher set up FTP-based workflows?

We configure SFTP credentials in n8n, build the file retrieval and listing logic, implement deduplication to avoid reprocessing files, add data validation steps for downloaded content, and connect the output to the client’s target system. We also set up error notifications for connection failures or malformed files. Our business automation team handles FTP integrations as part of broader data pipeline projects.

How it works

We work hand-in-hand with you to implement FTP

As FTP consultants we work with you hand in hand build more efficient and effective operations. Here’s how we will work with you to automate your business and integrate FTP with integrate and automate 800+ tools.

Step 1

Process Audit

We review your current FTP/SFTP usage: which servers you connect to, what files are transferred, how frequently transfers happen, and who currently handles the process manually. We document server connection details, directory structures, file naming conventions, and any authentication requirements.

Step 2

Identify Automation Opportunities

We identify which file transfer tasks are repetitive and time-sensitive enough to warrant automation. We assess file volumes, transfer schedules, downstream processing requirements, and the potential for errors in manual handling. We also check whether FTP or SFTP is required and whether the remote server supports the necessary operations.

Step 3

Design Workflows

We design the n8n workflow, including the trigger type (schedule for polling or webhook for event-driven transfers), FTP/SFTP node operations (list, download, upload), file deduplication logic, data parsing steps for the file contents, validation rules, and integration with downstream systems like databases or cloud applications.

Step 4

Implementation

We configure the FTP/SFTP credentials in n8n with the correct protocol, host, port, and authentication method. We build the file listing, download, and processing nodes, implement file tracking to prevent duplicate processing, and connect the parsed data to the target system. We test against the actual remote server.

Step 5

Quality Assurance Review

We test with real files on the FTP/SFTP server, verifying correct directory listing, file download, data parsing, and deduplication. We test error handling for connection failures, missing files, and malformed file contents. We confirm that processed files are handled correctly (archived, renamed, or deleted per your preference).

Step 6

Support and Maintenance

We monitor transfer workflow execution for connection errors, update credentials when server passwords or keys change, adjust file parsing logic when vendors change their file formats, and add new FTP sources as your supplier or partner network grows.

Transform your business with FTP

Unlock hidden efficiencies, reduce errors, and position your business for scalable growth. Contact us to arrange a no-obligation FTP consultation.

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