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Directus

Consume Directus API

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Overview

The File → Delete Multiple operation in this n8n node allows you to delete multiple files from a Directus instance in a single workflow step. This is particularly useful when you need to perform batch deletions, such as cleaning up unused assets, removing outdated documents, or managing file storage efficiently.

Practical examples:

  • Deleting a list of files that were flagged for removal by a previous automation.
  • Cleaning up temporary files after processing.
  • Bulk-removing user-uploaded files based on certain criteria.

Properties

Name Type Meaning
Keys (JSON) JSON An array of primary keys (IDs) of the files you want to delete. Example:
["id1", "id2"]

Output

  • The output will be an object in the json field containing the response from the Directus API after attempting to delete the specified files.
  • The structure of the output depends on the Directus API's response, but typically it may include:
    • A summary of deleted items
    • Any errors encountered during deletion
    • Confirmation of successful deletion

Example output:

{
  "json": {
    // Response data from Directus, e.g.,
    "data": [
      { "id": "b6123925-2fc0-4a30-9d86-863eafc0a6e7", "status": "deleted" },
      { "id": "d17c10aa-0bad-4864-9296-84f522c753e5", "status": "deleted" }
    ]
  }
}

If an error occurs and "Continue On Fail" is enabled, the output may look like:

{
  "json": {
    "error": "Error message here"
  }
}

Dependencies

  • Directus API: You must have access to a Directus instance with appropriate permissions to delete files.
  • API Credentials: The node requires valid Directus API credentials configured in n8n under the name directusApi.

Troubleshooting

Common issues:

  • Invalid or missing file IDs: If any of the provided keys do not correspond to existing files, the API may return an error for those entries.
  • Insufficient permissions: The API credentials used must have permission to delete files; otherwise, the operation will fail.
  • Malformed JSON: The "Keys (JSON)" property must be a valid JSON array of strings. Invalid JSON will cause the node to throw a parsing error.

Common error messages:

  • "Invalid credentials": Check your Directus API credentials configuration.
  • "File not found": One or more IDs do not exist in the Directus files collection.
  • "Permission denied": Ensure the API user has delete rights for files.
  • "Unexpected token": Indicates malformed JSON in the "Keys (JSON)" input.

Links and References

Discussion