Directus (DrWade)Install

Overview

The Directus (DrWade) n8n node for the resource Presets and operation Create Multiple allows you to create multiple preset objects in a single API call to a Directus instance. Presets in Directus are used to store user interface preferences, such as default filters, layouts, or sorting options for collections.

Common scenarios:

• Bulk creation of UI presets for different users or collections during initial project setup.
• Automating the migration or deployment of preset configurations across environments.
• Programmatically managing user experience settings for large teams.

Practical example:
Suppose you want to set up default views for several collections for a new user group. You can use this node to send an array of preset definitions, each specifying collection, user, layout, and other preferences, so all presets are created at once.

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Properties

Name	Type	Meaning
Data (JSON)	json	An array of partial preset objects. Each object defines the configuration for a preset, such as collection, user, layout, search, etc. This property is required.

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Output

• The output will be a JSON object containing the result of the bulk creation operation.
• The structure typically matches the response from the Directus /presets POST endpoint, which is usually an array of the created preset objects, each with their assigned IDs and properties.
• Example output:

[
  {
    "id": 1,
    "collection": "directus_files",
    "user": "410b5772-e63f-4ae6-9ea2-39c3a31bd6ca",
    "layout": "cards",
    "search": "Directus",
    ...
  },
  {
    "id": 2,
    "collection": "articles",
    "user": "410b5772-e63f-4ae6-9ea2-39c3a31bd6ca",
    "layout": "tabular",
    ...
  }
]

• If an error occurs and "Continue On Fail" is enabled, the output will include an error field with the error message.

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Dependencies

• Directus API: Requires access to a running Directus instance.
• API Credentials: You must configure the directusApi credentials in n8n for authentication.
• No additional environment variables are required beyond standard n8n credential setup.

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Troubleshooting

Common issues:

• Invalid JSON in Data (JSON): If the input is not valid JSON, the node will throw a parsing error. Ensure your array is properly formatted.
• Missing required fields: Each preset object may require certain fields (e.g., collection, user). Check the Directus preset object documentation.
• Permission errors: The API user must have permission to create presets. Otherwise, you may receive a 403 Forbidden error.
• API connection issues: Network or credential misconfiguration will result in connection or authentication errors.

Error messages:

• "Unexpected token ...": Indicates malformed JSON in the Data (JSON) property.
• "Request failed with status code 403": Insufficient permissions.
• "Cannot read property 'data' of undefined": Likely due to an unexpected API response; check your input and Directus server status.

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Links and References

• Directus Preset Object Documentation
• Directus API Reference
• n8n Documentation: Using Credentials