read-file-from-url

n8n community node to download files from URLs and convert them to binary data or parsed JSON content

Package Information

Released: 10 mo ago
Downloads: 1 weekly / 41 monthly
Latest Version: 0.2.0
Author: huahuan

Available Nodes

Read Files from URL icon
Read Files from URL
Download files from a URL and convert them to binary data or parsed content

Documentation

n8n-nodes-read-file-from-url

This is an n8n community node. It lets you download files from URLs and convert them to binary data in your n8n workflows.

This node is useful when you need to:

  • Download images, PDFs, or other files from the web
  • Fetch files from APIs that return binary content
  • Convert remote files to n8n binary data for further processing

n8n is a fair-code licensed workflow automation platform.

Installation
Operations
Compatibility
Usage
Resources

Installation

Follow the installation guide in the n8n community nodes documentation.

Quick Install

  1. Go to Settings > Community Nodes
  2. Select Install
  3. Enter n8n-nodes-read-file-from-url and agree to the risks
  4. Click Install

Operations

Read File from URL

Downloads a file from a specified URL and converts it to binary data.

Parameters:

Parameter Description
URL The URL of the file to download
File Name (Optional) Override the output file name
File Extension (Optional) Override the file extension
Mime Type (Optional) Override the mime type
Output Field The binary field name (default: data)
Timeout Request timeout in milliseconds (default: 60000)
Ignore SSL Issues Whether to ignore SSL certificate errors
Headers Custom headers to send with the request

Output:

The node outputs:

  • Binary data in the specified field
  • JSON with metadata: url, mimeType, fileType, fileName, fileExtension, fileSize

Compatibility

  • Minimum n8n version: 1.0.0
  • Tested with n8n version: 1.20.0+

Usage

Basic Usage

  1. Add the "Read Files from URL" node to your workflow
  2. Enter the URL of the file you want to download
  3. Connect it to other nodes that accept binary data

Example: Download an Image

URL: https://example.com/image.png

The node will automatically detect the file type and create binary data with the correct mime type.

Example: Download with Custom Headers

If the URL requires authentication or custom headers:

  1. Add the node
  2. Enter the URL
  3. In Options, add headers:
    • Name: Authorization
    • Value: Bearer your-token

Example: Process Multiple URLs

Use this node after a loop or split node to download multiple files:

  1. Input items with URLs in JSON field {{ $json.fileUrl }}
  2. Set URL parameter to: {{ $json.fileUrl }}
  3. Each input item will download its corresponding file

Resources

Version History

0.1.0

  • Initial release
  • Basic URL file download functionality
  • Support for custom headers
  • SSL certificate validation toggle
  • Configurable timeout

License

MIT

Discussion