Overview
This node uploads a binary file from the input data to an external file hosting service called UploadThing. It is useful when you want to transfer files processed or generated within an n8n workflow to a cloud storage or CDN for sharing, backup, or further processing.
Typical use cases include:
- Uploading images, documents, or other media files received or created in previous workflow steps.
- Hosting files publicly or privately with configurable access control.
- Controlling how files are served by specifying content disposition (inline display or attachment download).
For example, after generating a PDF report in a workflow, this node can upload it to UploadThing and provide a URL for distribution.
Properties
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Binary Property | The name of the binary property in the input item that contains the file to upload. |
| File Name Override | Optional filename to use instead of the original binary file's name. |
| ACL | Access control level for the uploaded file. Options: "Public Read" or "Private". |
| Content Disposition | How the file should be served by the browser. Options: "Inline" (display in browser) or "Attachment" (download). |
Output
The node outputs JSON data for each uploaded file with the following structure:
fileKey: A unique key identifying the uploaded file on UploadThing.url: The public or private URL where the file can be accessed.name: The filename used for the uploaded file.sizeBytes: Size of the uploaded file in bytes.acl: The access control level set for the file ("public-read" or "private").contentDisposition: How the file will be served ("inline" or "attachment").binaryProperty: The name of the binary property that was uploaded.
No binary data is output by this node; it only returns metadata about the uploaded file.
Dependencies
- Requires an API authentication token credential for UploadThing.
- Uses the UploadThing server SDK to perform file uploads.
- The node expects binary data to be present in the input items under the specified binary property.
Troubleshooting
- Binary property not found: If the specified binary property does not exist in an input item, the node throws an error indicating the missing property. Ensure the binary property name matches exactly.
- Upload failure: If the upload fails due to network issues or invalid credentials, the node reports the error message returned by UploadThing. Verify your API token and network connectivity.
- File naming issues: If no filename override is provided and the binary data lacks a filename or extension, the node defaults to "file". This may cause confusion if multiple files have the same default name.
- Continue on Fail: If enabled, the node continues processing subsequent items even if one fails, returning error details alongside successful results.
Links and References
- UploadThing Documentation (for API and usage details)
- n8n Binary Data Handling (to understand binary properties in n8n)