PocketBase Custom icon

PocketBase Custom

Work with PocketBase records

Overview

This node integrates with PocketBase, a backend service for managing collections and records. Specifically, the Record - Update operation allows users to update an existing record in a specified PocketBase collection by providing the record ID and new data.

Common scenarios where this node is useful include:

  • Modifying user profiles or other entities stored in PocketBase.
  • Updating status or attributes of items in a database after some external event.
  • Automating updates to records based on workflow logic in n8n.

For example, you might use this node to update a customer record's email address or change the status of an order after payment confirmation.

Properties

Name Meaning
Collection The name of the PocketBase collection where the record exists.
Record ID The unique identifier of the record to update within the specified collection.
Data JSON string representing the fields and values to update in the record.

Output

The output is a JSON object representing the updated record as returned by the PocketBase API. It contains all fields of the record after the update, including any system-generated fields like IDs or timestamps.

Example output structure (simplified):

{
  "id": "recordId",
  "field1": "updatedValue1",
  "field2": "updatedValue2",
  ...
}

No binary data output is produced by this operation.

Dependencies

  • Requires a valid PocketBase instance URL and authentication credentials.
  • Authentication can be done via either:
    • Email and password of an admin user.
    • An API token.
  • The node depends on the official pocketbase JavaScript client library (dynamically imported).
  • Credentials must be configured in n8n with the necessary URL and authentication details.

Troubleshooting

  • Authentication errors:
    If the node throws errors about authentication failure or missing tokens, verify that the provided email/password or API token is correct and has sufficient permissions.

  • Invalid JSON in Data property:
    The Data input must be a valid JSON string. Malformed JSON will cause parsing errors. Use proper JSON formatting.

  • Record not found:
    If the specified Record ID does not exist in the given collection, the PocketBase API will return an error. Confirm the record ID is correct.

  • Permission issues:
    Ensure the authenticated user or token has rights to update records in the target collection.

  • Network or API errors:
    Any network issues or API downtime will result in errors. Check connectivity and PocketBase server status.

Links and References

Discussion