Zapier to n8n migration starter

Works with: Webhook, any API, SlackSteps: 5 nodesTested on: n8n 2.45 (imports on 1.70 and later)

A starting point for moving Zaps to n8n: a workflow laid out like a typical Zap (Catch Hook, Formatter, Filter, Action), an error alert workflow so failures reach you, and an inventory sheet for listing every Zap before you move any of them.

What it does

1. zap-inventory.csv: one row per Zap with its trigger, steps, apps, monthly runs, owner, and a keep, move or retire decision
2. workflow.json: Catch hook (Webhooks by Zapier) → Formatter (Code) → Filter (IF) → Action (HTTP Request)
3. error-alert.json: an Error Trigger workflow that posts any failure to Slack

What you need

• An n8n instance
• Access to your Zapier account to list your Zaps
• A Slack incoming webhook URL for alerts

Setup

1. Fill in zap-inventory.csv from your Zapier dashboard. Sort by runs per month; the busiest and most fragile Zaps are the ones worth moving first.
2. Import error-alert.json, set the Slack URL, and activate it.
3. Import workflow.json. In its settings, choose the error alert workflow as the Error workflow.
4. Rebuild one Zap: replace the Formatter code and Filter rule, and point the Action at the app's n8n node or API.
5. Run the Zap and the n8n workflow side by side for a few days, compare the results, then turn the Zap off.

Make it yours

• Zapier step → n8n: Catch Hook → Webhook · Formatter → Code or Set · Filter → IF · Paths → Switch · Delay → Wait · Looping → Loop Over Items · Storage → a database or Data Table · Code by Zapier → Code.
• Keep simple Zaps where they are if they run fine; moving everything is rarely worth it.

Notes

• No credentials are included. Every value marked REPLACE_ME or REPLACE_WITH_... must be set before you activate the workflow.
• Test with sample data first. Check each step's output in n8n before you point real traffic at it.

Importing it

In n8n, open a new workflow, choose the … menu at the top right, then Import from file and pick the downloaded workflow.json. You can also open the file, copy everything and paste it onto an empty canvas. New to n8n? Start with what n8n is and how templates work.

Background reading: Zapier vs Make vs n8n.

Want it set up and running in your own n8n? Send us a short brief.