# Automated n8n Workflow Backup to GitHub (Smart Change Detection): n8n workflow

> Started by a clock. It calls services over plain HTTP rather than through connectors. 15 steps, 1 branch, 2 loops or waits: a working afternoon to...

Source: https://millionrounds.com/workflow/automated-n8n-workflow-backup-to-github-smart-change-detecti (Millionrounds; every figure on the page links to its filing or article)

[Automation library](https://millionrounds.com/workflows) · [Documents and files](https://millionrounds.com/workflows?category=Documents+and+files#library)

# Automated n8n Workflow Backup to GitHub (Smart Change Detection)

Started by a clock. It calls services over plain HTTP rather than through connectors. 15 steps, 1 branch, 2 loops or waits: a working afternoon to understand properly.

Medium

[Download free](https://millionrounds.com/login?next=%2Fapp%2Fworkflow%2Fautomated-n8n-workflow-backup-to-github-smart-change-detecti)

**15 steps** Medium: a working afternoon

**1** Branch: places the flow splits

**2** Loops or waits

**0** Services by connector: it calls them over plain HTTP

## The flow

Starts it 2 Logic 9 Service 4

The steps in the order they run, from what starts it.

- 1 **n8n Trigger (startup/restart)** N8n trigger *Starts it*
- 2 **Schedule Trigger (every hour)** Schedule trigger *Starts it*
- 3 **Wait (so n8n is ready and runnning)** Wait *Logic*
- 4 **fetches a list of all your workflows** Http Request *Service*
- 5 **Fetch individual workflow details** Http Request *Service*
- 6 **Split data** Split Out *Logic*
- 7 **Exclude Sensitive Workflows (tag=no-backup or workflow name include INTERNAL** Code *Logic*
- 8 **Loop Over Items** Split In Batches *Logic*
- 9 **message of backup** Code *Logic*
- 10 **Convert to JSON & Base64 encode it** Code *Logic*
- 11 **END** No Op *Logic*
- 12 **GET existing File** Http Request *Service*
- 13 **compare code node** Code *Logic*
- 14 **If** If *Logic*
- 15 **Commit to GitHub** Http Request *Service*

## How it's built

- **Starts on:** A clock
- **Steps:** 15, with 1 branch, 2 loops or waits
- **Size:** Medium: a working afternoon
- **Connects to:** Nothing by connector; it calls services over plain HTTP
- **Model:** None. This is plumbing, not judgement

## Questions

What does it need to run?

An n8n account. You connect your own accounts after importing it; none are included.

What starts it?

It starts on a clock.

Does it use AI?

No. Every step is fixed logic or a call to a service, so it does the same thing every time.

How long does it take to set up?

Plan an afternoon. 15 steps is enough that you should read each one before running it.

How do I import it?

Copy the workflow, open a new workflow in n8n and paste. The steps appear on the canvas, ready for your own accounts.

**Before you run it**

Nothing here has been tested by us. It is somebody's working automation, read and described from its own steps. Treat the connections it wants as a list of accounts it will touch, and read the 15 steps before you point it at anything that matters.

## Run it in n8n

- **Create your n8n account** Free to start. n8n is where the workflow runs. [Create an n8n account ↗](https://millionrounds.com/n8n)
- **Download the workflow** Free with a Millionrounds account. [Download free](https://millionrounds.com/login?next=%2Fapp%2Fworkflow%2Fautomated-n8n-workflow-backup-to-github-smart-change-detecti)
- **Paste it into n8n** Open a new workflow in n8n and paste. Then connect your own accounts.

Stored with the author's traces removed: canvas notes, instance identifiers, saved credential names and any live document they had left behind.

## Workflows like it

Also documents and files, with the same services where possible, closest in size first.

- [**Automate end-to-end contract signatures with Google Docs** 15 steps · Google Docs, Google Drive](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/automate-end-to-end-contract-signatures-with-google-docs)
- [**Automated document sync between SharePoint and Google Drive** 15 steps · Google Drive, Postgres](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/automated-document-sync-between-sharepoint-and-google-drive)
- [**Automated workflow backups from self-hosted n8n to Google Drive** 15 steps · Google Drive, Google Sheets](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/automated-workflow-backups-from-self-hosted-n8n-to-google-dr)
- [**Chase missing onboarding documents daily with Google Drive** 15 steps · Gmail, Google Drive](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/chase-missing-onboarding-documents-daily-with-google-drive)
- [**Extract PDF form fields to Google Sheets with Mistral** 15 steps · Google Drive, Google Sheets](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/extract-pdf-form-fields-to-google-sheets-with-mistral)
- [**File Google Drive inbox documents into dated folders** 15 steps · Google Drive, Google Sheets](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/file-google-drive-inbox-documents-into-dated-folders)