How to Migrate from Zapier to n8n: Step-by-Step Guide

Migrating from Zapier to n8n: A Complete Migration Guide

Ready to move from Zapier to n8n? Whether you're seeking cost savings, more flexibility, or self-hosting capabilities, this guide walks you through the migration process step by step—minimizing disruption to your business operations.

Why Migrate to n8n?

Common reasons businesses switch from Zapier to n8n:

• Cost Reduction: n8n's pricing (especially self-hosted) is significantly lower at scale
• Data Control: Self-hosting keeps sensitive data on your infrastructure
• Flexibility: Custom nodes, code integration, and advanced logic
• No Task Limits: Self-hosted n8n has no per-execution pricing
• Open Source: Transparency and community-driven development

Pre-Migration Checklist

1. Inventory Your Zaps

Document every active Zap:

• Name and purpose
• Trigger app and event
• All action steps
• Run frequency and volume
• Business criticality (high/medium/low)

2. Check n8n Integration Availability

For each app in your Zaps, verify n8n has:

• Native integration (check n8n's integrations page)
• HTTP/API capability (most apps work via API)
• Community node available

3. Set Up n8n Environment

Choose your deployment:

• n8n Cloud: Quickest start, managed hosting
• Self-hosted (Docker): Best for most businesses
• Self-hosted (Kubernetes): Enterprise scale

4. Plan Migration Order

Prioritize migrations:

1. Start with low-risk, simple Zaps
2. Build team confidence with quick wins
3. Tackle complex/critical workflows last
4. Keep Zapier running in parallel during transition

Step-by-Step Migration Process

Step 1: Recreate the Trigger

Zapier Trigger Types → n8n Equivalents:

In n8n, add the trigger node and configure credentials. Test that it receives data correctly.

Step 2: Map Data Fields

Zapier and n8n handle data differently:

• Zapier: Uses field picker with dot notation
• n8n: Uses expressions like {{$json.fieldName}}

Map each Zapier field reference to n8n's expression syntax. Use n8n's expression editor to explore available data.

Step 3: Recreate Actions

For each Zapier action step:

1. Add the equivalent n8n node
2. Configure the connection/credentials
3. Map all input fields using expressions
4. Test the node individually

Step 4: Handle Conditional Logic

Zapier Paths → n8n IF/Switch:

• Use IF node for simple true/false conditions
• Use Switch node for multiple branches
• Filters can be applied on any connection

Step 5: Add Error Handling

n8n offers more robust error handling than Zapier:

• Add Error Trigger workflow for global error notifications
• Use try/catch patterns with Stop and Error nodes
• Configure retry settings on individual nodes

Step 6: Test Thoroughly

1. Run with test data first
2. Verify each step produces expected output
3. Check error scenarios
4. Test edge cases (empty data, special characters)
5. Validate end-to-end with real data

Step 7: Deploy and Monitor

1. Activate the n8n workflow
2. Keep Zapier Zap running temporarily
3. Monitor both for 24-48 hours
4. Compare outputs to ensure parity
5. Disable Zapier Zap once confident

Common Migration Challenges

Missing Integrations

Solution: Use n8n's HTTP Request node to call APIs directly. Most Zapier integrations are just API wrappers—you can replicate them.

Different Data Structures

Solution: Use n8n's Set, Function, or Code nodes to transform data into the expected format.

Multi-Step Zaps with Delays

Solution: Use n8n's Wait node for delays, or split into separate workflows triggered by webhooks.

Zapier's Built-in Formatter

Solution: n8n has equivalent functions built into expressions. Use the Function node for complex transformations.

Post-Migration Optimization

Once migrated, take advantage of n8n features Zapier doesn't offer:

• Sub-workflows: Create reusable workflow components
• Custom nodes: Build integrations for proprietary systems
• AI integration: Add GPT/Claude directly into workflows
• Self-hosting: Move to your infrastructure for cost savings
• Version control: Export workflows as JSON for Git tracking

Migration Timeline Expectations

Factor in testing time—it's often 50% of the total effort.

Need Migration Help?

Our n8n specialists have migrated dozens of businesses from Zapier. We handle the technical complexity so you can focus on your business.

Services include:

• Complete Zap audit and migration planning
• Workflow recreation and optimization
• n8n hosting setup (cloud or self-hosted)
• Team training on n8n
• Post-migration support

Contact us for a migration assessment.