How to Convert Make Scenarios to N8N Easily

If you’ve been using Make, formerly known as Integromat, and are considering making the switch to n8n, you’re not alone. Many automation builders, developers, and startups are migrating from Make to n8n due to its open-source flexibility, better control over data, and growing community support. But one question keeps coming up: How do you convert Make scenarios to n8n workflows easily?

That's where a make to n8n script translator can help—either through manual mapping or automated tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the conversion process step by step, offering practical tips, mini use cases, and the best ways to ensure your automation doesn’t miss a beat during the transition.

Why Move from Make to n8n?

Greater Control with Open Source

n8n is a self-hostable, open-source workflow automation tool, which means you own your data and decide how and where it's processed. Unlike Make, which is SaaS-first, n8n allows full sandboxing on your own infrastructure.

More Flexible Logic Handling

n8n supports IF/ELSE logic, loops, and custom JavaScript functions more naturally within native nodes—something that often requires workarounds in Make.

Budget-Friendliness

While Make charges based on operations, you can use n8n for free in self-hosted environments, which makes a huge difference for startups and scale-ups.

How to Convert Scenarios: Make to n8n Script Translator Methods

Converting a Make scenario into an n8n workflow requires translating both structure and logic. Although there's no official make to n8n script translator yet (at the time of writing), it's entirely possible to recreate scenarios accurately through a systematic approach.

Let's walk through it.

Step-by-Step: Manual Migration from Make to n8n

Step 1: Export Scenario from Make

Unfortunately, Make does not provide an easy "export as code" function. However, you can:

• Open your Make scenario
• Document each module, its type, endpoints, authentication, and any settings
• Optionally, take screenshots or export as PDF using your browser for visual reference

The key is to map out the workflow's logic, triggers, and data paths.

Step 2: Set Up Your n8n Environment

If you haven’t used n8n before, you can follow this installation guide for Docker or use n8n Cloud for a quicker setup. Once that’s ready:

• Launch the n8n editor
• Create a new workflow file

Step 3: Recreate the Trigger

In Make, your scenario starts with a trigger module (e.g., Webhook, Scheduled event). Find the equivalent trigger node in n8n such as:

Set up the trigger exactly as in Make using API tokens, OAuth, or other credentials.

Step 4: Map Modules to n8n Nodes

This is the “translation” phase. Every Make module represents an action or transformation. In n8n, each node does the same. Here's how you can do it:

• Use community packages in n8n if your target app doesn’t have native nodes
• Use the HTTP Request node to replicate any unsupported module
• Use Function, IF, and Merge nodes to recreate Make-specific routers and conditional paths

For example:

• Make HTTP module ⇒ n8n HTTP Request node
• Make Filter module ⇒ n8n IF node
• Make Iterator module ⇒ n8n SplitInBatches node

Step 5: Translate Logic and Data Paths

n8n uses JSON like Make, but the way data is passed differs slightly. Use the “Expression Editor” to:

• Access input fields via {{$json["fieldName"]}}
• Use $item(0).json for more control in function nodes
• Convert iterators with loop nodes + SplitInBatches

Step 6: Test and Debug

n8n has built-in debug tools:

• Use node-level executions to inspect input/output
• Add “NoOp” nodes to create test breakpoints
• Use error-handling best practices to handle retries and failures

Run your workflow with real sample data to verify that all logic flows correctly and outputs match what your Make scenario delivered.

Mini Use Case Example: Email Parser to Google Sheets

Original Make Scenario:

1. IMAP triggers on new email
2. Parse email content
3. Send parsed data to Google Sheets

Converted to n8n Workflow:

1. IMAP Email node triggers on new message
2. Function node extracts data from email body
3. Google Sheets node adds new row with extracted data

Simple changes, yet the same result—fully inside a visual n8n workflow editor.

Suggested Tips for Easier Migration

• Document everything: Export modules, conditions, and filters before starting
• Start small: Migrate modularly instead of entire workflows at once
• Use comments: n8n lets you add notes to each node to replicate logic explanations from Make
• Repurpose HTTP nodes: For rare or niche API functions, custom endpoints work great in n8n
• Test frequently: Use manual triggers and test runs for iteration

Are There Tools That Act as a Make to n8n Script Translator?

Currently, there's no fully automated make to n8n script translator, but discussion is growing in both communities to create converters. Until then, the best approach is controlled, manual migration.

However, you can speed things up by:

• Using existing n8n templates
• Cloning workflows with similar structures
• Utilizing community nodes to minimize custom code

If you’re nostalgic about Make’s visual appeal, don’t worry—this visual comparison of Make and n8n shows how n8n is not far behind on UI. Plus, with features like dark mode and node anchoring, it’s growing more intuitive every month.

FAQ

How long does it take to convert a Make scenario to n8n?

It largely depends on complexity. A simple two- or three-step scenario could take as little as 10 minutes, while larger workflows with conditions and iterators may take 1–2 hours.

Can I automate the process with a plugin?

Currently, there’s no plugin that translates Make JSON to n8n workflows automatically. However, with a clear structure and the use of reusable components, you can speed it up manually.

What about Make’s advanced iterators and routers?

n8n handles iterations with nodes like SplitInBatches and handles conditions via IF, Switch, and Merge nodes. While not identical, you can achieve the same results.

Will I lose data or workflows in the migration?

Not if you plan ahead, document the original scenario thoroughly, and test each module step in n8n. Also, keep versions of both systems running until the transition is complete.

Is n8n truly free to use?

Yes, n8n is open-source and free for self-hosted environments. You only pay if you opt for the managed n8n Cloud service for convenience and uptime.

Migrating from Make to n8n doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a step-by-step plan and an understanding of how to manually act as your own make to n8n script translator, you’ll be replicating and even enhancing your automations in no time.