Store Ai-generated Images in AWS S3: Openai Image Creation & Cloud Storage

The workflow JSON

Copy or download the full n8n JSON below. Paste it into a new n8n workflow, add your credentials, activate. Full import guide →

{
  "id": "hA8TizePEKZNGeee",
  "meta": {
    "templateCredsSetupCompleted": true
  },
  "name": "Automating AWS S3 Operations with n8n: Buckets, Folders, and Files",
  "tags": [],
  "nodes": [
    {
      "id": "8839c349-fde5-4fef-9b73-e337e47c0deb",
      "name": "OpenAI Chat Model",
      "type": "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.lmChatOpenAi",
      "position": [
        1424,
        240
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "model": {
          "__rl": true,
          "mode": "list",
          "value": "gpt-4.1-mini"
        },
        "options": {}
      },
      "credentials": {
        "openAiApi": {
          "name": "<your credential>"
        }
      },
      "typeVersion": 1.2
    },
    {
      "id": "94dd22ea-6cf3-4c7f-9b20-a9b11680ec1d",
      "name": "Generate an image",
      "type": "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.openAi",
      "position": [
        1728,
        16
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "prompt": "={{ $json.output }}",
        "options": {},
        "resource": "image"
      },
      "credentials": {
        "openAiApi": {
          "name": "<your credential>"
        }
      },
      "typeVersion": 1.8
    },
    {
      "id": "7108a3aa-a2d5-4167-9c16-5201c0fe11d1",
      "name": "Upload a file",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.awsS3",
      "position": [
        2224,
        16
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "fileName": "={{ $('Edit Fields').item.json.folder_name }}/image_{{ $now.format('yyyy-MM-dd') }}.{{ $json.fileExtension }}",
        "operation": "upload",
        "bucketName": "=bucket{{ $workflow.id }}",
        "additionalFields": {}
      },
      "credentials": {
        "aws": {
          "name": "<your credential>"
        }
      },
      "typeVersion": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "548ec1cf-53dc-4df0-b2f4-9c17d795af4c",
      "name": "Prompt Generation Agent",
      "type": "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.agent",
      "position": [
        1328,
        16
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "text": "=You're prompt generator agent, you will create prompt for the open-ai image generation model with a random topic among:\n- Education\n- Science \n- Sport\n- Economy\n- Health\nOutput the prompt only, nothing else",
        "options": {},
        "promptType": "define"
      },
      "typeVersion": 2.1
    },
    {
      "id": "0c16a07e-9892-442c-840a-abc9201c8b85",
      "name": "When clicking \u2018Execute workflow\u2019",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.manualTrigger",
      "position": [
        -320,
        16
      ],
      "parameters": {},
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "a1cabec4-957e-4954-aae9-ea54103fc379",
      "name": "Create AWS S3 Bucket",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.awsS3",
      "onError": "continueRegularOutput",
      "position": [
        736,
        16
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "name": "=bucket{{ $workflow.id }}",
        "resource": "bucket",
        "additionalFields": {
          "region": "={{ $('Edit Fields').item.json.aws_region }}"
        }
      },
      "credentials": {
        "aws": {
          "name": "<your credential>"
        }
      },
      "typeVersion": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "96a3f0bc-468a-42e2-b07f-0d57636c9b5a",
      "name": "Create a folder",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.awsS3",
      "position": [
        1104,
        16
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "resource": "folder",
        "bucketName": "=bucket{{ $workflow.id }}",
        "folderName": "={{ $('Edit Fields').item.json.folder_name }}",
        "additionalFields": {}
      },
      "credentials": {
        "aws": {
          "name": "<your credential>"
        }
      },
      "typeVersion": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "7e6da7e5-721f-4979-9101-c477d6a9b9cf",
      "name": "Edit Fields",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
      "position": [
        96,
        16
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "options": {},
        "assignments": {
          "assignments": [
            {
              "id": "af3e6c69-fbfe-49f4-9c29-3a68a821c5a6",
              "name": "aws_region",
              "type": "string",
              "value": "ap-southeast-1"
            },
            {
              "id": "1a693ae0-2ba0-4b1b-a00a-4399a8d3ab57",
              "name": "folder_name",
              "type": "string",
              "value": "my_s3_folder"
            }
          ]
        }
      },
      "typeVersion": 3.4
    },
    {
      "id": "a962b9e3-a7f0-4fa9-9d79-3726d5f4d2b9",
      "name": "Sticky Note",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
      "position": [
        -1264,
        -480
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "width": 816,
        "height": 1280,
        "content": "# Automating AWS S3 Operations with n8n: Buckets, Folders, and Files\n\nThis tutorial walks you through setting up an automated workflow that **generates AI-powered images** from prompts and securely stores them in **AWS S3**. It leverages the new **AI Tool Node** and OpenAI models for prompt-to-image generation.  \n\n## **Who\u2019s it for**\nThis workflow is ideal for:\n- **Designers & marketers** who need quick, on-demand AI-generated visuals.  \n- **Developers & automation builders** exploring **AI-driven workflows** integrated with cloud storage.  \n- **Educators or trainers** creating tutorials or exercises on AI image generation.  \n- **Businesses** looking to automate **image content pipelines** with AWS S3 storage.  \n\n## **How it works / What it does**\n1. **Trigger**: The workflow starts manually when you click **\u201cExecute Workflow\u201d**.  \n2. **Edit Fields**: You can provide input fields such as image description, resolution, or naming convention.  \n3. **Create AWS S3 Bucket**: Automatically creates a new **S3 bucket** if it doesn\u2019t exist.  \n4. **Create a Folder**: Inside the bucket, a folder is created to organize generated images.  \n5. **Prompt Generation Agent**: An AI agent generates or refines the image prompt using the **OpenAI Chat Model**.  \n6. **Generate an Image**: The refined prompt is used to generate an image using AI.  \n7. **Upload File to S3**: The generated image is uploaded to the AWS S3 bucket for secure storage.  \n\nThis workflow showcases how to combine **AI + Cloud Storage** seamlessly in an automated pipeline.  \n\n## **How to set up**\n1. **Import the workflow** into **n8n**.  \n2. Configure the following credentials:  \n   - **AWS S3** (Access Key, Secret Key, Region).  \n   - **OpenAI API Key** (for Chat + Image models).  \n3. Update the **Edit Fields node** with your preferred input fields (e.g., image size, description).  \n4. Execute the workflow and test by entering a sample image prompt (e.g., *\u201cFuturistic city skyline in watercolor style\u201d*).  \n5. Check your AWS S3 bucket to verify the uploaded image.  \n\n## **Requirements**\n- **n8n** (latest version with AI Tool Node support).  \n- **AWS account** with S3 permissions to create buckets and upload files.  \n- **OpenAI API key** (for prompt refinement and image generation).  \n- Basic familiarity with **AWS S3 structure** (buckets, folders, objects).  \n\n## **How to customize the workflow**\n- **Custom Buckets**: Replace the auto-create step with an existing S3 bucket.  \n- **Image Variations**: Generate multiple image variations per prompt by looping the image generation step.  \n- **File Naming**: Adjust file naming conventions (e.g., timestamp, user input).  \n- **Metadata**: Add metadata such as tags, categories, or owner info when uploading to S3.  \n- **Alternative Storage**: Swap AWS S3 with **Google Cloud Storage, Azure Blob, or Dropbox**.  \n- **Trigger Options**: Replace manual trigger with **Webhook, Form Submission, or Scheduler** for automation.  \n\n\u2705 This workflow is a **hands-on example** of how to combine **AI prompt engineering, image generation, and cloud storage automation** into a single streamlined process.  "
      },
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "9bbf079c-2987-484a-886c-9b0884e5049c",
      "name": "Sticky Note1",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
      "position": [
        -368,
        -272
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "color": 4,
        "width": 448,
        "height": 192,
        "content": "## Step 1: Trigger Workflow\n- The workflow begins when you **click \u201cExecute Workflow\u201d** in n8n.  \n- This is a manual trigger, giving you control over when to generate images.  \n\ud83d\udc49 You can later replace this with a **Webhook** or **Scheduler** if you want automation."
      },
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "e181e6ad-0c22-414d-aefb-6fdc6811db21",
      "name": "Sticky Note2",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
      "position": [
        -144,
        208
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "color": 4,
        "width": 448,
        "height": 272,
        "content": "## Step 2: Edit Fields\n- This node allows you to **manually provide input fields** for the workflow.  \n- Typical inputs include:  \n  - **Image Description** (e.g., *\u201cA futuristic city skyline in watercolor style\u201d*)  \n  - **Image Size** (e.g., 512x512, 1024x1024)  \n  - **Folder Name** (to organize images in S3)  \n\n\ud83d\udc49 Customize these fields to fit your use case (e.g., campaign name, project ID).  \n"
      },
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "2263ecde-5632-4a67-ab9b-bad883b0215e",
      "name": "Sticky Note3",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
      "position": [
        320,
        -288
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "color": 4,
        "width": 432,
        "height": 224,
        "content": "## Step 3: Create AWS S3 Bucket\n- The workflow will create a new **AWS S3 bucket** to store your images.  \n- If the bucket already exists, it will skip this step.  \n- Recommended format: `ai-images-demo-[yourname]`.  \n\n\ud83d\udc49 Make sure your AWS credentials in n8n have **permission to create buckets**.  "
      },
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "9a1b2396-a262-4540-85d7-11576ce70d0f",
      "name": "Sticky Note4",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
      "position": [
        720,
        288
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "color": 4,
        "width": 432,
        "content": "## Step 4: Create a Folder\n- Inside your S3 bucket, a **folder** (sometimes called a \u201cprefix\u201d) is created.  \n- This helps keep images organized (e.g., by project, user, or campaign).  \n- Example: `ai-images/marketing/`  \n\n\ud83d\udc49 You can also dynamically name folders using values from the **Edit Fields** step.  "
      },
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "41197544-3daa-4d41-9152-8887f59d4894",
      "name": "Sticky Note5",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
      "position": [
        992,
        -288
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "color": 4,
        "width": 544,
        "height": 208,
        "content": "## Step 5: Prompt Generation Agent\n- This node uses the **OpenAI Chat Model** to **refine your prompt** before generating the image.  \n- Example: If you enter *\u201cdog in a park\u201d*, the agent might expand it to:  \n  *\u201cA realistic illustration of a golden retriever running in a lush green park, morning sunlight, 4K resolution.\u201d*  \n\n\ud83d\udc49 This ensures better and more consistent image quality.  "
      },
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "f6cc0eca-f4e1-41b0-ab62-fda3bedc074c",
      "name": "Sticky Note6",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
      "position": [
        1424,
        224
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "color": 4,
        "width": 544,
        "height": 240,
        "content": "## Step 6: Generate an Image\n- Using the refined prompt, the **OpenAI Image Generation model** creates an image.  \n- You can define:  \n  - Resolution (512px, 1024px, etc.)  \n  - Style (realistic, watercolor, anime, etc.)  \n- Output will be a **PNG or JPEG file**.  \n\n\ud83d\udc49 You can generate multiple variations by looping this step.  "
      },
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "da9e8e07-bb47-4270-b0af-16e2e3dabd29",
      "name": "Sticky Note7",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
      "position": [
        1808,
        -272
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "color": 4,
        "width": 560,
        "height": 208,
        "content": "## Step 7: Upload File to AWS S3\n- The generated image is uploaded into your S3 bucket and folder.  \n- The file is given a unique name (e.g., `image_2025-08-17_12-30.png`).  \n- Once uploaded, you can:  \n  - Share the S3 file link  \n  - Use it in your applications or websites  \n\n\ud83d\udc49 Make sure your bucket allows the right access policy (public or private).  "
      },
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "967a41d5-1d28-4ff8-93f5-aff3b6cdeb38",
      "name": "Delete a folder",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.awsS3",
      "disabled": true,
      "position": [
        752,
        -464
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "resource": "folder",
        "folderKey": "={{ $('Edit Fields').item.json.folder_name }}",
        "operation": "delete",
        "bucketName": "=bucket{{ $workflow.id }}"
      },
      "credentials": {
        "aws": {
          "name": "<your credential>"
        }
      },
      "typeVersion": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "3aa92356-4bf3-4039-b431-ffc9e28deef9",
      "name": "Delete uploaded image",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.awsS3",
      "disabled": true,
      "position": [
        304,
        -464
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "fileKey": "={{ $('Edit Fields').item.json.folder_name }}/image_{{ $now.format('yyyy-MM-dd') }}.png",
        "options": {},
        "operation": "delete",
        "bucketName": "=bucket{{ $workflow.id }}"
      },
      "credentials": {
        "aws": {
          "name": "<your credential>"
        }
      },
      "typeVersion": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "7ab94a69-9ca2-4ee0-8db9-db2037fe087a",
      "name": "Sticky Note8",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
      "position": [
        80,
        -800
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "width": 496,
        "height": 288,
        "content": "## Step 8: Delete an Object\n- This step lets you **remove a specific file (object) from your S3 bucket**.  \n- Typical use cases:  \n  - Replacing outdated images.  \n  - Cleaning up test runs.  \n- Input required:  \n  - **Bucket Name** (where the file is stored)  \n  - **Object Key** (file path, e.g., `ai-images/marketing/image_2025-08-17_12-30.png`)  \n\n\ud83d\udc49 Be careful: this action is permanent and cannot be undone.  \n"
      },
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "74d397eb-4f59-4709-8fd2-650b5a67f0f5",
      "name": "Sticky Note9",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
      "position": [
        640,
        -816
      ],
      "parameters": {
        "width": 496,
        "height": 304,
        "content": "## Step 9: Delete a Folder\n- This step allows you to **delete an entire folder (prefix) in S3**.  \n- It will remove all objects inside that folder.  \n- Typical use cases:  \n  - Clearing old project assets.  \n  - Cleaning up after workflow tests.  \n- Input required:  \n  - **Bucket Name**  \n  - **Folder Path** (e.g., `ai-images/marketing/`)  \n\n\ud83d\udc49 Note: AWS S3 doesn\u2019t have real folders\u2014just prefixes. Deleting a folder means removing **all objects with that prefix**.  "
      },
      "typeVersion": 1
    }
  ],
  "active": false,
  "settings": {
    "executionOrder": "v1"
  },
  "versionId": "903b5b9d-560c-40db-83dc-ac2acd5a3cf3",
  "connections": {
    "Edit Fields": {
      "main": [
        [
          {
            "node": "Create AWS S3 Bucket",
            "type": "main",
            "index": 0
          },
          {
            "node": "Delete uploaded image",
            "type": "main",
            "index": 0
          }
        ]
      ]
    },
    "Upload a file": {
      "main": [
        []
      ]
    },
    "Create a folder": {
      "main": [
        [
          {
            "node": "Prompt Generation Agent",
            "type": "main",
            "index": 0
          }
        ]
      ]
    },
    "Generate an image": {
      "main": [
        [
          {
            "node": "Upload a file",
            "type": "main",
            "index": 0
          }
        ]
      ]
    },
    "OpenAI Chat Model": {
      "ai_languageModel": [
        [
          {
            "node": "Prompt Generation Agent",
            "type": "ai_languageModel",
            "index": 0
          }
        ]
      ]
    },
    "Create AWS S3 Bucket": {
      "main": [
        [
          {
            "node": "Create a folder",
            "type": "main",
            "index": 0
          }
        ]
      ]
    },
    "Delete uploaded image": {
      "main": [
        [
          {
            "node": "Delete a folder",
            "type": "main",
            "index": 0
          }
        ]
      ]
    },
    "Prompt Generation Agent": {
      "main": [
        [
          {
            "node": "Generate an image",
            "type": "main",
            "index": 0
          }
        ]
      ]
    },
    "When clicking \u2018Execute workflow\u2019": {
      "main": [
        [
          {
            "node": "Edit Fields",
            "type": "main",
            "index": 0
          }
        ]
      ]
    }
  }
}

Credentials you'll need

Each integration node will prompt for credentials when you import. We strip credential IDs before publishing — you'll add your own.

• aws
• openAiApi

About this workflow

[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el0dDJ4Ah3k) This tutorial walks you through setting up an automated workflow that generates AI-powered images from prompts and securely stores them in AWS S3. It leverages the new AI Tool Node and OpenAI models for prompt-to-image generation.

Source: https://n8n.io/workflows/7485/ — original creator credit. Request a take-down →

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