I'm running n8n locally inside Docker and using a Read from Disk node to load files such as an .xlsx spreadsheet or a PDF. The node keeps returning "No file found" even when I enter the exact path. I also tried paths like /home/nodes/files/file.pdf, but then received a permissions or access error. How should I configure Docker so n8n can see files stored on my computer, and what path should I use in the node?
2 Answers
If you start n8n with `docker run`, the equivalent is a volume option such as `-v C:/Users/you/n8n-files:/files` on Windows, or `-v /path/on/your/computer/n8n-files:/files` on Linux or macOS. The first path is on your host machine; the second path is where the folder appears inside the container. Make sure the file is actually inside the host folder and restart n8n after changing the mount.
This usually happens because the file is on your host computer, while n8n is running inside a container with its own isolated filesystem. You need to bind-mount a folder from your computer into the container. For example, with Docker Compose, add a volume under the n8n service: `volumes: - ./local-files:/files`. Put the spreadsheet or PDF in the local-files folder, restart the container, and use the container-side path in n8n, such as `/files/yourfile.xlsx`—not the original path from your computer.
Got it, I’ll try mapping a local folder and then use the `/files/...` path from inside the container.
Also check that Docker has permission to access the host folder, especially on Windows or macOS where shared-folder permissions may need to be enabled.