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Import from File System
The Import from File System node retrieves information about files and folders from a configured file system location. The node searches a selected folder and returns files and/or directories that match the configured search criteria. This information can be used by subsequent nodes for filtering, processing, or file import operations.
Unlike the Import From File node, this node does not import the content of files: it returns information about the matching files and folders.
Steps:
- Select a valid Connection.
- Select the Folder that should be searched.
- Optionally enable Subdirectories to include nested folders.
- Configure search patterns for directories and files.
- Specify whether directories, files, or both should be included.
- Execute the node: the matching files and folders are returned to the dataflow.
Configuration
Section titled “Configuration”| Setting | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Yes | The file system connection used to access the location. |
| Folder | Yes | The folder to search: the starting point for the search operation. |
| Subdirectories | No | When enabled, all subdirectories below the selected folder are included. When disabled, only the selected folder is searched. |
| Search Pattern (Directories) | No | Wildcard filter for which directories to include, e.g. *, Invoice*, 2026*. |
| Search Pattern (Files) | No | Wildcard filter for which files to include, e.g. *.*, *.csv, *.xml, invoice_*.pdf. |
| Directories | No | When enabled, matching directories are included in the result. |
| Files | No | When enabled, matching files are included in the result. |
Output
Section titled “Output”The node returns all files and/or directories that match the configured search criteria. The returned records can be used by subsequent nodes for filtering, processing, or file import operations. To import the actual content of files, use the Import From File node.
- Use specific search patterns to reduce the number of returned results.
- Enable Subdirectories only when recursive searching is required.
- Use the Directories and Files options to limit the output to only the required object types.
- Use this node to locate files before processing them with the Import From File node.
- Verify that the configured connection has sufficient permissions to access the selected folder.