Create File Node

Overview #

The Create File Node allows you to dynamically generate and save files directly within your WordPress workflows. Whether you need to create custom reports, generate documentation, or prepare downloadable content, this versatile node makes it simple to produce files in various formats based on data from your workflow.

With this node, you can automatically create text documents, Word files, or HTML files with content that incorporates dynamic data from other nodes, user inputs, or system values. The Create File Node seamlessly integrates with your WordPress Media Library, making generated files immediately available for use throughout your site.

Key Features #

Multiple File Format Support #

• Plain Text (.txt): Generate simple text documents
• Word Document (.docx): Create formatted Word documents
• HTML Document (.html): Produce web-ready HTML files

Dynamic Content Creation #

• Rich Text Editor: Easily format and style your file content
• Node Integration: Include data from any previous node in your workflow
• Dynamic File Naming: Create files with names based on variables or user inputs

WordPress Integration #

• Media Library Storage: Automatically add generated files to your WordPress Media Library
• Uploads Directory Access: Optional storage in the WordPress uploads folder only
• File Management: Leverage WordPress’s built-in file management system

Workflow Enhancement #

• Preview Capability: View file content before saving
• Configurable Settings: Control every aspect of file creation
• Output Connections: Use generated file URLs in subsequent workflow nodes

Using the Create File Node #

Basic Setup #

1. Add the Node: Drag the Create File Node into your workflow
2. Name Your Node: Give it a descriptive name for easy reference
3. Configure File Content: Enter the text or content you want in your file
4. Set File Name: Specify a name for your file (with or without dynamic elements)
5. Choose Format: Select your desired file format (.txt, .docx, or .html)
6. Media Library Option: Decide whether to save to your WordPress Media Library
7. Connect Outputs: Link the generated file to other nodes in your workflow

Content Tab #

The Content tab is where you create and format the content for your file.

Creating Static Content #

Simply type the text or content you want to include in your file in the content editor. The editor supports basic formatting for clarity and readability.

Creating Dynamic Content #

To include dynamic data from previous nodes, use the node integration tags:

Dear [[customer-node:name]],

Thank you for your recent order #[[order-node:order_id]].
Your purchase of [[order-node:product_name]] has been processed and will ship on [[shipping-node:date]].

Best regards,
Customer Service Team

In this example, the file would be populated with the customer’s name, order ID, product name, and shipping date from the respective nodes in your workflow.

File Settings Tab #

The File Settings tab allows you to configure how your file is named and saved.

File Naming #

You can give your file a static name:

monthly-report

Or use dynamic elements in your filename:

report-[[date-node:year]]-[[date-node:month]]

File Format Selection #

Choose from three supported formats:

• Plain Text (.txt): Best for simple, unformatted text
• Word Document (.docx): Ideal for professionally formatted documents
• HTML Document (.html): Perfect for web content or email templates

Media Library Options #

The “Save to Media Library” toggle controls where your file is stored:

• Enabled: File is saved to the WordPress Media Library for easy access through the media manager
• Disabled: File is only saved to the uploads folder, making it accessible but not visible in the media manager

Advanced Usage #

Connecting with Other Nodes #

The Create File Node becomes more powerful when connected to other nodes in your workflow:

• API Node → Create File: Convert API responses into downloadable documents
• Create File → Email Node: Attach generated files to automated emails

Using Dynamic File Names #

Dynamic file names allow you to create uniquely named files based on specific criteria:

invoice-[[customer-node:id]]-[[date-node:timestamp]]

This would create files with names like invoice-1234-20250424153000.

HTML Content Creation #

When creating HTML files, you can include full HTML structure:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>[[page-node:title]]</title>
    <style>
        body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }
        .header { background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 20px; }
        .content { padding: 20px; }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <div class="header">
        <h1>[[page-node:title]]</h1>
    </div>
    <div class="content">
        [[page-node:content]]
    </div>
</body>
</html>

This creates a properly formatted HTML document with dynamic title and content.

Word Document Limitations #

When creating .docx files, be aware that:

• Basic formatting is supported
• Complex layouts may not render exactly as expected
• Images need to be referenced by URL

Practical Use Cases #

Document Generation #

• Custom Reports: Generate financial, activity, or analytics reports
• Certificates: Create completion certificates for courses or programs
• Receipts/Invoices: Produce professional documentation for transactions
• Legal Documents: Generate customized legal forms and agreements

Content Management #

• Content Exports: Export WordPress content in different formats
• Backup Creation: Create backups of specific content types
• Data Migration: Generate files for importing into other systems
• Batch Processing: Create multiple files from data collections

User Interactions #

• Personalized Downloads: Create custom documents for user downloads
• Form Submissions: Generate confirmation files from form submissions
• Membership Content: Create members-only downloadable content
• Event Materials: Generate event-specific documentation

Best Practices #

For Better File Management #

• Use Consistent Naming: Establish a clear naming convention for files
• Include Dates: Add timestamps to file names for better organization
• Create Organized Folders: Use WordPress’s media folders (if your site supports them)
• Clean Up Old Files: Implement a file cleanup strategy to avoid clutter

For Efficient Content Creation #

• Create Templates: Store common document structures as workflow templates
• Reuse Patterns: Identify and reuse common dynamic content patterns
• Test with Sample Data: Verify your document structure with test data
• Preview Before Connecting: Use the preview feature to check content before finalizing

For Document Design #

• Keep Formatting Simple: Focus on clean, readable layouts
• Consider End Users: Design documents with the end user’s needs in mind
• Test in Target Applications: Verify .docx files open correctly in Word/Google Docs
• Check HTML Rendering: Test HTML files in different browsers if they’ll be viewed online

Troubleshooting #

Common issues and their solutions:

Files Not Being Created #

• Check Permissions: Verify WordPress has write permissions to the uploads directory
• Review File Names: Ensure file names don’t contain invalid characters
• Check Dynamic Tags: Verify all dynamic tags reference existing nodes and data
• Server Limitations: Check for server-side file size or type restrictions

Content Not Appearing Correctly #

• Format Compatibility: Ensure your content is compatible with the chosen file format
• Character Encoding: Check for special characters that may cause encoding issues
• HTML Structure: For HTML files, verify your HTML structure is properly formed
• Word Formatting: For .docx files, keep formatting relatively simple

Media Library Issues #

• Library Access: Verify your WordPress user has permission to add to the Media Library
• Library Size: Check if your Media Library has size limitations
• File Type Restrictions: Ensure WordPress is configured to accept your file types

Technical Details #

The Create File Node uses several WordPress and PHP technologies:

• WordPress Filesystem API: For secure file operations
• Media Library Integration: To properly catalog files in WordPress
• PHPWord: For generating .docx documents
• Character Encoding Handling: To ensure proper text representation
• Content-Type Management: To set appropriate file headers

Conclusion #

The Create File Node transforms your WordPress workflow system into a powerful document generation engine. By following the guidelines in this documentation, you can create dynamic, data-driven files that enhance your site’s functionality, save valuable time, and provide enhanced user experiences.

Use this flexible tool to automate document creation tasks, provide customized downloadable content, and connect your data sources to professional, formatted outputs ready for distribution.