Keep your shared drive tidy without sorting files by hand. This workflow watches a local folder, gets a list of new files, and uses AI to decide which subfolder each file belongs to. Teams that store assets, reports, or invoices in one place can keep things organized with little effort.

Here is how it works. A Local File Trigger listens for new files in a target path and waits for the write to complete. A command collects the list of files and folders, then the flow checks if there are files to move. The Mistral Cloud model reviews the list and returns a clear map of folder names and the files that should go into them using a structured output parser. Suggestions are split into single items, and a shell command creates any missing folders and moves the files. This design turns a messy drop zone into a clean folder tree.

To run it, make sure n8n has access to the local directory, such as a Docker bind mount. You will need a Mistral API key. Expect to cut manual sorting from hours to minutes each week. Great fits include marketing assets, ops receipts, HR documents, and shared project files. Always back up before running any file move steps.

• Local File Trigger monitors a chosen folder and fires on new files only after the write is complete.
• Shell command lists files and folders and filters the results for clean input.
• If node stops the run early when there are no files to handle.
• Mistral Cloud Chat Model classifies files into suitable subfolders.
• Structured Output Parser forces a predictable folder to files map.
• Split Out processes each AI suggestion one by one for safe moves.
• Shell script creates missing folders and moves files into place.

• Reduce manual sorting from hours per week to minutes
• Automate most file moves with clear AI suggestions
• Improve folder structure consistency across teams
• Lower the chance of misplaced files and duplicates
• Scale to handle burst uploads without extra staff time

1. Import the template into n8n: Create a new workflow in n8n > Click the three dots menu > Select 'Import from File' > Choose the downloaded JSON file.
2. You'll need accounts with Mistral. See the Tools Required section above for links to create accounts with these services.
3. Confirm your n8n instance can access the target folder. For Docker, mount a host directory into the container and note the in-container path you will use.
4. Open the Local File Trigger node and set the folder path. Use the in-container path if running in Docker and keep the event set to add with await write finish enabled.
5. Double click the Mistral Cloud Chat Model node. In the Credential to connect with menu, click Create new credential and follow the on screen steps. In your Mistral account, create an API key on the API keys page, then paste it into n8n and save.
6. Open the Set Variables node and verify the directory value matches the Local File Trigger path. This value is used by the move command.
7. Review the If Has Target Files node conditions to ensure it only proceeds when files are present.
8. Open the Structured Output Parser node and review the schema with folder and files fields so the AI output is consistent.
9. Check the Move Files into Folders command. Confirm it creates subfolders when missing and moves files correctly. If unsure, replace the move commands with echo to dry run, then switch back.
10. Test with a few sample files. Drop them into the target folder, watch the execution, and confirm files move to the suggested subfolders.
11. Troubleshoot common issues: permission denied errors mean the container or user cannot write to the path, fix folder permissions or mount options; invalid API key errors require regenerating the Mistral key; filenames with spaces may need quotes, verify the script handles them.
12. When satisfied, keep backups and run in production. Monitor early runs to confirm folder names and moves match your naming rules.