FileFlows

FileFlows is a self-hosted, visual workflow automation tool focused on processing files—commonly media—based on events like new/changed files in watched folders. It lets you build flows (pipelines) that analyze, transform, move, and notify, using a library of reusable nodes and tools.

Key Features

• Visual flow builder for creating file-processing pipelines (node/graph based)
• Watch folders and triggers to automatically run flows on new or modified files
• Media-centric processing steps (e.g., transcode/remux, probe/inspect media)
• Integration with external tools (commonly FFmpeg) via dedicated nodes/scripts
• Conditional logic and routing (decisions, branching, filtering)
• Central dashboard for job history, status, and troubleshooting
• Runs as a server with workers/nodes to scale processing across machines

Use Cases

• Automatically transcode and standardize video libraries when new files arrive
• Validate, rename, and organize downloads into a consistent folder structure
• Generate derivatives (e.g., lower-bitrate versions) and route outputs to storage

Limitations and Considerations

• Feature set is oriented toward file/media pipelines; it’s not a general-purpose iPaaS
• Effective use typically requires familiarity with media tooling (e.g., FFmpeg) and codecs

FileFlows fits teams and home labs that want repeatable, automated processing for incoming files with a visual pipeline approach. It’s especially useful for media libraries where consistent encoding, structure, and automated handling reduce manual work.