Automate Receipt Data Extraction with n8n and Mindee API

What this workflow does

This workflow automatically gets important data from receipt images using n8n and the Mindee Receipt API.

It solves the problem of typing receipt details by hand, which is slow and can have mistakes.

The workflow downloads an image from a URL, sends it to Mindee for reading, and gets back clear data like merchant name, date, total, and taxes.

The result is accurate receipt data to use later without typing manually.

Who should use this workflow

Small business owners or anyone who handles many receipts and wants to save time on data entry.

This is for users who want faster and more exact receipt data without typing or errors.

Tools and services used

• n8n: An automation tool to make the workflow run steps in order.
• Mindee Receipt API: An API that reads text from receipt images and gives structured data.
• HTTP Request node: To download receipt images from a web address.

Inputs, processing steps, and output

Inputs

• An image of a receipt available at a public URL.
• Your Mindee API Key to access the receipt reading service.

Processing Steps

• Manual Trigger starts the workflow when you want.
• HTTP Request node downloads the image file from the URL.
• Mindee node sends the image to the Mindee API for OCR and data extraction.
• Mindee node receives structured JSON with receipt details.

Output

Structured receipt data in JSON format that includes merchant, date, totals, taxes, and line items.

This output can go on to reports, accounting software, or other systems.

Beginner step-by-step: How to use this workflow in n8n

Step 1: Import the workflow

1. Download the workflow file using the Download button on this page.
2. Open the n8n editor where the workflow will run.
3. Use the menu option “Import from File” to add the workflow to n8n.

Step 2: Update credentials and settings

4. Add your Mindee API Key in the credentials section to the Mindee node.
5. Change the URL in the HTTP Request node to your own receipt image URL if needed.
6. Check if any other settings like emails or folder IDs need changing based on your use case.

Step 3: Test and activate

7. Run the workflow once by clicking Execute to confirm it works and gets receipt data.
8. If the test is successful, activate the workflow for your daily use.
9. Optionally swap the Manual Trigger with a schedule trigger to run automatically.

If self hosting n8n, add Mindee credentials and workflow import the same way. Learn more at self-host n8n.

Customization ideas

• Use your own receipt image URLs in the HTTP Request node to process different receipts.
• Add nodes to save extracted receipt data to Google Sheets or databases for record keeping.
• Add error checking nodes before calling Mindee, so workflow skips bad or missing images.

Edge cases and troubleshooting

Authentication error in Mindee node

Mindee API Key is wrong or missing. Fix by entering correct API Key in n8n credentials.

Image download fails with 404 error

The image URL is wrong or blocked. Check URL is typed correctly and is public.

Summary of benefits

→ Saves hours of manual entry for receipt data.

→ Ensures accurate extraction of merchant, date, amount, and taxes.

→ Outputs data in clear JSON format for other uses.

→ Easy to set up in n8n and use with your own images and credentials.