In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you exactly how to connect Asana to n8n, a powerful and flexible workflow automation platform. We’ll cover two different methods—using a Personal Access Token and OAuth2—so you can choose the one that best fits your security and scalability needs. Let’s dive in and automate your workflow!
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- An active n8n account or a self-hosted n8n instance.
- An Asana account with a project or workspace you can test in.
Method 1: Connecting Asana to n8n Using a Personal Access Token
The Personal Access Token method is quick and straightforward, perfect for personal use or initial testing.
Step 1: Locate the Asana Node in n8n
- Inside your n8n workflow, click the plus sign (+) to add a new node.
- In the search bar, type “Asana” and select the Asana node from the results.
- You will see both trigger and action nodes. For this tutorial, we’ll use an action. Select the “Create a Task” operation.
Step 2: Generate Your Asana Personal Access Token
- Make sure you are logged into your Asana account.
- Go to the Asana Developer Console by navigating to
app.asana.com/-/my_apps. - Click on “Create New Token.”
- Give your token a recognizable name (e.g., “n8n Integration Test”).
- Read and agree to the Asana API terms, then click “Create Token.”
- Immediately copy the generated token. For security reasons, you won’t be able to see it again.
Step 3: Configure the n8n Asana Node
- Back in your n8n workflow, in the Asana node, click on “Credentials” and select “Create New.”
- From the dropdown, choose the “Access Token” method.
- Paste the token you copied from Asana into the “Access Token” field in n8n.
- Click “Save.” You should see a success message confirming the connection is active.
Step 4: Test the Connection by Creating a Task
- With the connection successful, you can now fill in the task details:
- Workspace: Select your Asana workspace.
- Project: Choose the project where you want the task created.
- Name: Enter a name for your test task (e.g., “My First Automated Task from n8n”).
- Due Date: Select a date (e.g., today’s date).
- Assignee: Assign the task to yourself or a team member.
- Click “Execute Node” to run the workflow.
- Success! Navigate to your Asana project, and you should see the new task created automatically with all the details you specified.
Method 2: Connecting Asana to n8n Using OAuth2
The OAuth2 method is more secure and scalable, making it the preferred choice for applications you plan to distribute or use in a team environment.
Step 1: Create a New OAuth App in Asana
- In the same Asana Developer Console (
app.asana.com/-/my_apps), click “Create New App.” - Name your app (e.g., “n8n Production Integration”).
- Select the option that best describes what you’re building (e.g., “I want to automate work in Asana”).
- Agree to the terms and conditions and click “Create App.”
Step 2: Configure Your OAuth App Settings
- Inside your new app, click on the “OAuth” tab.
- Copy the Client ID and Client Secret. You will need these for n8n.
- Now, go back to your n8n Asana node. Create a new credential and select “OAuth2 API” as the method.
- n8n will provide an “OAuth Redirect URL.” Click to copy it.
- Back in your Asana app settings, under “Redirect URLs,” click “Add Redirect URL” and paste the URL you copied from n8n.
- Set Permissions: For full functionality, grant the app the necessary permissions (e.g., “Full access” to ensure all task and project operations work).
- Click “Save Changes.”
Step 3: Connect Your Account in n8n
- In the n8n credential settings, paste the Client ID and Client Secret you copied from Asana.
- Click on the button that says “Connect my account” or “OAuth2 Connect.”
- A pop-up window will appear from Asana, asking you to authorize the app. Click “Allow.”
- Once authorized, n8n will confirm that the connection has been successfully created. Your OAuth2 setup is now complete!
Why Automate Asana with n8n?
Now that you’re connected, the possibilities are endless. By connecting Asana to n8n, you can:
- Automate Task Creation: Generate tasks automatically from emails, form submissions (like Google Forms), or chat messages (like Slack).
- Sync Platforms: Create Asana projects whenever a new deal is closed in your CRM or a new issue is logged in GitHub.
- Build Complex Workflows: Use n8n’s powerful logic nodes (like IF conditions, switches, and loops) to create intelligent, multi-step automations that manage your entire project lifecycle.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
- “Invalid Token” Error: Double-check that you copied the entire Personal Access Token correctly. Tokens are long and case-sensitive.
- OAuth Redirect URI Mismatch: Ensure the Redirect URL in your Asana app settings matches the one provided by n8n exactly.
- Insufficient Permissions: If you can’t create tasks in certain projects, review the permissions you granted to your OAuth app in Asana and ensure the connected user has the right access in Asana.
Conclusion
Connecting Asana to n8n unlocks a new level of productivity by bridging the gap between powerful workflow automation and project management. Whether you choose the quick Personal Access Token method or the more robust OAuth2 approach, you’re now equipped to automate repetitive tasks and focus on what truly matters.
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or if there’s another n8n integration you’d like us to cover!
