This project demonstrates an automated workflow for extracting structured data from a receipt photo and saving it into a Google Sheet for further analysis and manipulation.
The workflow leverages n8n, OpenAI, and Google Sheets to provide a simple, efficient, and reproducible process.
- Trigger (Image Upload)
- A receipt photo is uploaded through a simple frontend form (or can be tested via Postman).
- This upload triggers the n8n workflow.
- Data Extraction with OpenAI
- The image is passed to the OpenAI API via the HTTP Request node.
- OpenAI processes the receipt and returns data in a structured, object-like string format.
- Data Transformation
- The response string is parsed into a proper JSON object.
- Receipt metadata (e.g., uploaded file name) is merged with extracted data.
- Data Storage
- Final structured data is saved directly into a Google Sheet, enabling easy access, filtering, and manipulation.
- Input: Receipt photo (via form or Postman)
- Processing: OpenAI API extracts receipt details
- Output: Structured data + photo name stored in Google Sheets
- n8n - Workflow automation platform
- OpenAI API - AI-powered text extraction
- Google Sheet - Data storage and management
- Frontend Form / Postman - Trigger for workflow execution
- Upload a receipt photo (e.g., restaurant, store purchase).
- Workflow extracts:
{
"fileName": "DCIM101",
"amount": "104.6",
"date": "24-05-25"
}
- Data is saved in Google Sheets for expense tracking or accounting.
-
The workflow is fully customizable—modify the prompt to extract additional receipt details.
-
Use filters and formulas inside Google Sheets to further analyze extracted data.
This workflow turns unstructured receipt images into structured, usable data—helping automate expense tracking, financial reporting, and digital record-keeping.