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[GH-ISSUE #7911] [FR] read only access user data for AI ingestion #3461

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opened 2026-03-23 21:30:27 +00:00 by mirror · 3 comments

mirror commented

2026-03-23 21:30:27 +00:00

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Originally created by @casainho on GitHub (May 11, 2025).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy/issues/7911

Description

I wish I could give my Ollama LLMs read only access to all my notes, so I could ask something as find specific data on them, or access to my TODO lists, reminders, etc.

I have installed Ollama for local AI on Appflowy, but I am not looking for something internal and specific to Appflowy, but instead something generic that can access my "digital memories".

Impact

Everyone that hopes to use AI personal assistant.

Additional Context

No response

Originally created by @casainho on GitHub (May 11, 2025). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy/issues/7911 ### Description I wish I could give my Ollama LLMs read only access to all my notes, so I could ask something as find specific data on them, or access to my TODO lists, reminders, etc. I have installed Ollama for local AI on Appflowy, but I am not looking for something internal and specific to Appflowy, but instead something generic that can access my "digital memories". ### Impact Everyone that hopes to use AI personal assistant. ### Additional Context _No response_

mirror closed this issue

2026-03-23 21:30:27 +00:00

mirror commented

2026-03-23 21:30:28 +00:00

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@richardshiue commented on GitHub (May 12, 2025):

Hi there @casainho, thanks for raising this. To understand your needs better, do you mean that you wish to use ollama via some other app or tool to read AppFlowy document data?

@richardshiue commented on GitHub (May 12, 2025): Hi there @casainho, thanks for raising this. To understand your needs better, do you mean that you wish to use ollama via some other app or tool to read AppFlowy document data?

mirror commented

2026-03-23 21:30:28 +00:00

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Owner

@casainho commented on GitHub (May 13, 2025):

Hi.

I am new to LLMs but I could figure out I will need this feature for my own self-hosted LLMs, like the ones running on Ollama. I am looking to RAG -- see bellow.

I think the setup should be:

AppFlowy (API to access user notes) --> N8N --> Ollama running DeepSeek --> OpenWebUI user frontend

I still don't know If I need/should used N8N or if OpenWebUI directly. Anyway, N8N has already Notion integration.

LLM RAG Meaning

LLM RAG stands for Large Language Model Retrieval-Augmented Generation. It describes an AI architecture that enhances the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) by integrating an information retrieval step before generating responses.
What Is Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)?

Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is a technique where, before an LLM generates text, it first retrieves relevant information from external sources-such as databases, internal documents, or the web-to supplement its own knowledge. This retrieved information is then provided as context to the LLM, allowing it to generate responses that are more accurate, up-to-date, and grounded in authoritative data.

@casainho commented on GitHub (May 13, 2025): Hi. I am new to LLMs but I could figure out I will need this feature for my own self-hosted LLMs, like the ones running on Ollama. I am looking to RAG -- see bellow. I think the setup should be: AppFlowy (API to access user notes) --> [N8N](https://n8n.io) --> [Ollama](https://ollama.com/) running DeepSeek --> [OpenWebUI](https://openwebui.com/) user frontend I still don't know If I need/should used N8N or if OpenWebUI directly. Anyway, [N8N has already Notion integration](https://n8n.io/integrations/notion/). > **LLM RAG Meaning** > > LLM RAG stands for Large Language Model Retrieval-Augmented Generation. It describes an AI architecture that enhances the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) by integrating an information retrieval step before generating responses. > What Is Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)? > > Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is a technique where, before an LLM generates text, it first retrieves relevant information from external sources-such as databases, internal documents, or the web-to supplement its own knowledge. This retrieved information is then provided as context to the LLM, allowing it to generate responses that are more accurate, up-to-date, and grounded in authoritative data.

mirror commented

2026-03-23 21:30:28 +00:00

Author

Owner

@casainho commented on GitHub (May 13, 2025):

Oh, using AI, it just found the community module to N8N that integrates AppFlowy API - so seems my Feature Request / lack of knowledge is solved. Thank you.

AI information:

AppFlowy's API authentication and integration with tools like n8n and OpenWebUI require careful configuration, but recent developments (as of early 2025) have improved compatibility. Here's a structured breakdown:

AppFlowy API Authentication Status

Public REST API Availability
- AppFlowy now offers a [documented REST API](https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/documentations/blob/main/documentation/appflowy-cloud/openapi/README.md) (since early 2025), including endpoints for database CRUD operations and OAuth2 authentication[4][7][11].
- Authentication uses GoTrue (the same service as Supabase), with token-based access via /gotrue/token or OAuth2 redirects[4][5].
Common Login Issues
- Proxy/VPN Conflicts: If AppFlowy Cloud is self-hosted behind a proxy or VPN, ensure the client (e.g., n8n) can reach https://[your-domain]/gotrue/token and https://[your-domain]/gotrue/settings[5][12].
- Desktop Client Limitations: The desktop app may ignore http_proxy/https_proxy environment variables for WebSocket connections, requiring manual proxy configuration or VPN tunneling[12].

Integration Workflow Options

Option 1: AppFlowy → n8n → Ollama → OpenWebUI

Why Use n8n?
- Native integration via the [n8n-nodes-appflowy](https://www.npmjs.com/package/n8n-nodes-appflowy) community node supports all API endpoints, including triggers for database updates[7][11].
- Handles authentication seamlessly using API keys or OAuth2 tokens[7].
- Example workflow:
```
# n8n workflow step to send AppFlowy data to Ollama
appflowy_data = n8n.getInputData()
ollama_response = ollama.generate(model="deepseek-r1", prompt=appflowy_data)
openwebui.display(ollama_response)
```

Option 2: AppFlowy → OpenWebUI (Without n8n)

Challenges:
- OpenWebUI lacks native AppFlowy integration as of March 2025[2][8].
- Direct API calls from OpenWebUI would require custom code to handle authentication and data formatting.
- Not recommended for complex workflows (e.g., triggering Ollama based on AppFlowy updates).

Key Recommendations

For Production Workflows:
- Use n8n to handle authentication, error retries, and data transformation between AppFlowy and Ollama/OpenWebUI[7][11].
- Configure proxies/VPNs to allow n8n and AppFlowy Cloud to communicate[5][12].
Self-Hosting Notes:
- If self-hosting AppFlowy Cloud, ensure the /gotrue endpoints are reachable and configure http_proxy/all_proxy variables in Linux environments[12].
Local AI with Ollama:
- AppFlowy’s [Ollama plugin](https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/appflowy/product/appflowy-ai-ollama) allows direct AI interactions without exposing data externally[8].

Final Summary
Using n8n is advisable for robust automation between AppFlowy, Ollama, and OpenWebUI. Login issues primarily stem from network configuration (proxy/VPN), not the tools themselves. OpenWebUI alone cannot replace n8n’s role in this workflow without significant custom development.

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

@casainho commented on GitHub (May 13, 2025): Oh, using AI, it just found the community module to N8N that integrates AppFlowy API - so seems my Feature Request / lack of knowledge is solved. Thank you. AI information: AppFlowy's API authentication and integration with tools like **n8n** and **OpenWebUI** require careful configuration, but recent developments (as of early 2025) have improved compatibility. Here's a structured breakdown: --- ### **AppFlowy API Authentication Status** 1. **Public REST API Availability** - AppFlowy now offers a **[[documented REST API](https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/documentations/blob/main/documentation/appflowy-cloud/openapi/README.md)](https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/documentations/blob/main/documentation/appflowy-cloud/openapi/README.md)** (since early 2025), including endpoints for database CRUD operations and OAuth2 authentication[4][[7](https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/documentations/blob/main/documentation/appflowy-cloud/openapi/README.md)][[11](https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/appflowy/product/appflowy-ai-ollama)]. - Authentication uses **GoTrue** (the same service as Supabase), with token-based access via `/gotrue/token` or OAuth2 redirects[4][5]. 2. **Common Login Issues** - **Proxy/VPN Conflicts**: If AppFlowy Cloud is self-hosted behind a proxy or VPN, ensure the client (e.g., n8n) can reach `https://[your-domain]/gotrue/token` and `https://[your-domain]/gotrue/settings`[5][[12](https://www.reddit.com/r/AppFlowy/comments/1afrrvl/self_hosting_logging_in/)]. - **Desktop Client Limitations**: The desktop app may ignore `http_proxy`/`https_proxy` environment variables for WebSocket connections, requiring manual proxy configuration or VPN tunneling[[12](https://www.reddit.com/r/AppFlowy/comments/1afrrvl/self_hosting_logging_in/)]. --- ### **Integration Workflow Options** #### **Option 1: AppFlowy → n8n → Ollama → OpenWebUI** - **Why Use n8n?** - Native integration via the **[[n8n-nodes-appflowy](https://www.npmjs.com/package/n8n-nodes-appflowy)](https://www.npmjs.com/package/n8n-nodes-appflowy)** community node supports all API endpoints, including triggers for database updates[[7](https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/documentations/blob/main/documentation/appflowy-cloud/openapi/README.md)][[11](https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/appflowy/product/appflowy-ai-ollama)]. - Handles authentication seamlessly using API keys or OAuth2 tokens[[7](https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/documentations/blob/main/documentation/appflowy-cloud/openapi/README.md)]. - Example workflow: ```python # n8n workflow step to send AppFlowy data to Ollama appflowy_data = n8n.getInputData() ollama_response = ollama.generate(model="deepseek-r1", prompt=appflowy_data) openwebui.display(ollama_response) ``` #### **Option 2: AppFlowy → OpenWebUI (Without n8n)** - **Challenges**: - OpenWebUI lacks native AppFlowy integration as of March 2025[2][[8](https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy/issues/5988)]. - Direct API calls from OpenWebUI would require custom code to handle authentication and data formatting. - Not recommended for complex workflows (e.g., triggering Ollama based on AppFlowy updates). --- ### **Key Recommendations** 1. **For Production Workflows**: - Use **n8n** to handle authentication, error retries, and data transformation between AppFlowy and Ollama/OpenWebUI[[7](https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/documentations/blob/main/documentation/appflowy-cloud/openapi/README.md)][[11](https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/appflowy/product/appflowy-ai-ollama)]. - Configure proxies/VPNs to allow n8n and AppFlowy Cloud to communicate[5][[12](https://www.reddit.com/r/AppFlowy/comments/1afrrvl/self_hosting_logging_in/)]. 2. **Self-Hosting Notes**: - If self-hosting AppFlowy Cloud, ensure the `/gotrue` endpoints are reachable and configure `http_proxy`/`all_proxy` variables in Linux environments[[12](https://www.reddit.com/r/AppFlowy/comments/1afrrvl/self_hosting_logging_in/)]. 3. **Local AI with Ollama**: - AppFlowy’s **[[Ollama plugin](https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/appflowy/product/appflowy-ai-ollama)](https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/appflowy/product/appflowy-ai-ollama)** allows direct AI interactions without exposing data externally[[8](https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy/issues/5988)]. --- **Final Summary** Using **n8n** is advisable for robust automation between AppFlowy, Ollama, and OpenWebUI. Login issues primarily stem from network configuration (proxy/VPN), not the tools themselves. OpenWebUI alone cannot replace n8n’s role in this workflow without significant custom development. Citations: [1] https://ollama.com/ [2] https://openwebui.com/ [3] https://n8n.io/ [4] https://ollama.com/ [5] https://openwebui.com/ [6] https://n8n.io/ [7] https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/documentations/blob/main/documentation/appflowy-cloud/openapi/README.md [8] https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy/issues/5988 [9] https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy-Cloud/issues/1013 [10] https://forum.appflowy.io/t/ive-never-looked-into-n8n-just-heard-about-it-dad-with-three-kids-and-this-is-just-a-hobby-but-youre-still-awesome-now-i-have-to-look-into-it/4155 [11] https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/appflowy/product/appflowy-ai-ollama [12] https://www.reddit.com/r/AppFlowy/comments/1afrrvl/self_hosting_logging_in/ [13] https://docs.appflowy.io/docs [14] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mario-haarmann_appflowy-n8n-communitynode-activity-7297559224652378112-GErJ [15] https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy-Cloud/issues/1121 [16] https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy-Cloud/issues/1164 [17] https://www.reddit.com/r/AppFlowy/comments/1hzfwwm/appflowy_web_is_open_source_and_supports/ [18] https://support.riverbed.com/apis/sh.appflow/2.0/service.html [19] https://appflowy.com/what-is-new [20] https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/documentation/appflowy/from-source/web-setup [21] https://www.reddit.com/r/AppFlowy/comments/1fixkpq/where_are_my_notes/ [22] https://forum.appflowy.com/t/thank-you-for-the-request-well-consider-supporting-it-in-q1-2025-heres-the-issue-that-can-be-used-to-track-this-feature-https-github-com-appflowy-io-appflowy-issues-6706/2831 [23] https://kb.status.io/developers/public-status-api/ [24] https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/documentation/software-contributions/architecture/frontend/web [25] https://forum.appflowy.io/top [26] https://www.reddit.com/r/AppFlowy/ [27] https://forum.appflowy.io/c/bug-reports/5 [28] https://www.pondhouse-data.com/blog/integrating-n8n-with-open-webui [29] https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy/issues/731 [30] https://n8n.io/workflows/2931-ai-agent-with-ollama-for-current-weather-and-wiki/ [31] https://github.com/open-webui/open-webui [32] https://langfuse.com/docs/integrations/openwebui [33] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8os5IqnmcE [34] https://appflowy.com/ [35] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9m3i12qkms [36] https://community.hetzner.com/tutorials/ai-chatbot-with-ollama-and-open-webui/ [37] https://docs.goauthentik.io/integrations/services/open-webui/ [38] https://community.n8n.io/t/extract-data-from-workflow-to-open-webui/57098 [39] https://docs.n8n.io/integrations/ [40] https://superuser.com/questions/842109/how-to-connect-to-vpn-through-proxy-server [41] https://community.n8n.io/t/issue-with-self-hosted-login/19116 [42] https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/guides/appflowy/self-hosting-appflowy-using-supabase [43] https://forum.bubble.io/t/problem-connecting-to-api-api-authentication-problem/195844 [44] https://forum.ionicframework.com/t/solved-ionic-cli-cant-login/170515 [45] https://forum.appflowy.io/t/ive-never-looked-into-n8n-just-heard-about-it-dad-with-three-kids-and-this-is-just-a-hobby-but-youre-still-awesome-now-i-have-to-look-into-it/4155 [46] https://ronin.ae/news/amazon-appflow-vulnerabilities/ [47] https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/documentation/appflowy-cloud/architecture [48] https://n8n.io/integrations/flow/ [49] https://forum.appflowy.com/t/hey-there-i-have-the-same-problem-but-when-i-click-open-appflowy-the-app-launches-and-quickly-closes-probably-a-crash-is-there-a-file-the-logs-are-written-to/2981 [50] https://forum.appflowy.com/t/authentication-token-isnt-sent-back-to-appflowy-after-approval/102 [51] https://docs.appflowy.io/docs/appflowy/readme/welcome-to-appflowy [52] https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy/issues/4945 [53] https://appflowy.com/blog/demystifying-appflowy-editors-codebase [54] https://n8n.io/integrations/ [55] https://n8n.io/integrations/flow/and/superpowered/ [56] https://n8n.io/workflows/2384-chat-with-local-llms-using-n8n-and-ollama/ [57] https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/marketplace/catalog/ollama-with-open-webui/ [58] https://www.reddit.com/r/AppFlowy/comments/1ipm1vi/issues_with_selfhosted_appflowy_workspace_sharing/ [59] https://docs.netscaler.com/en-us/citrix-adc/current-release/ns-ag-appflow-intro-wrapper-con/ns-ag-appflow-config-tsk.html [60] https://community.fortinet.com/t5/Fortinet-Forum/SSL-VPN-Proxy-Error/td-p/12594 [61] https://community.n8n.io/t/unable-to-sign-in-n8n/62954 [62] https://github.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy-Cloud/issues/725 --- Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share