n8n Setup Guide
n8n is a powerful workflow automation tool that lets you connect different services and automate tasks. Think of it as a self-hosted alternative to Zapier or Make.com!
Accessing n8n
Step 2: Login
This instance uses Basic Authentication. Contact the administrator for login credentials.
⚠️ Security Note: This is a self-hosted n8n instance with admin access. Keep your credentials secure and don't share them publicly.
What is n8n?
n8n (pronounced "nodemation") is a workflow automation platform that allows you to connect different apps and services together to automate repetitive tasks.
Key Differences from Other Platforms:
- Self-Hosted: Your data stays on your server
- Open Source: Free to use with no limits
- Visual Editor: Build workflows with drag-and-drop
- 400+ Integrations: Connect almost any service
Getting Started with n8n
Step 3: Create Your First Workflow
After logging in:
- Click "+ New Workflow" in the top right
- You'll see a blank canvas with nodes
- Workflows are made up of connected nodes that process data
Step 4: Add a Trigger Node
Every workflow needs a trigger to start:
- Click the "+" button on the canvas
- Search for a trigger (e.g., "Schedule", "Webhook", "Email")
- Configure when the workflow should run
Step 5: Add Action Nodes
Add nodes to perform actions:
- Click the "+" on the trigger node
- Search for services (e.g., "Gmail", "Slack", "HTTP Request")
- Configure what action to take
- Chain multiple nodes together
Step 6: Test and Activate
Before going live:
- Click "Execute Workflow" to test
- Check the output of each node
- Debug any errors
- Click "Active" toggle to enable the workflow
Common Use Cases
🔔 Notifications
- Send Slack/Discord messages when events happen
- Email digests from RSS feeds
- SMS alerts for important events
📊 Data Sync
- Sync data between databases
- Backup data from one service to another
- Keep spreadsheets updated automatically
🤖 Integration Automation
- Connect Mealie to your shopping list app
- Auto-post to social media
- Create tickets from forms
- Monitor websites for changes
🏠 Home Automation
- Control smart home devices
- Weather-based automations
- Device status monitoring
- Schedule-based actions
Popular Integrations
n8n supports 400+ services including:
- Communication: Gmail, Slack, Discord, Telegram, Twilio
- Productivity: Google Sheets, Notion, Airtable, Trello
- Development: GitHub, GitLab, Docker, AWS
- Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis
- AI/ML: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google AI
- Home: Home Assistant, Philips Hue, MQTT
- Custom: HTTP Request, Webhook, Code (JavaScript/Python)
Example Workflows
Daily Weather Report
- Schedule Trigger (every morning at 7 AM)
- OpenWeatherMap API (get today's forecast)
- Email/SMS node (send weather report)
Auto-Save Reddit Posts
- Webhook Trigger (IFTTT or Reddit)
- Filter node (check if interesting)
- Notion/Airtable (save to database)
Monitor Website Changes
- Schedule Trigger (every hour)
- HTTP Request (fetch webpage)
- Compare node (check for changes)
- Slack/Email (notify if changed)
Advanced Features
Credentials Management
Store API keys and credentials securely:
- Go to Settings → Credentials
- Add credentials for each service
- Reuse across multiple workflows
- Credentials are encrypted
Error Handling
Make workflows robust:
- Use "Error Trigger" nodes to catch failures
- Add retry logic for API calls
- Send notifications on errors
- Log errors to a database
Custom Code
Write JavaScript or Python for complex logic:
- Use "Code" node for custom processing
- Access to full programming capabilities
- Process arrays, objects, complex data
- Call external libraries
Tips for Success
- Start Simple: Begin with basic 2-3 node workflows
- Use Templates: Browse n8n's workflow templates for inspiration
- Test Often: Execute workflows during development to catch errors early
- Name Everything: Give nodes and workflows descriptive names
- Use Sticky Notes: Add notes to document complex workflows
- Version Control: Export workflows as backups
- Monitor Executions: Check execution history for failures
Connecting to Other Services
When connecting to external services:
- Most services require API credentials
- Follow OAuth flow for services like Google/GitHub
- Use webhooks for real-time triggers
- Some services may need your server URL:
https://n8n.thecapps.duckdns.org
Troubleshooting
Workflow not running?
- Make sure it's activated (toggle is ON)
- Check trigger configuration
- Review execution history for errors
Node failing?
- Click on the node to see error details
- Check credentials are correct
- Verify API permissions
- Test with simpler data first
Additional Resources