If you’ve ever wished your favorite apps and services could just talk to each other automatically, you’re not alone. Many of us spend time manually copying data between platforms, replying to the same types of emails, or triggering the same business workflows. Luckily, there’s a better way, and its name is n8n.
TLDR:
n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is a powerful, open-source workflow automation tool that lets you connect and automate tasks across different apps and services without needing to write code. It’s like Zapier, but self-hosted and highly customizable. In just a few steps, you can create visual workflows that save you countless hours. Great for beginners and developers alike!
What Is n8n?
n8n stands for “Node-RED for the modern era,” and it delivers on that promise by offering a simple, visual interface for building automated workflows. Launched as an open-source project, n8n enables users to create integrations between 300+ apps, including Google Sheets, Slack, Airtable, Notion, and many more.
Unlike many commercial automation tools, n8n runs on your own server, providing full control over your data, privacy, and workflows. This means no third party has access to your information unless you want them to.
Whether you’re a marketing manager trying to sync leads across platforms or a developer automating build and deployment pipelines, n8n offers a flexible solution.
Why Use n8n?
There are several reasons you might choose to use n8n over similar tools:
- Open Source: Completely free under the Fair Code License, with full access to source code.
- Self-Hosted: Run it on your own server to retain control over workflows and data.
- Custom Code Support: Add JavaScript snippets right inside your workflows to build highly specific automations.
- Visual Interface: Create workflows using an intuitive drag-and-drop design.
- Event-Driven: Trigger workflows via webhooks, schedules, or app-specific events.
What Does n8n Do?
n8n automates repetitive tasks by linking services together. You define a “workflow,” which consists of a trigger and one or more actions. Here are some practical examples:
- Automatically send a Slack message when a new GitHub issue is created
- Sync new rows in a Google Sheet with a Notion database
- Receive a daily email summary of your to-dos from Asana
- Create Trello cards from new Typeform submissions
- Watch a Gmail inbox for specific keywords and trigger alerts
The possibilities are virtually endless, and thanks to its extensibility, developers can even build custom integrations or functionality if needed.
How to Get Started with n8n
Getting started with n8n is easy, especially with the number of setup options available. Here are some of the most common ways to start using n8n:
1. Try n8n Cloud
For absolute beginners, the easiest way to try n8n is through its hosted cloud version at n8n.io. Just sign up for an account—no installation needed. It’s great for testing things out or small-scale use.
2. Install Locally
If you’re a bit more technical, you can run n8n locally on your machine using:
npm install n8n -g
n8nThis spins up a local instance accessible at localhost:5678.
3. Use Docker
For scalability and deployment on a server, Docker is the best install option. With Docker, use the following command:
docker run -it --rm \
-p 5678:5678 \
-v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \
n8nio/n8nThis mounts your workflows and credentials so they’re saved between sessions.
Creating Your First Workflow
Let’s walk through building a simple workflow that monitors a Google Sheet for new rows and sends an email when a new entry is created.
1. Set up the Trigger
- Choose a “Google Sheets” node
- Set it to “Watch for new rows”
- Authenticate your Google account when prompted
2. Add an Email Node
- Add a new node and search for “Email”
- Connect it to the Google Sheets trigger node
- Configure sender details and dynamic message content based on your spreadsheet row
3. Run It!
Click the “Execute Workflow” button and give it a test. When a new row is added to your sheet, you’ll get an email instantly.
This is a very basic example, but it illustrates how you can chain together actions with ease.
Understanding Key Concepts
Before diving deeper, it’s helpful to understand some core concepts in n8n:
- Nodes: Each block in a workflow is a node (e.g., Google Sheets, Email, Webhook)
- Workflows: A connected sequence of nodes that automate a task
- Triggers: Nodes that initiate workflow execution (e.g., new email received)
- Credentials: Account details needed to authenticate with external services
- Expressions: JavaScript-like formulas you can use to pull in dynamic data between nodes
Who Is n8n For?
n8n is perfect for a wide range of users:
- Entrepreneurs – Automate business processes and save countless hours weekly
- Developers – Create conditional, logic-driven workflows that integrate apps and APIs
- Marketing Teams – Send leads to CRMs, segment users, and launch campaigns in real time
- Operations – Monitor systems and trigger alerts, reports, or database changes
Its mix of visual interface and code-friendly features makes it flexible for both tech-savvy users and beginners alike.
Tips for Maximizing Your Experience
To get the most out of n8n:
- Use the community forum: There’s a friendly and active n8n community ready to help
- Take advantage of templates: n8n offers ready-made workflows to quickly get started
- Explore expressions: These let you use variables and logic to make workflows dynamic
- Secure your instance: If you’re running it on a server, always set passwords and configure HTTPS
n8n vs. Zapier vs. Make
n8n is often compared with automation tools like Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat). Here’s how it stands out:
| Feature | n8n | Zapier | Make |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source / affordable cloud | Subscription-based | Subscription-based |
| Customization | High (code support, self-hosted) | Limited | Moderate |
| Hosting | Self-hosted or cloud | Cloud only | Cloud only |
