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Contents
  1. n8n Tutorial
Getting started
  1. What Is n8n
  2. Install n8n
  3. Interface Guide
  4. First workflow
  5. Data structure and items
Core concepts
  1. Expressions
  2. Credential management
  3. Common core nodes
  4. Webhook
  5. Code node
  6. Error handling
AI Automation
  1. AI Agent Basics
  2. Connect a Local Ollama Model
  3. RAG knowledge base Q&A
Real-world examples
  1. Google Sheets automation
  2. Telegram AI bot
Deployment and operations
  1. Self-hosting
  2. Backup and updates
  3. FAQ and troubleshooting

What Is n8n? Automation Tool Tutorial

In a nutshell

n8n (pronounced "n-eight-n," from nodemation) is a tool for connecting services with visual nodes to build automated workflows. You put each step in a "node" and connect them with lines to create a "workflow."

[Daily 08:00] ──▶ [Fetch weather API] ──▶ [Format as text] ──▶ [Send to Telegram]
   Trigger           Action              Action                 Action

Core concepts

TermDescription
WorkflowAn entire automated process made up of multiple nodes
NodeA step in a workflow, such as "read a spreadsheet" or "send an email"
TriggerA node that starts a workflow, such as a schedule, an incoming Webhook, or a new email
ItemA unit of data passed between nodes; one record is one item
CredentialAn account, API key, or OAuth authorization needed to connect to an external service
ExecutionA record of one workflow run; you can review the data at each step

n8n includes hundreds of integration nodes (Google, Microsoft, Slack, Notion, databases, AI services, and more). For services without a built-in node, you can call the API directly with the HTTP Request node.

n8n vs. Zapier vs. Make

n8nZapierMake
Self-hosting✓✗✗
PricingFree when self-hosted; cloud plan based on number of executionsBased on number of tasksBased on number of operations
Complex workflows (branches, loops)StrongMore limitedStrong
CodingJavaScript / Python Code nodeLimitedLimited
AI AgentFull set of built-in AI nodesYesYes
Learning curveModerateEasiestModerate

n8n is especially well suited for:

  • Complex workflows that process lots of data (the self-hosted version doesn't charge per execution)
  • Sensitive data that you don't want to pass through a third-party service
  • Workflows that need code or custom APIs

Cloud or self-hosted?

n8n CloudSelf-hosted (Community Edition)
Installation and maintenanceNot requiredYour responsibility
CostMonthly fee; execution limits depend on the planSoftware is free; you only pay for the host
Data locationn8n's serversYour own server
Best forGetting started right away without managing serversPeople with technical skills who value data control or need to run many executions

This tutorial focuses on the self-hosted version. You can get started with Docker installed on a computer, and the interface and usage are largely the same as the cloud version.

License: free, but not "fully open source"

n8n uses the Sustainable Use License (some enterprise features use a separate enterprise license). It is "fair-code" source-available software, rather than open source under the OSI definition. In short:

  • ✓ Personal and internal company use: free
  • ✓ Building workflows for clients and consulting: allowed
  • ✗ Packaging n8n itself as a service for sale (for example, offering "n8n hosting"): requires a separate license

Before using n8n commercially, read the official license terms.

Recap

  • n8n connects services with nodes to automate repetitive work
  • You can self-host it and control your data and execution volume
  • Built-in AI nodes let you build AI Agents

Next, you'll install n8n.

Updated October 12, 2026