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A visual automation tool for connecting apps, APIs, and AI steps.

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What is n8n?

n8n (pronounced "n-eight-n") is a tool that connects different apps and services together automatically. For example, you could set up a workflow that automatically saves email attachments to Google Drive, or one that posts a summary to Slack whenever a form is submitted.

You build these automations by connecting visual blocks (called "nodes") on a canvas — no coding required for basic workflows, though you can add code when needed.

Before you start

The easiest way to start is with n8n Cloud — sign up for a free trial and you can start building automations in your browser immediately. No installation needed.

If you're more technical and want to run it on your own computer or server, n8n can be installed for free.

Quickstart

  1. Sign up at n8n.io for a free cloud trial.
  2. Create a new workflow and add a trigger — this is the event that starts your automation (like "When a form is submitted" or "Every morning at 9am").
  3. Add action nodes — these are the steps your automation performs (like "Send an email" or "Add a row to a spreadsheet").
  4. Connect the nodes by drawing lines between them.
  5. Click Test Workflow to make sure it works, then Activate to turn it on.

Best for

  • Connecting apps and automating repetitive work
  • AI-enhanced workflows (summarize emails, classify tickets, generate responses)
  • Technical teams that want self-hosting and full control
  • Complex automations with branching logic and error handling

Quickstart

Before you begin

Access path
n8n (pronounced 'n-eight-n') connects your apps and automates repetitive work. You build automations visually by connecting blocks on a canvas. The easiest way to start is n8n Cloud — sign up and build in your browser. If you're technical, you can self-host it for free.
Account requirement
n8n Cloud starts at €24/month for 2,500 executions, with a free 14-day trial. Self-hosted is free with unlimited workflows — you only pay for your server (typically €5-20/month).
First useful action
Start with one trigger (the event that starts your automation), one processing step, and one output. Keep it simple so you can debug easily.

Simple mode quickstart

  1. Sign up at n8n.io for a free cloud trial — no installation needed.
  2. Create a new workflow and add a trigger: 'When a form is submitted' or 'Every morning at 9am.'
  3. Add action nodes for what happens next: 'Send an email' or 'Add a row to a spreadsheet.'
  4. Click Test Workflow to make sure it works, then Activate to turn it on.

External resources

n8n docs

Official setup, node reference, and workflow docs.

n8n Cloud

Managed hosting — sign up and start building.

n8n template library

8,500+ pre-built workflow templates.

AI Agent node docs

Configure AI agents with LangChain integration.

awesome-n8n

Community nodes, tutorials, and 5,800+ integrations indexed.

Docker self-hosting guide

Run n8n on your own server with Docker.

Basic tutorials

Send a webhook to Slack

Simple mode

  1. Create a webhook trigger.
  2. Transform the incoming text if needed.
  3. Send the message to Slack and test with sample data.

Expected output: You learn the n8n model through a small, observable flow.

Next step: Add a second destination or an approval step.

Build an AI triage workflow

Simple mode

  1. Take in a message or form submission.
  2. Use AI to classify it.
  3. Route it to the right destination.

Expected output: You turn manual sorting into a semi-automated first pass.

Next step: Add approvals and structured record-keeping.

Best for

  • Powerful workflow automation
  • Teams that want more technical control
  • AI-assisted routing and integrations

When to choose an alternative

  • You want a friendlier low-code interface.
  • You only need a packaged chatbot, not automation plumbing.

EdgeTeam take

The power user's automation tool. Self-hosting means full data control, and the AI agent nodes are legitimately useful for building smart workflows. But the learning curve is steeper than Make.com, community nodes can be buggy, and self-hosting means you own the ops burden. Worth the investment for technical teams; overkill for simple automations.