n8n Open-Source Automation

Master n8n Workflow Automation

Build powerful, self-hosted automation workflows with complete control. Connect any API, database, or service with n8n's flexible node-based approach. Your data, your infrastructure, your rules.

What is n8n?

n8n is a powerful, self-hosted workflow automation tool that gives you complete control over your automations and data. Unlike cloud-based alternatives, n8n runs on your infrastructure, ensuring privacy and customization.

With its intuitive visual interface and extensive node library, n8n lets you connect anything with an API, automate complex processes, and build sophisticated workflows without vendor lock-in.

  • 400+ pre-built integrations
  • Self-hosted for complete data privacy
  • Code when you need it, visual when you don't
  • Fair-source license with source code access
Webhook
Process Data
IF Condition
Send Email
Update DB

How n8n Works

Build automations step-by-step with n8n's intuitive approach

1

Design Your Workflow

Start with n8n's visual canvas. Drag and drop nodes to create your automation flow. Each node represents a trigger, action, or data transformation step.

2

Connect Your Services

Choose from 400+ pre-built integrations or create custom connections. n8n handles authentication, API calls, and data formatting automatically.

3

Transform Your Data

Use built-in functions to filter, merge, split, and transform data between nodes. Add custom JavaScript code when you need advanced logic.

4

Test and Debug

Execute workflows step-by-step to see data flow in real-time. n8n shows you exactly what happens at each node, making debugging simple.

5

Deploy and Monitor

Activate your workflow to run on triggers, schedules, or webhooks. Monitor execution history, handle errors gracefully, and scale as needed.

Understanding n8n Nodes

The building blocks of your automation workflows

Trigger Nodes

Start workflows based on events like webhooks, schedules, file changes, or database updates

App Nodes

Connect to services like Slack, Gmail, Airtable, or any API to read and write data

Core Nodes

Transform data, add logic, merge branches, and control workflow execution flow

Code Nodes

Write custom JavaScript or Python code for complex logic and transformations

Real-World Workflow Examples

See how n8n transforms business processes

Customer Onboarding Automation

Webhook Trigger
New signup received
Create Account
Add to database
Send Welcome
Email with credentials
Add to CRM
Create contact record
Schedule Demo
Book calendar slot

This workflow automatically handles new customer signups, creates accounts, sends personalized welcome emails, updates your CRM, and schedules onboarding calls - all without manual intervention.

Invoice Processing Pipeline

Email Trigger
Invoice received
Extract PDF
Parse attachment
OCR Process
Extract data
Validate Data
Check accuracy
Update Books
Post to accounting

Automatically process incoming invoices from email, extract data using OCR, validate against your records, and post to your accounting system - reducing manual data entry by 90%.

n8n vs Cloud Alternatives

Why self-hosted automation gives you the edge

n8n Advantages

  • Self-hosted - your data never leaves your servers
  • No execution limits or throttling
  • Custom node development for proprietary systems
  • Fair-source license with full code access
  • No vendor lock-in or pricing surprises

Cloud Platform Limitations

  • Your sensitive data processed on third-party servers
  • Monthly fees that scale with usage
  • Rate limits and execution caps
  • Limited customization options
  • Internet dependency for all operations

Ready to Automate with n8n?

Let our experts help you deploy and optimize n8n for your infrastructure

Get Started with n8n

Or explore our Make.com guide for visual automation