n8n is a revolutionary free and open-source fair code project that enables workflow automation. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, you can use n8n to design your unique workflows and integrate different applications to enhance productivity. Here’s a simple guide on how to get started with n8n.

Installation

First things first, you need to install n8n. There are several ways but the most common way is to use npm, which comes with Node.js. If you haven’t installed Node.js, download it from here. Once done, open your terminal and install n8n using the following command:

npm install n8n -g

You can also install it via Docker or use n8n.cloud, the official managed n8n service.

Starting n8n

You can start n8n by running the following command in your terminal:

n8n

This will start the n8n editor UI on your local machine usually accessible under http://localhost:5678.

Creating Your First Workflow

In n8n, workflows are designed in the web-based editor UI. Here are the steps to create your first workflow:

  1. Once you’ve started n8n, go to your web browser and open http://localhost:5678.
  2. Click on the + button at the top right corner to create a new workflow.
  3. On the workflow canvas that appears, you can add nodes, which are individual tasks in your workflow.
  4. Connect these nodes using connections to define the flow of data and actions.

Adding Nodes and Making Connections

Adding nodes and establishing connections is the core step while creating a workflow. Here’s how:

  1. Click the + button on the right side of the screen to open the Node Creator menu.
  2. Search for the app or trigger that you want to integrate into your workflow.
  3. Click on the desired app or trigger to add it as a node.
  4. Drag the handle of each node’s output to another node’s input to make a connection.

n8n already supports a plethora of integrations. Find the right nodes, connect them, and you have your very first automated workflow! Remember to save your workflow before exiting.

Keep in mind that n8n is programmable, meaning you have the flexibility to customize everything. With practice, you can create complex workflows that suit your needs. Happy automating!