Installing n8n on macOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

To install n8n on macOS, the two most effective methods are using npm (Node Package Manager) for a quick and direct setup, or using Docker for a more robust, isolated environment. The npm approach is ideal for beginners or quick testing, while the Docker method is recommended for serious development and replicating a production-like setup. Both methods give you a powerful, self-hosted n8n instance right on your Mac, allowing for complete data privacy and unlimited workflow executions.

Why Bother with a Local n8n Mac Install?

So, n8n has a fantastic Cloud version. It’s managed, secure, and gets you automating in seconds. Why on earth would you want to run it on your own Mac? That’s a great question, and I’ve found a few compelling reasons over the years.

First and foremost: total control and data privacy. When you run n8n locally, your workflows and credentials never leave your machine unless you explicitly send them somewhere. For developers working with sensitive API keys or customer data, this is non-negotiable.

Second, it’s your personal automation playground. You can test new, unreleased versions, develop custom nodes, and push your machine to its limits without worrying about a fair-use policy. Think of it like having your own private workshop versus renting a bench in a shared space. Both are great, but the workshop gives you the freedom to get messy and build whatever you can imagine.

And let’s be honest, the community version is free. It’s the perfect way to learn, experiment, and build powerful automations without a subscription.

Before You Begin: The Prerequisites

Don’t worry, the shopping list is short. To get your n8n Mac install running smoothly, you’ll need:

1. A Mac running macOS Big Sur (11.0) or newer. Most modern Macs will be fine.
2. Homebrew. If you’re a developer on a Mac and don’t have Homebrew, stop what you’re doing and install it. It’s the de-facto package manager and makes life infinitely easier. You can install it by pasting the command from their website into your Terminal.
3. A little comfort with the Terminal app. You don’t need to be a command-line wizard; you’ll mostly be copying and pasting commands.

Method 1: The Quick and Simple npm Install

This is the fastest path from zero to automating. It installs n8n directly onto your system using Node Package Manager (npm), which comes with Node.js. It’s perfect for when you just want to kick the tires.

Step 1: Install Node.js with Homebrew

First, we need Node.js. Pop open your Terminal app and run this simple command:

brew install node

Homebrew will handle everything for you. Easy, right?

Step 2: Install n8n Globally

With Node.js and npm ready, you can now install n8n itself. The -g flag tells npm to install it globally, so you can run it from anywhere.

npm install n8n -g

Step 3: Fire It Up!

This is the moment of truth. Just type n8n into your terminal and press Enter.

n8n

You should see some startup messages. Once it says “Editor is now available on…”, you’re golden! Open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost:5678. Welcome to your new local n8n instance.

Method 2: The Robust and Reliable Docker Install

While the npm method is fast, I personally recommend the Docker approach for any long-term use. Why? Isolation. Docker puts n8n and all its dependencies into a neat little container. It’s like giving n8n its own pre-furnished apartment on your computer; it can’t interfere with your other projects, and you can’t interfere with it.

Step 1: Get Docker Desktop for Mac

First, you need the Docker engine. The easiest way is, you guessed it, Homebrew.

brew install --cask docker

Once it’s installed, find Docker in your Applications folder and run it. You’ll see a little whale icon in your menu bar. Make sure it’s running before you proceed.

Step 2: The Magic Docker Command

This single command will download the n8n image, create a container, and start it up.

docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n n8nio/n8n

Let’s quickly break that down:

• -p 5678:5678: Maps the container’s port 5678 to your Mac’s port 5678.
• -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n: This is CRITICAL. It creates a persistent volume. This means your workflows and credentials are saved in a hidden .n8n folder in your user directory. Without this, you’d lose all your work every time you restarted the container!

Troubleshooting from the Trenches

Let’s be real, things don’t always go perfectly. I once saw a user on the n8n community forums pulling their hair out because they were trying to set up the n8n AI Starter Kit on a Mac Mini, but a key service wasn’t working. The problem? A simple typo in their docker-compose command. It’s a classic mistake!

If you’re using Docker Compose (which is common for more complex setups like the AI kit), make sure you’re running the command from the correct directory where the docker-compose.yml file lives. And double-check the command is docker compose up -d, not something else. It’s these small details that often trip us up.

Which n8n Mac Install Method is for You?

Still not sure which path to take? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

Ultimately, there’s no wrong choice for getting started. Both roads lead to the same awesome automation tool. Running n8n locally on your Mac opens up a world of possibilities, giving you the power and flexibility to build truly custom solutions.

So go ahead, pick your path, and get building. What’s the first workflow you’re going to create?