An n8n local installation allows you to run the powerful workflow automation tool directly on your own computer, whether it’s a Windows, macOS, or Linux machine. This self-hosted approach is perfect for developers testing custom nodes, users who need absolute data privacy, or anyone wanting to explore the full capabilities of n8n’s Community Edition for free. The two primary methods for getting started are using Docker, which packages n8n into a clean, isolated environment, or npm (Node Package Manager), a direct installation ideal for those familiar with the Node.js ecosystem. This guide will walk you through both paths, making the process accessible even if you’re not a command-line guru.
Why Bother with a Local n8n Installation?
In a world of cloud-everything, you might be wondering, “Why would I run n8n on my own machine when n8n.cloud exists?” It’s a fair question. While the cloud version is fantastic for its ease of use and managed infrastructure, a local installation offers a unique set of superpowers. I often compare it to renting an apartment versus owning a house. Renting (n8n.cloud) is convenient and someone else handles maintenance, but owning (local install) gives you ultimate control and freedom.
Here’s why you might choose to become a homeowner in the n8n neighborhood:
- Total Data Sovereignty: When you run n8n locally, your workflows, credentials, and execution data never leave your machine. For businesses handling sensitive customer data or operating under strict regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, this isn’t just a feature; it’s a necessity.
- The Ultimate Sandbox: Are you a developer building a custom node? A local installation is your playground. You can test your node against other local services (like a database on your machine) and iterate at lightning speed without any public exposure.
- Cost-Effective Power: The n8n Community Edition is free. By hosting it yourself, you get access to a massive library of nodes and powerful features without a monthly subscription. Your only cost is the electricity to run your computer.
- No Platform-Imposed Limits: You’re not constrained by execution limits or workflow counts found in tiered plans. Your only boundaries are the power of your own hardware and the rate limits of the APIs you’re connecting to.
Before You Start: A Quick Reality Check
Let’s be honest about this: while it’s not rocket science, an n8n local installation isn’t a typical one-click process like installing Spotify. It requires a little bit of comfort with your computer’s command line or terminal. Think of it as learning to assemble your own high-end PC instead of buying one off the shelf—it’s more rewarding and gives you more power.
Here’s what you should have ready:
- A Terminal/Command Line: This is the text-based interface for your computer. On macOS and Linux, it’s called Terminal. On Windows, PowerShell is your best bet.
- Prerequisites for your chosen method:
- For the Docker method: You’ll need to have Docker Desktop installed.
- For the npm method: You’ll need Node.js (which includes npm) installed. We recommend the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) version.
The Two Paths to Local Installation: Docker vs. npm
So, you’re ready to dive in. You have two main options for your n8n local installation. Docker is the most recommended path for the majority of users due to its consistency and isolation. It’s like a neat little package that just works, anywhere.
| Feature | Docker Method (Recommended) | npm Method |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | Runs n8n in an isolated, self-contained “container.” | Installs n8n directly into your system’s Node.js environment. |
| Best For | Most users, beginners, and those wanting a clean, predictable setup. | Node.js developers, users who can’t use Docker, custom node devs. |
| Isolation | Excellent. Won’t interfere with other software on your machine. | Limited. Can have conflicts with other globally installed packages. |
| Setup | Install Docker, run one command in the terminal. | Install Node.js/npm, run one command in the terminal. |
Path 1: The Docker Method (Your Cleanest Bet)
What is Docker, Anyway?
Imagine you’re packing a lunch for a picky eater. You use a bento box. The sandwich goes in one compartment, the fruit in another, and the crackers in a third. Nothing touches, nothing gets soggy. Docker is the bento box for applications. It packages n8n and all its dependencies (the sandwich, fruit, and crackers) into a self-contained unit called a container. This means it runs the same way on your Mac as it does on your co-worker’s Windows machine, and it won’t mess with any other software you have installed.
Step-by-Step Docker Installation
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Install Docker Desktop for your operating system from the official Docker website.
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Once installed, open your terminal (macOS/Linux) or PowerShell (Windows).
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Copy and paste this single command into your terminal and hit Enter:
docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n n8nio/n8n
Let’s quickly break that down: docker run tells Docker to run a container. The -p 5678:5678 part connects your computer’s port 5678 to the n8n container’s port, making it accessible. The most important part is -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n. This links a folder on your computer (~/.n8n) to the data folder inside the container, which ensures your workflows and credentials are saved even after you stop the container.
- That’s it! Open your web browser and navigate to
http://localhost:5678. You’ll be greeted by the n8n canvas, ready for you to start building.
Path 2: The npm Method (For the Node.js Crowd)
If you’re already working with Node.js or you’d rather not install Docker, the npm method is a direct and effective alternative.
Step-by-Step npm Installation
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Install Node.js. If you don’t have it, grab the LTS version from the official Node.js website. This will also install npm.
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Open your terminal or PowerShell.
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Run this command:
npm install n8n -g
The -g flag tells npm to install n8n globally, so you can run it from anywhere on your system.
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To start the application, simply type the following command and press Enter:
n8n -
Just like with Docker, you can now access your local n8n instance at
http://localhost:5678.
Real-World Use Case: Local-First Development
I recently had to build a workflow to sync data from our company’s internal CRM to a reporting spreadsheet. The problem? The CRM had a custom-built API that wasn’t accessible from the public internet. n8n.cloud couldn’t reach it.
This is where an n8n local installation became my hero. I used the npm method to get n8n running on my laptop. This allowed my workflow to directly call the internal API at its local network address (http://192.168.1.50/api/...). The workflow would trigger, pull the data, and then use the Google Sheets node to update our reports. The entire process ran securely within our office network, with sensitive data never touching the outside world. It was the perfect blend of security and automation power.
Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
- “Port 5678 is already in use!”: This means another application is using that port. With Docker, you can easily fix this by changing the port mapping. For example, use
-p 8080:5678to map it to your computer’s port 8080. You’d then access n8n athttp://localhost:8080. - “My workflows disappeared after I restarted!”: You almost certainly forgot the
-v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8nvolume mount in your Docker command. Without it, the container is ephemeral, and all data is lost when it stops. Always use a volume to persist your data! - Permission Errors (Linux): You may need to run Docker commands with
sudoor add your user to thedockergroup to avoid permission issues.
By choosing a local installation, you’re not just using a tool; you’re taking full command of your automation environment. It’s a small step in setup for a giant leap in power, privacy, and flexibility.
