To start n8n, you first need to decide on a hosting method that fits your needs. The primary options are running it locally using npm for quick tests and development, deploying it with Docker for a more robust and portable self-hosted setup, or using a managed service like n8n Cloud for maximum convenience and reliability. Each path offers a different balance of control, cost, scalability, and technical maintenance, allowing you to choose the perfect starting point for your automation journey, from simple personal workflows to complex business-critical processes.
Your n8n Setup: Why This First Step Matters
So, you’ve discovered the incredible power of n8n. You’ve seen the workflows, dreamed of the possibilities, and now you’re ready to dive in. But then you hit the first fork in the road: How do I actually start n8n? It’s a common question, and I’ve seen it trip up even enthusiastic beginners. I remember reading a community forum post from a designer who was blown away by n8n but felt intimidated by the setup process—words like ‘Docker’ and ‘self-hosting’ sounded like a different language.
Let’s be honest about this: he was right to be cautious. The way you choose to run n8n will define your experience. It’s a classic trade-off between convenience, control, and cost. Do you want the easiest path, or do you want full control? Are you just testing the waters, or are you building an automation empire? Let’s break down the options so you can make the right choice for you.
The Main Ways to Start n8n: A Quick Comparison
Sometimes a simple table says it all. Here’s a high-level look at your options.
| Method | Best For | Ease of Use | Cost | Control & Customization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local (npm/npx) | Beginners, testing, developing custom nodes. | ★★★★★ (Easiest) | Free | Limited (tied to your machine) |
| Docker | Power users, serious hobbyists, production self-hosting. | ★★★☆☆ (Requires some setup) | Free (software only) | ★★★★★ (Full Control) |
| n8n Cloud | Businesses, non-technical users, mission-critical workflows. | ★★★★★ (Easiest) | Subscription-based | ★★★☆☆ (Managed Environment) |
Option 1: The Local Start with npm
This is the fastest way to get from zero to automating. Think of it like opening an app on your computer. It’s there when you need it, and it’s gone when you close it.
Who Is This For?
If you’re brand new to n8n and just want to kick the tires without any commitment, this is your method. It’s also what I use when I’m developing a new custom node and need to test it in a clean environment quickly.
Getting Started: A Simple Command
The quickest way to do this is with npx, a tool that comes with Node.js. It lets you run a package without permanently installing it. Just open your terminal or command prompt and type:
npx n8n
That’s it! After a few moments, n8n will be running. Your browser might even open automatically to the editor. If not, just navigate to http://localhost:5678. You’re now running n8n directly on your machine.
The Caveats (Because There Are Always Caveats)
This method is fantastic for a test drive, but it’s not a permanent solution. Once you close that terminal window or shut down your computer, n8n stops. Your workflows are saved to a hidden folder on your machine (~/.n8n), so they’ll be there when you start it again, but it’s not suitable for workflows that need to run 24/7 (like those with webhooks or schedules).
Option 2: The Power User’s Choice – Docker
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Once you’re ready for a more permanent, stable setup, Docker is the way to go. It has become the gold standard for self-hosting applications, including n8n.
What the Heck is Docker, Anyway?
Don’t let the term intimidate you. Here’s the simplest analogy: Docker is like a pre-packaged lunchbox for an application. It contains n8n, all its dependencies, and the exact environment it needs to run perfectly. This lunchbox can be run on your Mac, your Windows PC, or a server in the cloud, and it will behave the exact same way everywhere. No more “but it worked on my machine!” headaches.
How to Start n8n with Docker
Once you have Docker Desktop installed, you can start n8n with a single command. This one is a bit longer, but it gives you a crucial feature: persistence.
docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n n8nio/n8n
Let’s quickly translate that:
-p 5678:5678: This connects your computer’s port 5678 to the n8n container’s port 5678, so you can access it in your browser.-v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n: This is the magic part. It links a folder on your computer (~/.n8n) to the folder inside the container where n8n stores its data. This means your workflows and credentials are saved outside the container, so they’ll survive even if you stop and restart it.
Option 3: Taking n8n to the Cloud
For automations that need to be always-on, the cloud is your destination. Here, you have two main choices: the easy way or the powerful (but more complex) way.
The “Easy Button”: n8n Cloud
If you want all the power of n8n without any of the headaches of server maintenance, security updates, or scaling, n8n Cloud is the answer. It’s the official managed service. You sign up, you get an instance, and you start building. The n8n team handles all the backend stuff. It’s a subscription service, but you’re paying for peace of mind and reliability—a must for any business using n8n for critical operations.
The DIY Cloud: Self-Hosting on a VPS (A Real-World Example)
This is the path for those who want ultimate control. It involves renting a Virtual Private Server (VPS) from a provider like DigitalOcean, Hetzner, or AWS and installing n8n yourself using Docker. This is where the true power of self-hosting shines, but it also comes with responsibility.
As the founder of n8n wisely mentioned in that community forum thread, setting it up is often the easy part. Maintaining it, securing it, and updating it long-term requires some technical skill. But if you’re up for it, the reward is a powerful, fully-customized automation engine at a potentially lower cost.
Here’s the professional approach:
- Get a Server: Spin up a small VPS (2GB RAM is a good start) with a provider of your choice.
- Point a Domain: Create a subdomain, like
n8n.yourdomain.com, and point it to your server’s IP address. - Use Docker Compose: This tool lets you define your entire application setup in a simple text file. You create a
docker-compose.ymlfile that tells Docker to start n8n, handle networking, and even set up a companion container to manage SSL certificates for you automatically. - Configure with Environment Variables: You’ll create a
.envfile to store your configuration, like your domain name and timezone, keeping your settings separate from the main configuration.
This setup gives you a production-ready, secure n8n instance that you have complete control over.
So, Which Path Should You Choose?
Choosing how to start n8n is the first step in your automation journey. There’s no single ‘best’ way—only the best way for you.
- Total Beginner? Start with
npx n8non your local machine. Play, experiment, and learn without any pressure. - Serious Hobbyist or Power User? Graduate to a Docker setup. Run it on your main computer or a cheap VPS for always-on workflows.
- Running a Business? Your time is valuable. Seriously consider n8n Cloud. The managed service lets you focus on building automations, not managing servers. If you have a dedicated DevOps team, a self-hosted Docker Compose setup on a robust cloud provider is a fantastic, scalable alternative.
No matter which path you choose, you’re unlocking a world of potential. The first step is just a command away.
