To set up n8n locally, you have two main beginner-friendly options: using npm (Node Package Manager) for a direct and quick installation, or using Docker for a self-contained, isolated environment. The npm method is the fastest way to get started, requiring you to install Node.js and then run a single command (npm install n8n -g). The Docker method involves installing Docker Desktop and running a command that pulls the official n8n image, which is great for ensuring your setup is clean and easily portable. Both methods give you a powerful, free automation environment for development and testing on your own machine.
Why Bother with a Local n8n Setup?
So, you’ve discovered the magic of n8n, but you see there’s a Cloud version and this whole “self-hosting” thing. Why would you want to run it on your own computer? It’s a great question, and honestly, setting up n8n locally was a game-changer for me when I was first learning.
Let’s be honest, the biggest draws are control and cost. When you run n8n locally, it’s completely free. You can build, test, and run as many workflows as your computer’s heart desires without worrying about execution limits or subscription tiers. It’s the perfect sandbox.
Here are the key benefits:
- Total Privacy: Your workflows, your credentials, your data—it all lives and breathes right on your machine. Nothing is sent to a third-party server unless your workflow explicitly does so.
- Cost-Free Development: Want to experiment with a wild idea at 2 AM? Go for it. A local setup is your personal, no-cost automation playground.
- Offline Capability: While many workflows need the internet to connect to APIs, you can build and structure the logic of your workflows entirely offline. Perfect for a long flight or a spotty Wi-Fi day.
- Ultimate Control: You control the version, the configuration, and the entire environment. It’s all yours.
Now, is it a replacement for n8n Cloud? Not always. The Cloud version is managed, updated, and secured for you, which is fantastic for production workflows you rely on. Think of the local setup as your development studio and the cloud as your public gallery.
Before You Begin: The Pre-flight Check
Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in computer science. All you need is:
- A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux will do).
- A little bit of comfort with your computer’s command line or terminal. If you’ve never used it, don’t sweat it! We’re mostly just copying and pasting.
- The right tool for the job:
- For Method 1, you’ll need Node.js.
- For Method 2, you’ll need Docker Desktop.
That’s it. Let’s dive in.
Method 1: The “Just Get Me Started” npm Approach
This is the fastest, most direct way to get n8n running. If you’re new to this, start here. It’s like making instant noodles—quick, easy, and surprisingly satisfying.
Step 1: Install Node.js
n8n is built on Node.js, so you need it to run. If you don’t have it, just head over to the official Node.js website, download the “LTS” (Long-Term Support) version for your operating system, and run the installer. Just click “Next” through the prompts; the default settings are perfect.
Step 2: Install n8n with a Single Command
Open your terminal (on Mac/Linux) or Command Prompt/PowerShell (on Windows) and type this magical command:
npm install n8n -g
Hit Enter. This tells npm (which came with Node.js) to install n8n globally on your system, so you can run it from anywhere.
Step 3: Fire It Up!
Once the installation is done, just type this into the same terminal window:
n8n
You’ll see some text appear, and then a line that says something like Editor is now available on http://localhost:5678.
Congratulations! You did it. Open that URL in your web browser, and you’ll be greeted by the n8n canvas, ready for you to build your first workflow.
Method 2: The “Future-Proof” Docker Setup
Okay, so what’s Docker? Think of it as a lunchbox. You can put your entire application (the sandwich, the apple, the juice box) inside it. This lunchbox keeps it separate from everything else in the fridge and ensures it’s the exact same every time you open it. This method is cleaner and a great stepping stone if you ever decide to host n8n on a server.
Step 1: Get Docker Desktop
Head to the official Docker website and download Docker Desktop for your system. The installation is straightforward. Once it’s installed and running, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: The Magic Docker Command
Open your terminal or command prompt and run this command:
docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n n8nio/n8n
Whoa, that looks complicated, right? It’s not so bad when you break it down.
| Command Part | What it Means (in plain English) |
|---|---|
docker run |
“Hey Docker, please run a new container for me.” |
-it --rm |
“Run it in interactive mode and automatically remove it when I stop, keeping things tidy.” |
--name n8n |
“Let’s call this container ‘n8n’ so it’s easy to find.” |
-p 5678:5678 |
“Connect my computer’s port 5678 to the container’s port 5678 so I can access it.” |
-v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n |
(This is super important!) “Create a link between a folder on my computer (~/.n8n) and the folder inside the container where n8n saves its data. This way, my workflows are saved even if I stop the container!” |
n8nio/n8n |
“Use the official n8n image from the Docker Hub registry.” |
Docker will now download the n8n image (if you don’t have it) and start it up.
Step 3: Access Your n8n Instance
Just like with the npm method, you’ll see a URL in your terminal. Simply open http://localhost:5678 in your browser, and you’re in business.
So, npm or Docker? Which is Right for You?
Still on the fence? Here’s a quick rundown.
- Choose the npm method if: You’re a beginner, you want the absolute fastest setup, and you’re not planning to move to a production server anytime soon.
- Choose the Docker method if: You like keeping things clean and isolated, you’re comfortable with a slightly more advanced command, or you see yourself self-hosting on a server (like DigitalOcean or AWS) in the future. The skills you learn here will transfer directly.
Ultimately, there’s no wrong choice for getting started. My advice? Just pick one and jump in. The magic of automation awaits, and now, it’s running right from your own desktop.
