Using n8n locally means installing and running the entire automation platform directly on your own computer, whether it’s a Windows PC, Mac, or Linux machine. This creates a free, private, and powerful environment perfect for learning, developing, and testing workflows without needing a cloud subscription. The two most common ways for a beginner to get started are by downloading the user-friendly n8n Desktop app for a simple one-click installation, or by using a single command-line instruction with npm (Node Package Manager). Both methods give you full access to n8n’s features, allowing you to build complex automations right from your desk.
Why Would You Want to Use n8n Locally?
So, you’ve heard about the magic of n8n, but you see options for Cloud, Self-Hosted, and this mysterious “local” setup. Why would you choose to run it on your own machine? It’s a fair question, especially when the cloud seems to be where everything is heading.
Let’s be honest, running n8n locally isn’t for every situation, but it’s an absolutely fantastic starting point. Think of it like learning to cook. You don’t start by catering a 200-person wedding (that’s the production server). You start in your own kitchen (your local machine), where you can experiment, make a mess, and figure out how things work without any pressure or major consequences.
Here are the biggest perks of a local n8n setup:
- It’s 100% Free: No subscriptions, no credit cards, no trials. You can use the full power of the n8n community edition for as long as you want.
- Ultimate Data Privacy: Since everything runs on your computer, your data and credentials never leave your machine. This is a huge plus for sensitive information or for companies with strict data policies.
- Perfect for Learning & Development: It’s a sandbox. You can build, break, and fix workflows without affecting any live processes. I personally keep a local instance running just for tinkering with new ideas.
- Access to Local Resources: This is a killer feature. Need to automate tasks with files on your computer? Want to connect to a database running on your home network? A local n8n instance can do that effortlessly, something the cloud version can’t do without complex workarounds.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The main drawback is that your computer must be turned on and connected to the internet for your workflows to run. This makes it unsuitable for critical, time-sensitive automations that need 24/7 reliability.
Getting Started: The Two Easiest Paths
Ready to jump in? Forget the complicated server guides for a moment. For a beginner, there are two wonderfully simple ways to get a local n8n instance up and running in minutes.
Method 1: The n8n Desktop App (The Easiest Route)
If you’re new to the command line or just want the quickest, most straightforward setup, the n8n Desktop app is your best friend. It bundles everything you need into a standard application you can install just like any other software.
- Navigate to the n8n website and find the download section.
- Choose the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Download and run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Launch the n8n app.
That’s it. Seriously. You now have a fully functional n8n instance running locally. You can start building workflows immediately.
Method 2: Using the Command Line with npm (For the Adventurous)
Okay, the words “command line” can be intimidating, but I promise this is incredibly simple. It’s like following a two-step recipe. This method is great if you’re comfortable opening a terminal and want a setup that’s separate from a dedicated app.
First, you need Node.js installed, as it includes npm (Node Package Manager). Think of npm as an app store for developers. You can get Node.js from their official website.
Once Node.js is installed:
- Open your terminal (on Mac/Linux) or Command Prompt/PowerShell (on Windows).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
npm install n8n -g
(The-gflag just means it’s installed “globally” on your system, so you can run it from anywhere.) - Once the installation is complete, simply type this command to start n8n:
n8n
You’ll see some text appear in your terminal, and it will tell you that n8n is running and accessible at http://localhost:5678. Just open that address in your web browser, and you’re in!
A small catch: With this method, you need to keep the terminal window open. If you close it, the n8n server will stop. The Desktop App handles this for you in the background, which is why it’s often easier for beginners.
Local vs. Cloud: When Should You Switch?
Starting locally is smart, but at some point, you might need more. I tell my clients to think about their workflow’s job. Is it a hobbyist project, or is it a critical business function?
| Feature | n8n Running Locally | n8n Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (Community Edition) | Paid Subscription |
| Setup | Easy (Desktop App) to Moderate (npm) | Easiest (Instant) |
| Maintenance | You manage it | Fully managed by n8n |
| Uptime | Only when your PC is on | 24/7, high reliability |
| Data Privacy | Stays on your machine | Managed securely by n8n |
| Best For | Learning, testing, dev, personal tasks, local file access | Production workflows, collaboration, business-critical tasks |
My rule of thumb is simple: develop locally, deploy to the cloud. Once you’ve built and tested a workflow that needs to run reliably—like processing customer orders or sending daily reports—it’s time to move it to a production environment like n8n Cloud.
Real-World Example: Taming Your Screenshot Folder
Let’s see the power of a local instance in action. I take a lot of screenshots, and my desktop gets cluttered. Here’s a simple workflow you can build locally:
Goal: Every hour, check a specific folder on my computer for new images. If a new image exists, upload it to a dedicated Google Drive folder, and then move the original file to a local “_Archived” folder to keep my desktop clean.
This is a perfect local use case because it involves the Local File Trigger node, which physically needs access to your computer’s file system.
Here’s how the workflow would look:
- Local File Trigger Node: Set it to run on a schedule (e.g., every hour) and monitor your screenshots folder for
.pngor.jpgfiles. - Google Drive Node: Connect your Google account. Set the operation to “Upload” and use the data from the trigger node to upload the file.
- Move File Node: This is another local file system node. Set it to take the file from the trigger step and move it to a different folder on your computer, like
C:\Users\YourUser\Desktop\_Archived_Screenshots.
Activate this workflow, and you’ve just automated a cleanup task on your own machine for free. It’s a small win, but it perfectly illustrates the unique strengths of using n8n locally.
So go ahead, download the app, and start building. Your automation journey begins right at your own desk.
