To download n8n, you first need to decide on your hosting method, as there isn’t a single universal installer. Your main options are the hassle-free n8n Cloud (a SaaS platform with no download needed), the powerful self-hosted version (installed via Docker, npm, or from the GitHub source for full control), or the convenient n8n Desktop application for local development. Each path offers distinct advantages in terms of setup, control, and scalability, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your technical skills and project requirements.
The First Big Decision: Cloud or Self-Hosted?
So, you’re ready to dive into the incredible world of n8n automation. That’s fantastic! Before you start connecting APIs and building workflows, you’ll face your first major choice. It’s a fundamental one that shapes your entire experience: Will you use n8n in the cloud, or will you host it yourself?
Think of it like this: Do you want to rent a sleek, fully-furnished apartment where all the maintenance is handled for you (n8n Cloud)? Or do you want to buy a plot of land and build your own custom dream house, with every detail under your control (Self-Hosted)?
There’s no single right answer; it completely depends on your needs, your team’s technical comfort level, and your organization’s policies. Let’s be honest about this—what’s perfect for a solo entrepreneur testing an idea is vastly different from what a large enterprise with strict data compliance needs.
Option 1: n8n Cloud – The Fast Lane to Automation
n8n Cloud is the managed, software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering from the n8n team. This is, by far, the quickest and easiest way to get up and running. There’s literally nothing to “download n8n” in the traditional sense.
How to get it: You simply go to the n8n website, click “Get Started,” and sign up for an account. Within minutes, you’ll have a fully functional n8n instance ready for your workflows.
Who is this for?
- Beginners: If you’re new to n8n or workflow automation, this is your ideal starting point.
- Teams without DevOps: Don’t have a dedicated IT team to manage servers, updates, and security? The cloud version handles all of that for you.
- Rapid Prototyping: Anyone who wants to test ideas and build workflows immediately without worrying about infrastructure.
The beauty of the cloud version is its simplicity. Updates are applied automatically, security is managed by the experts, and you can focus 100% of your energy on what matters: building powerful automations.
Option 2: Self-Hosting – The Power User’s Playground
Now, here’s where it gets interesting for the more technically inclined. Self-hosting means you run n8n on your own infrastructure. This could be a server in your office, a virtual machine on AWS or DigitalOcean, or even a Raspberry Pi at home (I’ve seen it done!). This is the path you take when you truly want to download n8n and make it your own.
Why would you go through the extra effort? Control. Pure and simple.
- Data Sovereignty: Your data never leaves your infrastructure. This is non-negotiable for industries like healthcare, finance, or government.
- Cost at Scale: For very high-volume usage, self-hosting can become more cost-effective than a consumption-based cloud plan.
- Full Customization: You can configure environment variables, install custom community nodes without restrictions, and integrate with internal, air-gapped systems.
How to Download and Install a Self-Hosted n8n Instance
There are a few ways to get the code, but one is highly recommended for production.
1. The Docker Method (Highly Recommended):
This is the gold standard for self-hosting n8n. Docker containers package the application and all its dependencies, ensuring it runs consistently everywhere. To get started, you just need Docker installed on your machine or server. Then, run this simple command:
docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n
This one-liner pulls the official n8n image, starts a container named n8n, maps port 5678 to your machine, and creates a persistent volume to store your workflows and credentials. It’s the cleanest way to get a stable instance running. For serious production use, you’ll want to use docker-compose to manage n8n alongside a dedicated database like PostgreSQL.
2. The npm / npx Method:
If you have Node.js on your system, you can take n8n for a quick spin with a single command:
npx n8n
This is fantastic for a temporary test drive on your local computer. It downloads and runs the latest version without a permanent installation. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for a permanent or production setup due to its less robust nature compared to Docker.
Option 3: n8n Desktop – Your Personal Automation Sandbox
Did you know there’s also a desktop app? It’s a lesser-known but super handy option for specific use cases. It’s a downloadable application for Windows, macOS, and Linux that you can find on the official n8n GitHub releases page.
What’s it good for?
- Local Development: Build and test your workflows locally before deploying them to a production cloud or self-hosted instance.
- Personal Tasks: Automate things on your own computer, like file organization or desktop notifications.
The main drawback is that it only runs when your computer is on and the app is open, so it’s not suitable for workflows that need to run 24/7.
Choosing Your Path: A Quick Comparison
Still unsure? This table might help clear things up.
| Feature | n8n Cloud | Self-Hosted (Docker) | n8n Desktop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Beginners, non-technical teams, rapid setup | Power users, teams with strict data policies | Local development, personal automation |
| Setup Effort | None | Medium (requires server/Docker knowledge) | Low (simple install) |
| Control | Low | Total | Medium (local control) |
| Maintenance | Handled by n8n | Your responsibility | Your responsibility |
| Scalability | High (managed) | Very High (depends on your infra) | Low (limited to your PC) |
My Expert Advice
As someone who lives and breathes n8n, here’s my advice: Start with n8n Cloud. The free tier is generous and lets you explore the platform’s full power without any commitment or technical overhead. You’ll quickly figure out if it’s the right tool for you.
If you then discover a need for absolute data control or deep customization, the transition to a self-hosted instance is smooth. You can easily download your workflows from the cloud and import them into your new setup. This approach gives you the best of both worlds: a fast, easy start and a clear path to scale with full control when you need it.
