n8n Workflow Builder
AI-powered n8n workflow automation through natural language. MCP server enabling Claude AI & Cursor IDE to create, manage, and monitor workflows via Model Context Protocol. Multi-instance support, 17 tools, comprehensive docs. Build workflows convers
What is n8n Workflow Builder?
n8n Workflow Builder is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to ai-powered n8n workflow automation through natural language. mcp server enabling claude ai & cursor ide to create, manage, and monitor workflows via model context protocol. multi-instance support, 17 ...
AI-powered n8n workflow automation through natural language. MCP server enabling Claude AI & Cursor IDE to create, manage, and monitor workflows via Model Context Protocol. Multi-instance support, 17 tools, comprehensive docs. Build workflows convers
This server falls under the Business Applications category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- AI-powered n8n workflow automation through natural language.
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx mcp-n8n-workflow-builderConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use n8n Workflow Builder
The n8n Workflow Builder MCP Server gives Claude AI and Cursor IDE the ability to create, manage, and monitor n8n workflows through natural language, exposing 17 tools that cover the full n8n API surface: workflow CRUD and activation, execution management with retry support, tag management, and credential schema inspection. It supports multi-instance environments via a named-environment config file, so you can target production, staging, or development n8n instances from a single MCP server. Teams use it to build complex automation pipelines conversationally, without writing n8n JSON by hand or navigating the UI.
Prerequisites
- Node.js v14+ (v18+ recommended) and npm v7+
- A running n8n instance version 1.82.3 or higher with the API enabled
- An n8n API key (generated in your n8n instance under Settings → API)
- The N8N_HOST and N8N_API_KEY environment variables or a .config.json file
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop or Cursor IDE
Install the MCP server package
Install the n8n Workflow Builder MCP server globally via npm.
npm install -g @kernel.salacoste/n8n-workflow-builderGenerate your n8n API key
In your n8n instance, go to Settings → API and create a new API key. Copy the key — it will be used as N8N_API_KEY.
Configure environment variables
Set the required environment variables pointing to your n8n instance.
export N8N_HOST=https://your-n8n-instance.com
export N8N_API_KEY=your-n8n-api-keyOptional: configure multiple n8n instances
Create a .config.json file to manage multiple environments (production, staging, development) with different N8N hosts and API keys.
{
"defaultEnv": "production",
"environments": {
"production": {
"n8n_host": "https://n8n.yourcompany.com",
"n8n_api_key": "prod-api-key"
},
"staging": {
"n8n_host": "https://n8n-staging.yourcompany.com",
"n8n_api_key": "staging-api-key"
}
}
}Add the server to Claude Desktop
Register the MCP server in your Claude Desktop configuration at ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS).
{
"mcpServers": {
"n8n-workflow-builder": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["@kernel.salacoste/n8n-workflow-builder"],
"env": {
"N8N_HOST": "https://your-n8n-instance.com",
"N8N_API_KEY": "your-n8n-api-key"
}
}
}
}Restart Claude Desktop and test
Restart Claude Desktop and ask it to list your existing n8n workflows to confirm the connection is working.
n8n Workflow Builder Examples
Client configuration
Claude Desktop configuration for the n8n Workflow Builder MCP server with API credentials.
{
"mcpServers": {
"n8n-workflow-builder": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["@kernel.salacoste/n8n-workflow-builder"],
"env": {
"N8N_HOST": "https://your-n8n-instance.com",
"N8N_API_KEY": "your-n8n-api-key"
}
}
}
}Prompts to try
Natural language prompts to build and manage n8n workflows through Claude.
- "Create a webhook workflow that validates incoming customer emails and sends a Slack notification with the customer's name and query."
- "List all active workflows in my n8n instance that haven't been executed in the last 7 days."
- "Activate the 'Daily Report' workflow and trigger a manual execution, then show me the execution status."Troubleshooting n8n Workflow Builder
Authentication error: 401 Unauthorized from n8n API
Verify N8N_API_KEY is correct and was generated in your n8n instance under Settings → API. Also confirm N8N_HOST points to the correct URL including the protocol (https://).
n8n API version incompatibility error
The MCP server requires n8n version 1.82.3 or higher. Run 'n8n --version' or check your n8n instance admin panel to confirm the version, and upgrade if necessary.
Workflow creation fails with a node type unknown error
Ensure the node types you reference in workflow definitions are installed in your n8n instance. Use list_workflows first to check existing workflow structures and node types for reference.
Frequently Asked Questions about n8n Workflow Builder
What is n8n Workflow Builder?
n8n Workflow Builder is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that ai-powered n8n workflow automation through natural language. mcp server enabling claude ai & cursor ide to create, manage, and monitor workflows via model context protocol. multi-instance support, 17 tools, comprehensive docs. build workflows convers It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install n8n Workflow Builder?
Follow the installation instructions on the n8n Workflow Builder GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with n8n Workflow Builder?
n8n Workflow Builder works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is n8n Workflow Builder free to use?
Yes, n8n Workflow Builder is open source and available under the MIT license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
n8n Workflow Builder Alternatives — Similar Business Applications Servers
Looking for alternatives to n8n Workflow Builder? Here are other popular business applications servers you can use with Claude, Cursor, and VS Code.
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Browse More Business Applications MCP Servers
Explore all business applications servers available in the MCPgee directory. Each server includes setup guides for Claude, Cursor, and VS Code.
Set Up n8n Workflow Builder in Your Editor
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Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
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