n8n
Enables users to manage workflows, monitor executions, and perform administrative tasks in n8n through natural language conversations with Claude. It provides over 40 tools to control self-hosted or cloud n8n instances via the Model Context Protocol.
What is n8n?
n8n is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to enables users to manage workflows, monitor executions, and perform administrative tasks in n8n through natural language conversations with claude. it provides over 40 tools to control self-hosted or c...
Enables users to manage workflows, monitor executions, and perform administrative tasks in n8n through natural language conversations with Claude. It provides over 40 tools to control self-hosted or cloud n8n instances via the Model Context Protocol.
This server falls under the Business Applications category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- Enables users to manage workflows, monitor executions, and p
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
NPM
npx -y @leonardsellem/n8n-mcp-serverManual Installation
npx -y @leonardsellem/n8n-mcp-serverConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use n8n
The n8n MCP Server connects Claude directly to your n8n automation platform, exposing over 40 tools that cover workflow creation, activation, deactivation, deletion, and execution management. It works with both self-hosted n8n instances and n8n Cloud, letting you manage the full lifecycle of your automations through natural language. Developers and operations teams use it to trigger workflows, inspect execution logs, and administer their n8n instance without leaving their AI assistant.
Prerequisites
- Node.js 18 or later installed on your system
- A running n8n instance (self-hosted or n8n Cloud) with API access enabled
- An n8n API key (generated under Settings → API in your n8n dashboard)
- The full n8n API URL including the /api/v1 path (e.g. http://localhost:5678/api/v1)
- An MCP client such as Claude Desktop
Generate an n8n API key
Log in to your n8n instance, navigate to Settings → API, and create a new API key. Copy the key immediately — it is only shown once.
Note your n8n API URL
The API URL must include the /api/v1 suffix. For a local instance the default is http://localhost:5678/api/v1. For n8n Cloud it follows the pattern https://<your-subdomain>.app.n8n.cloud/api/v1.
Add the server to your MCP client configuration
Open claude_desktop_config.json (or the equivalent config file for your MCP client) and add the n8n-mcp-server entry with your credentials set as environment variables.
{
"mcpServers": {
"n8n": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@leonardsellem/n8n-mcp-server"],
"env": {
"N8N_API_URL": "http://localhost:5678/api/v1",
"N8N_API_KEY": "your-n8n-api-key-here",
"N8N_WEBHOOK_USERNAME": "optional-webhook-user",
"N8N_WEBHOOK_PASSWORD": "optional-webhook-password"
}
}
}
}Restart your MCP client
Save the config file and restart Claude Desktop (or your chosen MCP client) so it picks up the new server definition.
Verify the connection
Ask Claude to list your workflows. A successful response confirms that the server is connected and authenticating correctly.
n8n Examples
Client configuration
Full JSON block for claude_desktop_config.json showing the n8n MCP server with required environment variables.
{
"mcpServers": {
"n8n": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@leonardsellem/n8n-mcp-server"],
"env": {
"N8N_API_URL": "http://localhost:5678/api/v1",
"N8N_API_KEY": "your-n8n-api-key-here",
"N8N_WEBHOOK_USERNAME": "webhook-user",
"N8N_WEBHOOK_PASSWORD": "webhook-password"
}
}
}
}Prompts to try
Example natural language requests you can send to Claude once the n8n MCP server is running.
- "List all my n8n workflows and tell me which ones are active"
- "Activate the workflow named 'Daily Report Generator'"
- "Show me the last 5 executions of workflow ID 42 and whether they succeeded"
- "Create a new workflow that triggers via webhook and sends a Slack message"
- "Stop the currently running execution with ID 987"Troubleshooting n8n
Authentication error: 401 Unauthorized when calling any tool
Double-check that N8N_API_URL ends with /api/v1 and that N8N_API_KEY matches the key shown in your n8n Settings → API panel. Regenerate the key if you are unsure.
Webhook tools fail even though API tools work
Webhook calls use N8N_WEBHOOK_USERNAME and N8N_WEBHOOK_PASSWORD for Basic Auth. Ensure these match the credentials configured on the Webhook node inside n8n, or leave them empty if the webhook has no auth.
Server not appearing in Claude Desktop after config change
Verify the JSON is valid (no trailing commas, correct nesting). Fully quit and reopen Claude Desktop — using the system tray menu or taskbar, not just closing the window.
Frequently Asked Questions about n8n
What is n8n?
n8n is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables users to manage workflows, monitor executions, and perform administrative tasks in n8n through natural language conversations with claude. it provides over 40 tools to control self-hosted or cloud n8n instances via the model context protocol. It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install n8n?
Install via npm with the command: npx -y @leonardsellem/n8n-mcp-server. Then add the server configuration to your AI client's JSON config file (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json).
Which AI clients work with n8n?
n8n works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is n8n free to use?
Yes, n8n is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
n8n Alternatives — Similar Business Applications Servers
Looking for alternatives to n8n? Here are other popular business applications servers you can use with Claude, Cursor, and VS Code.
n8n
★ 189.1kA comprehensive MCP server that provides full control over n8n automation workflows through natural language. It offers 43 tools for managing workflows, executions, credentials, and data tables, with safety features like write-mode protection and dou
LobeHub
★ 77.5k🤯 LobeHub is your Chief Agent Operator, organizing your agents into 7×24 operations by hiring, scheduling, and reporting on your entire AI team.
Jeecgboot
★ 46.4kAI 低代码平台，「低代码 + 零代码」双模式驱动：低代码一键生成前后端代码，零代码 5 分钟搭建系统，AI Skills 一句话画流程、设计表单、生成整套系统。内置 AI聊天、知识库、流程编排、MCP插件等，兼容主流大模型。引领「AI 生成 → 在线配置 → 代码生成 → 手工合并->AI修改」开发模式，消除 Java 项目 80% 的重复工作，提效而不失灵活。
CowAgent
★ 44.7kCowAgent (chatgpt-on-wechat) 是基于大模型的超级AI助理，能主动思考和任务规划、访问操作系统和外部资源、创造和执行Skills、通过长期记忆和知识库不断成长，比OpenClaw更轻量和便捷。同时支持微信、飞书、钉钉、企微、QQ、公众号、网页等接入，可选择DeepSeek/OpenAI/Claude/Gemini/ MiniMax/Qwen/GLM/LinkAI，能处理文本、语音、图片和文件，可快速搭建个人AI助理和企业数字员工。
Minds Platform
★ 39.2kPlatform dedicated to building an open foundation for applied Artificial Intelligence, designed for people seeking production-ready AI systems they can truly control, extend and deploy anywhere.
Astrbot
★ 32.8kAI Agent Assistant & development framework that integrates lots of IM platforms, LLMs, plugins and AI feature, and can be your openclaw alternative. ✨
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 in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
Ready to use n8n?
Browse our complete directory of 33,000+ MCP servers, read setup guides for your editor, and start building with the Model Context Protocol.