"How to Install n8n Locally | Step-by-Step Setup Guide (2025)"

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing n8n locally on your computer using Docker. Whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Linux, this step-by-step setup will enable you to run n8n for building automation workflows directly on your machine. n8n is an open-source alternative to automation tools like Zapier, making it a powerful option for self-hosted automation.

Step 1: Download and Install Docker Desktop

To start using n8n, the first step is to download and install Docker Desktop. Docker is essential for running n8n in a containerized environment.

1. Go to the Docker Hub website.
2. Select the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
3. Follow the installation instructions specific to your OS:
   • For Windows:
     • Run the installer and follow the prompts.
     • Ensure that WSL 2 is enabled for better performance.
   • For Mac:
     • Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag Docker to your Applications folder.
   • For Linux:
     • Follow the instructions for your distribution, usually involving commands in the terminal.
4. After installation, launch Docker Desktop and complete any initial setup.

Tip: Ensure that Docker is running before proceeding to the next step. You can verify this by checking the Docker icon in your system tray.

Step 2: Pull the n8n Docker Image

Once Docker is set up, the next step is to pull the n8n image from Docker Hub.

1. Open your command line interface (Terminal on Mac/Linux or Command Prompt/PowerShell on Windows).

2. Run the following command to pull the latest n8n image:

   docker pull n8n
   

3. Wait for the download to complete. This command retrieves the n8n image, which contains all the necessary files to run n8n locally.

Common Pitfall: Ensure you have a stable internet connection during this step to avoid interruptions while downloading the image.

Step 3: Run n8n Locally

Now that you have the n8n image, the next step is to run it on your local machine.

1. In your command line interface, execute the following command to start n8n:

   docker run -d -p 5678:5678 n8n
   

   • The -d option runs the container in detached mode.
   • The -p 5678:5678 option maps port 5678 of the container to port 5678 on your local machine.

2. Wait a few moments for n8n to initialize.

Tip: If you want to persist your data, consider using Docker volumes. This allows you to save your workflows and settings.

Step 4: Access n8n in Your Browser

After starting n8n, you can access it through your web browser.

1. Open your web browser.

2. Go to the following URL:

   http://localhost:5678
   

3. You should see the n8n interface, where you can start creating and managing your automation workflows.

Real-World Application: Start by exploring the pre-built workflows available in n8n or create your own to automate tasks between different applications.

Conclusion

You have successfully installed n8n locally using Docker. Now you can build automation workflows on your machine. Remember to explore n8n's documentation for advanced features and capabilities. Happy automating!

Next Steps

• Experiment with different integrations available in n8n.
• Consider setting up a persistent data storage solution using Docker volumes.
• Join the n8n community for support and ideas on maximizing your automation capabilities.