n8n

What is n8n?

n8n is a low-code workflow automation platform designed for technical teams. Users can connect triggers, applications, databases, HTTP interfaces, JavaScript/Python code, and AI components through nodes to create processes that range from simple data synchronization to complex Agent systems.

Unlike platforms that charge per step, the n8n business packages are billed based on the complete execution of a workflow from start to finish; such workflows can contain an unlimited number of steps. It offers an officially hosted Cloud version, a free self-hosted Community Edition, as well as paid self-hosted Business and Enterprise versions.

Core functions

• Visual workflow:Use nodes, branches, loops, merges, sub-workflows, error handling, and data mapping to orchestrate business processes, and view the inputs and outputs of each node.
• Integration and development tools:It supports hundreds of official and community nodes, HTTP/GraphQL, Webhooks, cURL import, APIs, and CLI; custom nodes can also be developed.
• AI Agents and Chains:Connect OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, local models, vector databases, Memory, and Tools to create an Agent that can retrieve information, make decisions, and carry out actions.
• RAG and document processing:Load files and data sources, split text, generate Embeddings and store them in a vector database, which can then be retrieved during conversations or workflows.
• MCP capabilities:It can be used as a tool for calling MCP clients, and it also provides workflow capabilities to external AI systems; it is necessary to manage the credentials and define the scope of execution.
• Code and manual approval:Complex logic is handled by JS/Python nodes, while Human-in-the-loop approval is incorporated in sensitive Agent steps.
• Execution and debugging:Save runtime data, retry failed tasks, pin test data, search history, and configure Error Workflow.
• Expansion and governance:Queue mode, Workers, multiple environments, Git version control, SSO, external Secrets, log streams, and auditing are designed for production and enterprise deployments.

Price

A single trigger may result in multiple executions for each input item or loop, and attempts to retry after failure, sub-workflows, as well as frequent Webhooks also affect usage. AI Assistant points are used to provide build assistance within the editor; they are not equivalent to model tokens within workflows.

The vendor of the model still charges for invoking external models within a workflow.

Before making a purchase, it is necessary to conduct stress testing based on the actual volume of events, rather than relying solely on estimates based on the number of processes.

The boundary between licenses and “open source”

The source code of the n8n main repository is available publicly, but it is licensed under a Sustainable Use License; the developers explicitly do not consider it to be open-source software as defined by OSI. This license permits free use for personal purposes and for internal automation tasks, but it restricts the use of n8n as a commercial hosting service, or for providing its functions to customers or in certain embedded applications.

When providing operational management services for customers, or when integrating end-client credentials into one’s own products or resale platforms, n8n Embed or a commercial license may be required.

Community Edition can be hosted internally at no cost, but it lacks certain features such as SSO, environment management, Git support, project roles, external secrets, and enterprise governance. By registering for Community Edition, a limited number of additional functions can be unlocked free of charge.

Business and Enterprise enable commercial capabilities through License Keys.

n8n Usage Guide

Complete a basic task.

1. In n8n, specify the trigger conditions, input data, and the final action;
2. Connect to the required application using a test account and grant only the minimum necessary permissions;
3. Configure visual workflows as well as integration and development tools to map fields one by one;
4. Add branch handling, failure management, retry options, and manual approval;
5. Run with a small amount of test data and check the output at each step;
6. Enable the official process only after confirming that there are no duplicate writes or abnormal charges.

Create reusable professional workflows

1. Choose business processes with a high frequency of repetition and clear rules;
2. Draw the paths for triggering, decision-making, execution, and rollback;
3. Break down visual workflow, integration and development tools, as well as AI Agents and Chains, into reusable modules;
4. Set log settings, budgets, timeout values, and permission limits;
5. Assign a responsible person to randomly check the results and handle the failed queues;
6. Review application permissions, business rules, and actual costs on a monthly basis;

Which users are it suitable for

• Developers who need APIs, Webhooks, code, and automation for complex data processing
• Technical teams that wish to integrate AI Agents with deterministic business processes
• Internal automated organization of local databases and models is required.
• Enterprises that require SSO, multiple environments, Git, and scalable deployment

Security and Operations

For self-hosting, it is necessary to set up encryption keys, a database, HTTPS, a reverse proxy, user permissions, as well as mechanisms for backup and upgrading. The default settings of the Community Edition do not provide the same level of security as that required in production environments.

Execution data may include request details, customer information, and model outputs; it is necessary to set a retention period, remove sensitive fields, and restrict administrator access.

Community nodes and MCP Server can execute code or access external services, and their sources should be verified before installation. Actions such as writing, sending, deleting data, and making payments by agents require approval.

Limits must be set for loops, recursion, and error retries to prevent uncontrolled numbers of executions and associated costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can n8n be self-hosted for free?

The Community Edition can be used to automate personal or internal business processes, but the infrastructure comes at a cost, and commercial services are subject to licensing restrictions.

Does n8n charge based on the number of nodes?

Charging is primarily based on the complete workflow, not on the number of steps; a single business event can still trigger multiple executions.

Is n8n open-source software?

The source code is available, but the Sustainable Use License imposes restrictions on its use; it does not meet the criteria defined for open source under OSI. A more accurate description for this in the catalog would be “Source code available/self-hostable”.