📘 Introduction

n8n is a flexible and powerful automation platform that helps you connect apps, orchestrate workflows, and even build AI-driven processes — all without writing code. Installing n8n locally with npm gives you a lightweight, customizable setup that runs directly on your system, making it perfect for development, debugging, and experimenting with advanced workflows.

This guide walks you through the complete installation process using npm, so you can get n8n running on your machine in just minutes.

💡 Why Install n8n with npm?

Using npm to install n8n gives you full control over your environment while keeping everything simple and dependency-friendly.

You install n8n globally like any other Node.js tool, run it as a local service, and still retain the flexibility to configure, update, or extend your setup as needed. It’s fast, clean, and ideal for users who prefer a local Node-based installation without containers.

✅ Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have the following:

⚙️ ☑️ Node.js installed
📦☑️ npm installed

📁1️⃣ Create a Project Folder

Start by creating a folder for your n8n setup:

mkdir n8n-project
cd n8n-project
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This folder becomes your dedicated working environment for running and managing n8n.

📦2️⃣ Install n8n Using npm

Install n8n globally on your system using npm:

npm install -g n8n
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This command downloads n8n and makes the n8n CLI available everywhere on your system.

⚙️3️⃣ Configure Environment Variables

You can configure n8n’s behavior using environment variables. Create a .env file in your project directory and set the following environment variables:

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