Guides & Tutorials
Learn how to build powerful AI-native workflows with n8n. From getting started to advanced techniques, we've got you covered with comprehensive written guides and video tutorials.
Featured Guides
Getting Started with n8n: Complete Beginner's Guide
Learn the fundamentals of n8n, from installation to creating your first workflow. Perfect for absolute beginners.
n8n is a powerful workflow automation tool that lets you connect different apps and services. This guide will take you from zero to your first working automation.
What you'll learn:
- What is n8n?
- Installation Options
- Your First Workflow
Building AI-Powered Workflows with OpenAI
Integrate GPT-4 and other OpenAI models into your workflows for intelligent automation.
AI transforms workflows from simple automation to intelligent decision-making. Learn how to leverage OpenAI's powerful models in n8n.
What you'll learn:
- Setting Up OpenAI
- Common Use Cases
- Best Practices
Connecting Cursor/Claude to n8n with MCP
Set up Model Context Protocol bridges to control n8n directly from AI assistants like Claude and Cursor.
MCP (Model Context Protocol) lets AI assistants interact with n8n programmatically. Build workflows using natural language in Cursor or Claude Desktop.
What you'll learn:
- What is MCP?
- Installing MCP Bridge
- Using MCP in Practice
Integrating Any API with n8n
Use HTTP Request nodes to connect to any REST API, even without dedicated integrations.
Not every service has a pre-built n8n node. Learn to integrate any REST API using HTTP Request nodes.
What you'll learn:
- HTTP Request Basics
- Authentication Methods
- Working with Responses
Video Tutorial Library
Comprehensive video guides covering n8n fundamentals to advanced techniques.
Learn visually with our curated video tutorial collection covering all aspects of n8n automation.
What you'll learn:
- Getting Started Videos (5-10 min each)
- AI Integration Series (10-15 min each)
- Real-World Use Cases (15-20 min each)
Getting Started
Getting Started with n8n: Complete Beginner's Guide
Learn the fundamentals of n8n, from installation to creating your first workflow. Perfect for absolute beginners.
What is n8n?
- Open-source workflow automation tool
- Visual workflow builder with 400+ integrations
Installation Options
- npm: 'npm install -g n8n' then 'n8n start'
- Docker: 'docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 n8nio/n8n'
Your First Workflow
- Create a new workflow from the dashboard
- Add a 'Schedule Trigger' node to run on a schedule
Mastering Webhooks in n8n
Trigger workflows from external events and build powerful real-time automations.
Webhook Basics
- Webhooks are HTTP callbacks triggered by events
- Provide URL to external service
Setting Up Webhooks
- Add 'Webhook' node to workflow
- Choose GET or POST method
Security & Validation
- Verify webhook signatures (HMAC)
- Use authentication headers
Advanced Scheduling Techniques
Master time-based triggers, cron expressions, and scheduling best practices.
Schedule Trigger Basics
- Simple intervals: Every hour, day, week
- Specific times: Daily at 9 AM
Cron Expression Examples
- '0 9 * * 1-5' - 9 AM on weekdays
- '*/15 * * * *' - Every 15 minutes
Best Practices
- Avoid peak hours for heavy workflows
- Stagger schedules to prevent conflicts
AI Integration
Building AI-Powered Workflows with OpenAI
Integrate GPT-4 and other OpenAI models into your workflows for intelligent automation.
Setting Up OpenAI
- Get API key from platform.openai.com
- Add credentials in n8n (Settings → Credentials → OpenAI)
Common Use Cases
- Content generation: blogs, emails, social posts
- Data extraction from unstructured text
Best Practices
- Write clear, specific prompts with examples
- Use system messages to set AI behavior
MCP Bridges
Connecting Cursor/Claude to n8n with MCP
Set up Model Context Protocol bridges to control n8n directly from AI assistants like Claude and Cursor.
What is MCP?
- Protocol for AI-to-tool communication
- Created by Anthropic for Claude
Installing MCP Bridge
- Install: 'npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/create-server n8n-workflow-builder'
- Configure n8n API endpoint and key
Using MCP in Practice
- Ask Claude: 'Create an n8n workflow that...'
- AI will use MCP to build workflow automatically
Best Practices
Error Handling Best Practices in n8n
Build resilient workflows that gracefully handle failures and edge cases.
Error Detection
- Use 'Error Trigger' node to catch failures
- Add 'Try/Catch' logic with IF nodes
Recovery Strategies
- Retry with exponential backoff
- Implement fallback data sources
Testing & Validation
- Test with edge cases and invalid data
- Use 'Function' nodes to validate inputs
Organizing Large Workflows: Tips & Patterns
Keep complex workflows maintainable with proven organization strategies.
Structural Patterns
- Use 'Merge' nodes to keep flows clean
- Group related nodes visually
Reusability
- Create sub-workflows for repeated logic
- Use 'Execute Workflow' node to call sub-workflows
Version Control
- Export workflows as JSON regularly
- Store in Git repository
Testing & Debugging n8n Workflows
Ensure workflow quality with systematic testing and debugging techniques.
Testing Strategies
- Test each node individually first
- Use 'Execute Node' for isolated testing
Debugging Tools
- Inspect node execution data
- Use 'Function' nodes to console.log()
Common Issues
- Credentials not set or expired
- Data format mismatches
Managing Credentials Securely
Best practices for storing and managing API keys, tokens, and sensitive data.
Credential System
- Store in Settings → Credentials
- Encrypted at rest in database
Best Practices
- Use separate credentials for dev/prod
- Name credentials clearly (prod-stripe-api)
Environment Variables
- Store in .env file or environment
- Reference in workflows: {{$env.API_KEY}}
Advanced Techniques
Working with Databases in n8n
Connect to PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB and build data-driven automations.
Supported Databases
- PostgreSQL: Full SQL support, best for complex queries
- MySQL/MariaDB: Wide compatibility
Common Operations
- INSERT: Add new records from form submissions
- SELECT: Query data for reports or notifications
Performance Tips
- Use indexes for frequently queried columns
- Batch operations instead of one-by-one
Integrating Any API with n8n
Use HTTP Request nodes to connect to any REST API, even without dedicated integrations.
HTTP Request Basics
- Add 'HTTP Request' node to workflow
- Set method: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE
Authentication Methods
- API Key: Header or query parameter
- Bearer Token: Authorization: Bearer <token>
Working with Responses
- Parse JSON responses automatically
- Handle pagination with loops
Data Transformation Techniques
Transform, map, and manipulate data like a pro with n8n's built-in tools.
Built-in Nodes
- 'Set' node: Add/remove/rename fields
- 'Function' node: Custom JavaScript logic
Common Transformations
- Format dates: Use luxon library
- String manipulation: toLowerCase(), trim()
Expressions
- Access data: {{$json['field']}}
- Multiple items: {{$json['items'][0]}}
Video Tutorials
Video Tutorial Library
Comprehensive video guides covering n8n fundamentals to advanced techniques.
Getting Started Videos (5-10 min each)
- n8n Installation & Setup (YouTube)
- Building Your First Workflow (YouTube)
AI Integration Series (10-15 min each)
- Integrating OpenAI GPT-4 (YouTube)
- Building AI Chatbots (YouTube)
Real-World Use Cases (15-20 min each)
- E-commerce Order Automation (YouTube)
- Lead Generation Pipeline (YouTube)
External Resources
Official n8n Docs
Comprehensive documentation from n8n
YouTube Channel
Learn through n8n's video content
Community Forum
Get help from the n8n community
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