n8n MCP Server

What is n8n MCP Server?

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables AI assistants to interact with n8n workflows through natural language. It acts as a bridge, allowing AI assistants to programmatically manage and control n8n workflows and executions.

How to use n8n MCP Server?

Install the server globally via npm (npm install -g @leonardsellem/n8n-mcp-server) or via Docker. Configure environment variables for your n8n instance (N8N_API_URL, N8N_API_KEY, webhook credentials optionally). Run the server with the command n8n-mcp-server. Integrate with AI assistants by editing a JSON configuration file (e.g., in VS Code settings.json or Claude Desktop) to point to the built build/index.js file with the necessary environment variables.

Key features of n8n MCP Server

• Provides tools for workflow management: list, get, create, update, delete, activate, deactivate.
• Provides execution management: run workflow via API, run via webhook, get execution details, list executions, stop executions.
• Exposes resources for workflows and executions (e.g., n8n://workflows/list, n8n://workflow/{id}).
• Supports webhook-triggered workflows with Basic Authentication.
• Available as npm package and Docker image.

Use cases of n8n MCP Server

• Allow an AI assistant to list, create, or modify n8n workflows using natural language.
• Trigger n8n workflow execution via API or webhook from an AI conversation.
• Monitor execution status and details of n8n workflows through an AI interface.

FAQ from n8n MCP Server

What runtime does n8n MCP Server require?

Node.js 20 or later, and an n8n instance with API access enabled.

How do I generate an n8n API key?

Open your n8n instance, go to Settings > API > API Keys, create a new key with appropriate permissions, and copy it to your .env file.

How do I update n8n MCP Server?

Update method depends on installation: for npm global, run npm install -g @leonardsellem/n8n-mcp-server@latest and restart; for source, pull latest, rebuild, and restart; for Docker, pull the latest image and recreate the container.

How do I integrate n8n MCP Server with an AI assistant?

Configure the MCP server in your assistant's JSON configuration (e.g., VS Code settings.json) by specifying the command node with the absolute path to the built build/index.js and the required environment variables (N8N_API_URL, N8N_API_KEY). Ensure the server is built (npm run build) first.

What transports or authentication does n8n MCP Server use?

The server uses standard MCP transport (stdio). Authentication to the n8n API is done via an API key (N8N_API_KEY); webhook authentication uses HTTP Basic Auth with N8N_WEBHOOK_USERNAME and N8N_WEBHOOK_PASSWORD environment variables.