概览
What is Automatelab N8n?
Automatelab N8n is an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that gives Claude, Cursor, and other MCP-compatible agents nine tools for working with n8n: scaffold a custom node, generate workflow JSON, lint workflows, diagnose failed executions, and drive a live n8n instance via REST. It is designed for developers who need debugging and first-run correctness when building n8n automations with AI assistance.
How to use Automatelab N8n?
Install the server globally with npm install -g @automatelab/n8n-mcp, then configure it in your MCP host (e.g., Cursor's mcp.json or Claude Desktop's claude_desktop_config.json) by specifying the command npx -y @automatelab/n8n-mcp. Optionally set environment variables N8N_API_URL and N8N_API_KEY to enable the five live-instance tools; the four stateless tools work without them. After restarting the host, the nine n8n_* tools appear in the MCP panel.
Key features of Automatelab N8n
- Generate workflow JSON from plain-English descriptions.
- Diagnose failed executions with per-node hints.
- Lint workflow JSON for silent failures and deprecated nodes.
- Scaffold custom n8n node TypeScript files.
- Interact with live n8n instances via five REST tools.
- Works without a live n8n instance for core tools.
Use cases of Automatelab N8n
- Debug silent data loss in n8n workflows using execution diagnosis.
- Generate correct AI Agent workflows with proper LangChain topology.
- Lint existing workflows before deployment to catch common issues.
- Scaffold custom nodes to extend n8n functionality.
- Automate workflow management via REST tools (list, fetch, create, activate, browse executions).
FAQ from Automatelab N8n
What makes Automatelab N8n different from other n8n MCP servers?
Automatelab N8n focuses on debugging and first-run correctness. While other servers emphasize breadth with many tools and indexed node catalogs, this server specializes in diagnosing failed executions, linting workflow JSON for subtle failures, and generating AI Agent clusters with proper connection topology.
Do I need a live n8n instance to use Automatelab N8n?
No. Four of the nine tools (n8n_generate_workflow, n8n_scaffold_node, n8n_lint_workflow, n8n_explain_execution) are stateless and work without any connection to an n8n instance. The five REST tools require setting N8N_API_URL and N8N_API_KEY.
How do I get an API key for the REST tools?
In your n8n instance, go to Settings → API → Create API key and copy the generated key. Set it as the N8N_API_KEY environment variable in your MCP host configuration.
What runtime does Automatelab N8n require?
It requires Node.js version 20 or later.
Are there example workflows I can import?
Yes. The examples/ directory ships with two ready-to-import workflows: Stripe webhook to Slack and Google Sheets, and RSS feed to Discord. Import them
