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n8n AI Automation Template

Workflow

Ready-to-import n8n workflow for AI automation.

n8n AI Automation Template

Overview

Ready-to-import n8n workflow template for building AI-powered automation tasks. n8n is a powerful workflow automation platform that enables you to connect apps, APIs, and services with AI capabilities through a visual node-based interface.

What is n8n?

n8n (nodemation) is an open-source workflow automation tool that allows you to:

  • Connect 300+ apps: Native integrations with popular services
  • Visual workflow builder: Drag-and-drop node-based interface
  • AI integration: Built-in AI nodes for OpenAI, LangChain, and more
  • Self-hosted or cloud: Deploy on your infrastructure or use n8n.cloud
  • Webhooks and triggers: Event-driven automation
  • Code nodes: Custom JavaScript/TypeScript code execution
  • Error handling: Built-in retry logic and error workflows

Template Structure

n8n-template/
├── workflows/
│   ├── ai-content-generator.json    # Content generation workflow
│   ├── ai-data-processor.json       # Data processing workflow
│   ├── ai-notification-system.json  # Notification workflow
│   └── ai-approval-workflow.json    # Approval workflow
├── credentials/
│   ├── openai.json                  # OpenAI API credentials template
│   ├── slack.json                   # Slack credentials template
│   ├── email.json                   # Email credentials template
│   └── webhook.json                 # Webhook configuration
├── nodes/
│   ├── custom-nodes/                # Custom node implementations
│   └── ai-prompts/                  # Prompt templates
├── docs/
│   ├── setup-guide.md               # Setup instructions
│   └── troubleshooting.md           # Troubleshooting guide
├── docker/
│   ├── Dockerfile                   # Docker configuration
│   └── docker-compose.yml           # Docker Compose setup
└── README.md

Installation

Option 1: n8n Cloud (Easiest)

# Sign up at https://n8n.io/pricing
# No installation required - use hosted service

Option 2: Self-Hosted with Docker

# Pull and run n8n
docker run -it --rm \
  --name n8n \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \
  n8nio/n8n

# Access at http://localhost:5678

Option 3: Docker Compose (Production)

# docker-compose.yml
version: '3.8'

services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n:latest
    container_name: n8n
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    environment:
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=${N8N_PASSWORD}
      - N8N_HOST=n8n.yourdomain.com
      - N8N_PROTOCOL=https
      - WEBHOOK_URL=https://n8n.yourdomain.com/
      - GENERIC_TIMEZONE=UTC
      - TZ=UTC
    volumes:
      - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n
    networks:
      - n8n_network

  nginx:
    image: nginx:alpine
    container_name: n8n_nginx
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "80:80"
      - "443:443"
    volumes:
      - ./nginx.conf:/etc/nginx/nginx.conf
      - ./ssl:/etc/nginx/ssl
    depends_on:
      - n8n
    networks:
      - n8n_network

volumes:
  n8n_data:

networks:
  n8n_network:
    driver: bridge

# nginx.conf
events {
    worker_connections 1024;
}

http {
    upstream n8n {
        server n8n:5678;
    }

    server {
        listen 80;
        server_name n8n.yourdomain.com;
        return 301 https://$server_name$request_uri;
    }

    server {
        listen 443 ssl http2;
        server_name n8n.yourdomain.com;

        ssl_certificate /etc/nginx/ssl/cert.pem;
        ssl_certificate_key /etc/nginx/ssl/key.pem;

        location / {
            proxy_pass http://n8n;
            proxy_set_header Host $host;
            proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
            proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
            proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
            
            # WebSocket support
            proxy_http_version 1.1;
            proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
            proxy_set_header Connection "upgrade";
        }
    }
}

Option 4: npm Global Install

# Install n8n globally
npm install n8n -g

# Run n8n
n8n start

# Or with tunnel for testing webhooks
n8n start --tunnel

Importing Workflows

Method 1: Import from File

  1. Open n8n editor at http://localhost:5678
  2. Click Workflows → Import from File
  3. Select the JSON workflow file
  4. Configure credentials
  5. Activate the workflow

Method 2: Import from URL

  1. Open n8n editor
  2. Click Workflows → Import from URL
  3. Paste the workflow URL
  4. Configure credentials

Method 3: Copy/Paste JSON

  1. Open n8n editor
  2. Click the canvas to focus
  3. Paste the workflow JSON (Ctrl+V / Cmd+V)
  4. Configure credentials

Core Nodes

Trigger Nodes

Webhook Trigger

{
  "name": "Webhook",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.webhook",
  "typeVersion": 1,
  "position": [250, 300],
  "webhookId": "your-webhook-id",
  "httpMethod": "POST",
  "path": "ai-process",
  "responseMode": "responseNode",
  "options": {}
}

Schedule Trigger

{
  "name": "Schedule Trigger",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.scheduleTrigger",
  "typeVersion": 1,
  "position": [250, 300],
  "rule": {
    "interval": [
      {
        "field": "cronExpression",
        "expression": "0 9 * * *"  // Every day at 9 AM
      }
    ]
  }
}

Manual Trigger

{
  "name": "Manual Trigger",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.manualTrigger",
  "typeVersion": 1,
  "position": [250, 300]
}

AI Nodes

OpenAI Chat Model

{
  "name": "OpenAI Chat Model",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.openAiChatModel",
  "typeVersion": 1,
  "position": [400, 200],
  "credentials": {
    "openAiApi": {
      "id": "your-credential-id",
      "name": "OpenAI"
    }
  },
  "parameters": {
    "model": "gpt-4o",
    "options": {
      "temperature": 0.7,
      "maxTokens": 4096
    }
  }
}

AI Agent

{
  "name": "AI Agent",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.aiAgent",
  "typeVersion": 1,
  "position": [600, 300],
  "parameters": {
    "agentType": "conversationalAgent",
    "prompt": "You are a helpful assistant. Answer questions based on the context provided.",
    "options": {
      "systemMessage": "You are a helpful AI assistant.",
      "maxIterations": 5
    }
  }
}

AI Chain

{
  "name": "AI Chain",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.aiChain",
  "typeVersion": 1,
  "position": [600, 400],
  "parameters": {
    "chainType": "stuff",
    "prompt": {
      "promptTemplate": "Based on the following context: {{context}}\n\nQuestion: {{question}}\n\nAnswer:"
    },
    "options": {}
  }
}

LangChain Memory

{
  "name": "Buffer Memory",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.bufferMemory",
  "typeVersion": 1,
  "position": [400, 400],
  "parameters": {
    "memorySize": 10,
    "options": {}
  }
}

Vector Store

{
  "name": "Chroma Vector Store",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.chromaVectorStore",
  "typeVersion": 1,
  "position": [400, 500],
  "credentials": {
    "chromaApi": {
      "id": "your-credential-id",
      "name": "Chroma"
    }
  },
  "parameters": {
    "collectionName": "my-documents",
    "options": {}
  }
}

Action Nodes

HTTP Request

{
  "name": "HTTP Request",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest",
  "typeVersion": 4.1,
  "position": [800, 300],
  "parameters": {
    "method": "POST",
    "url": "https://api.example.com/endpoint",
    "authentication": "genericCredentialType",
    "genericAuthType": "openAiApi",
    "sendHeaders": true,
    "headerParameters": {
      "parameters": [
        {
          "name": "Content-Type",
          "value": "application/json"
        }
      ]
    },
    "sendBody": true,
    "bodyParametersJson": "{\n  \"key\": \"value\"\n}",
    "options": {
      "timeout": 30000
    }
  }
}

Code Node

{
  "name": "Code",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
  "typeVersion": 2,
  "position": [800, 400],
  "parameters": {
    "jsCode": "// Process the data\nconst items = $input.all();\n\nreturn items.map(item => {\n  const data = item.json;\n  \n  // Custom processing logic\n  return {\n    json: {\n      ...data,\n      processed: true,\n      timestamp: new Date().toISOString()\n    }\n  };\n});",
    "options": {}
  }
}

Set Node

{
  "name": "Set",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
  "typeVersion": 3,
  "position": [800, 500],
  "parameters": {
    "values": {
      "json": [
        {
          "name": "result",
          "value": "={{ $json.ai_response }}"
        }
      ]
    },
    "options": {}
  }
}

Merge Node

{
  "name": "Merge",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.merge",
  "typeVersion": 3,
  "position": [1000, 300],
  "parameters": {
    "mode": "combine",
    "options": {}
  }
}

Switch Node

{
  "name": "Switch",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.switch",
  "typeVersion": 3,
  "position": [800, 600],
  "parameters": {
    "rules": {
      "conditions": {
        "options": {
          "caseSensitive": true,
          "leftValue": "",
          "typeValidation": "strict"
        },
        "conditions": [
          {
            "leftValue": "={{ $json.status }}",
            "rightValue": "success",
            "operator": {
              "type": "string",
              "operation": "equals"
            }
          }
        ]
      }
    },
    "options": {}
  }
}

Wait Node

{
  "name": "Wait",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.wait",
  "typeVersion": 1,
  "position": [800, 700],
  "parameters": {
    "resume": "string",
    "waitUntil": "={{ $now.plus({ hours: 1 }).toISO() }}",
    "options": {}
  }
}

Error Trigger

{
  "name": "Error Trigger",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.errorTrigger",
  "typeVersion": 1,
  "position": [250, 500],
  "parameters": {}
}

Example Workflows

Workflow 1: AI Content Generator

{
  "name": "AI Content Generator",
  "nodes": [
    {
      "name": "Webhook",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.webhook",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [250, 300],
      "webhookId": "content-gen-webhook",
      "httpMethod": "POST",
      "path": "generate-content",
      "responseMode": "responseNode"
    },
    {
      "name": "OpenAI Chat Model",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.openAiChatModel",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [450, 200],
      "credentials": {
        "openAiApi": { "id": "openai-cred", "name": "OpenAI" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "model": "gpt-4o",
        "options": { "temperature": 0.7 }
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "AI Agent",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.aiAgent",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [650, 300],
      "parameters": {
        "agentType": "conversationalAgent",
        "prompt": "You are a content writer. Create engaging blog posts.",
        "model": "={{ $node['OpenAI Chat Model'].json }}"
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Slack",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.slack",
      "typeVersion": 2,
      "position": [850, 300],
      "credentials": {
        "slackApi": { "id": "slack-cred", "name": "Slack" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "operation": "post",
        "channel": "#content",
        "text": "={{ $json.output }}"
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Respond to Webhook",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.respondToWebhook",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [850, 450],
      "parameters": {
        "respondWith": "json",
        "responseBody": "{\n  \"status\": \"success\",\n  \"content\": \"{{ $json.output }}\"\n}"
      }
    }
  ],
  "connections": {
    "Webhook": { "main": [[{ "node": "AI Agent", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "OpenAI Chat Model": { "aiModel": [[{ "node": "AI Agent", "type": "aiModel", "index": 0 }]] },
    "AI Agent": { "main": [[{ "node": "Slack", "type": "main", "index": 0 }], [{ "node": "Respond to Webhook", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] }
  },
  "settings": {
    "executionOrder": "v1"
  },
  "staticData": null,
  "tags": ["AI", "Content", "Automation"],
  "triggerCount": 0,
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-15T00:00:00.000Z",
  "versionId": "1.0.0"
}

Workflow 2: AI Data Processor

{
  "name": "AI Data Processor",
  "nodes": [
    {
      "name": "Schedule Trigger",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.scheduleTrigger",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [250, 300],
      "rule": {
        "interval": [{ "field": "cronExpression", "expression": "0 0 * * *" }]
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "HTTP Request - Fetch Data",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest",
      "typeVersion": 4.1,
      "position": [450, 200],
      "parameters": {
        "method": "GET",
        "url": "https://api.example.com/data",
        "options": {}
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "OpenAI Chat Model",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.openAiChatModel",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [450, 400],
      "credentials": {
        "openAiApi": { "id": "openai-cred", "name": "OpenAI" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "model": "gpt-4o",
        "options": { "temperature": 0 }
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "AI Agent - Analyze",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.aiAgent",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [650, 300],
      "parameters": {
        "agentType": "conversationalAgent",
        "prompt": "Analyze the following data and provide insights. Format as JSON.",
        "model": "={{ $node['OpenAI Chat Model'].json }}"
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Code - Format Output",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
      "typeVersion": 2,
      "position": [850, 200],
      "parameters": {
        "jsCode": "const analysis = $input.first().json;\nreturn {\n  json: {\n    summary: analysis.output,\n    timestamp: new Date().toISOString(),\n    source: 'daily-automation'\n  }\n};"
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Google Sheets",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets",
      "typeVersion": 4,
      "position": [1050, 200],
      "credentials": {
        "googleSheetsOAuth2Api": { "id": "sheets-cred", "name": "Google Sheets" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "operation": "append",
        "sheetId": "your-sheet-id",
        "options": {}
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Email Send",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.emailSend",
      "typeVersion": 2,
      "position": [1050, 400],
      "credentials": {
        "smtp": { "id": "smtp-cred", "name": "SMTP" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "toEmail": "team@example.com",
        "subject": "Daily Data Analysis Report",
        "message": "={{ $json.summary }}",
        "options": {}
      }
    }
  ],
  "connections": {
    "Schedule Trigger": { "main": [[{ "node": "HTTP Request - Fetch Data", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "HTTP Request - Fetch Data": { "main": [[{ "node": "AI Agent - Analyze", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "OpenAI Chat Model": { "aiModel": [[{ "node": "AI Agent - Analyze", "type": "aiModel", "index": 0 }]] },
    "AI Agent - Analyze": { "main": [[{ "node": "Code - Format Output", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "Code - Format Output": { "main": [[{ "node": "Google Sheets", "type": "main", "index": 0 }, { "node": "Email Send", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] }
  },
  "settings": { "executionOrder": "v1" },
  "staticData": null,
  "tags": ["AI", "Data", "Automation", "Daily"],
  "triggerCount": 0,
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-15T00:00:00.000Z",
  "versionId": "1.0.0"
}

Workflow 3: AI Notification System

{
  "name": "AI Notification System",
  "nodes": [
    {
      "name": "Webhook",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.webhook",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [250, 300],
      "webhookId": "notify-webhook",
      "httpMethod": "POST",
      "path": "notify",
      "responseMode": "responseNode"
    },
    {
      "name": "IF - Check Priority",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.if",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [450, 250],
      "parameters": {
        "conditions": {
          "string": [
            {
              "value1": "={{ $json.priority }}",
              "operation": "equals",
              "value2": "high"
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "OpenAI - Summarize",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.openAi",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [650, 150],
      "credentials": {
        "openAiApi": { "id": "openai-cred", "name": "OpenAI" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "resource": "chat",
        "operation": "create",
        "model": "gpt-4o-mini",
        "messages": [
          {
            "content": "Summarize this notification in 2 sentences: {{ $json.message }}",
            "role": "user"
          }
        ]
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Slack - High Priority",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.slack",
      "typeVersion": 2,
      "position": [650, 350],
      "credentials": {
        "slackApi": { "id": "slack-cred", "name": "Slack" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "operation": "post",
        "channel": "#alerts",
        "text": "🚨 HIGH PRIORITY: {{ $json.message }}",
        "otherOptions": {
          "blocks": [
            {
              "type": "header",
              "text": { "type": "plain_text", "text": "🚨 High Priority Alert" }
            },
            {
              "type": "section",
              "text": { "type": "mrkdwn", "text": "{{ $json.message }}" }
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Email - Normal",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.emailSend",
      "typeVersion": 2,
      "position": [850, 350],
      "credentials": {
        "smtp": { "id": "smtp-cred", "name": "SMTP" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "toEmail": "team@example.com",
        "subject": "Notification: {{ $json.title }}",
        "message": "={{ $json.message }}",
        "options": {}
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Respond to Webhook",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.respondToWebhook",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [850, 150],
      "parameters": {
        "respondWith": "json",
        "responseBody": "{\n  \"status\": \"delivered\",\n  \"channel\": \"{{ $json.channel }}\"\n}"
      }
    }
  ],
  "connections": {
    "Webhook": { "main": [[{ "node": "IF - Check Priority", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "IF - Check Priority": {
      "main": [
        [{ "node": "OpenAI - Summarize", "type": "main", "index": 0 }],
        [{ "node": "Email - Normal", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]
      ]
    },
    "OpenAI - Summarize": { "main": [[{ "node": "Slack - High Priority", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "Slack - High Priority": { "main": [[{ "node": "Respond to Webhook", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "Email - Normal": { "main": [[{ "node": "Respond to Webhook", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] }
  },
  "settings": { "executionOrder": "v1" },
  "staticData": null,
  "tags": ["AI", "Notification", "Alerts"],
  "triggerCount": 0,
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-15T00:00:00.000Z",
  "versionId": "1.0.0"
}

Workflow 4: AI Approval Workflow

{
  "name": "AI Approval Workflow",
  "nodes": [
    {
      "name": "Webhook",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.webhook",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [250, 300],
      "webhookId": "approval-webhook",
      "httpMethod": "POST",
      "path": "request-approval",
      "responseMode": "responseNode"
    },
    {
      "name": "OpenAI - Evaluate",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.openAi",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [450, 200],
      "credentials": {
        "openAiApi": { "id": "openai-cred", "name": "OpenAI" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "resource": "chat",
        "operation": "create",
        "model": "gpt-4o",
        "messages": [
          {
            "content": "You are an approval evaluator. Review the following request and determine if it should be approved based on these criteria:\n\n1. Budget under $10,000\n2. Within project scope\n3. No compliance issues\n\nRequest: {{ $json.request }}\n\nRespond with JSON: {\"approved\": true/false, \"reason\": \"explanation\", \"confidence\": 0-1}",
            "role": "system"
          },
          {
            "content": "{{ $json.request }}",
            "role": "user"
          }
        ],
        "options": { "temperature": 0.1 }
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Code - Parse Response",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.code",
      "typeVersion": 2,
      "position": [650, 200],
      "parameters": {
        "jsCode": "const response = $input.first().json;\ntry {\n  const parsed = JSON.parse(response.message.content);\n  return { json: parsed };\n} catch (e) {\n  return { json: { approved: false, reason: 'Failed to parse AI response', confidence: 0 } };\n}"
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "IF - Approved?",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.if",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [850, 150],
      "parameters": {
        "conditions": {
          "boolean": [
            {
              "value1": "={{ $json.approved }}",
              "value2": true
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Slack - Approved",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.slack",
      "typeVersion": 2,
      "position": [1050, 100],
      "credentials": {
        "slackApi": { "id": "slack-cred", "name": "Slack" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "operation": "post",
        "channel": "#approvals",
        "text": "✅ Approved: {{ $json.reason }}\nConfidence: {{ $json.confidence }}",
        "otherOptions": {
          "blocks": [
            {
              "type": "section",
              "text": { "type": "mrkdwn", "text": "✅ *Approval Granted*\n{{ $json.reason }}\n\nConfidence: {{ $json.confidence }}" }
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Slack - Needs Review",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.slack",
      "typeVersion": 2,
      "position": [1050, 250],
      "credentials": {
        "slackApi": { "id": "slack-cred", "name": "Slack" }
      },
      "parameters": {
        "operation": "post",
        "channel": "#approvals",
        "text": "⚠️ Needs Human Review: {{ $json.reason }}",
        "otherOptions": {
          "blocks": [
            {
              "type": "section",
              "text": { "type": "mrkdwn", "text": "⚠️ *Needs Human Review*\n{{ $json.reason }}\n\nPlease review manually." }
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Respond to Webhook",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.respondToWebhook",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [1250, 150],
      "parameters": {
        "respondWith": "json",
        "responseBody": "{\n  \"status\": \"{{ $json.approved ? 'approved' : 'needs_review' }}\",\n  \"reason\": \"{{ $json.reason }}\",\n  \"confidence\": {{ $json.confidence }}\n}"
      }
    }
  ],
  "connections": {
    "Webhook": { "main": [[{ "node": "OpenAI - Evaluate", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "OpenAI - Evaluate": { "main": [[{ "node": "Code - Parse Response", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "Code - Parse Response": { "main": [[{ "node": "IF - Approved?", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "IF - Approved?": {
      "main": [
        [{ "node": "Slack - Approved", "type": "main", "index": 0 }],
        [{ "node": "Slack - Needs Review", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]
      ]
    },
    "Slack - Approved": { "main": [[{ "node": "Respond to Webhook", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] },
    "Slack - Needs Review": { "main": [[{ "node": "Respond to Webhook", "type": "main", "index": 0 }]] }
  },
  "settings": { "executionOrder": "v1" },
  "staticData": null,
  "tags": ["AI", "Approval", "Workflow"],
  "triggerCount": 0,
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-15T00:00:00.000Z",
  "versionId": "1.0.0"
}

Credentials Setup

OpenAI Credentials

{
  "name": "OpenAI",
  "data": {
    "apiKey": "sk-..."
  },
  "type": "openAiApi",
  "typeVersion": 1
}

Slack Credentials

{
  "name": "Slack",
  "data": {
    "accessToken": "xoxb-..."
  },
  "type": "slackApi",
  "typeVersion": 1
}

Google Sheets Credentials

  1. Create Google Cloud project
  2. Enable Google Sheets API
  3. Create OAuth 2.0 credentials
  4. Download credentials JSON
  5. Import in n8n

SMTP Credentials

{
  "name": "SMTP",
  "data": {
    "host": "smtp.example.com",
    "port": 587,
    "secure": false,
    "auth": {
      "user": "your-email@example.com",
      "pass": "your-app-password"
    }
  },
  "type": "smtp",
  "typeVersion": 1
}

Environment Variables

# .env file
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=your-secure-password
N8N_HOST=n8n.yourdomain.com
N8N_PROTOCOL=https
N8N_PORT=5678
N8N_PATH_BASE=/
WEBHOOK_URL=https://n8n.yourdomain.com/
GENERIC_TIMEZONE=UTC
TZ=UTC
N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY=your-encryption-key
N8N_USER_MANAGEMENT_JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret

Security Best Practices

Authentication

# Enable basic auth
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=<strong-password>

# Enable JWT auth for user management
N8N_USER_MANAGEMENT_ENABLED=true
N8N_USER_MANAGEMENT_JWT_SECRET=<random-secret>

HTTPS Configuration

# Use SSL termination at reverse proxy
server {
    listen 443 ssl http2;
    ssl_certificate /path/to/cert.pem;
    ssl_certificate_key /path/to/key.pem;
    ssl_protocols TLSv1.2 TLSv1.3;
    ssl_ciphers HIGH:!aNULL:!MD5;
}

Webhook Security

// Add webhook authentication
{
  "name": "Webhook",
  "parameters": {
    "httpMethod": "POST",
    "path": "secure-webhook",
    "responseMode": "responseNode",
    "options": {
      "authentication": "headerAuth",
      "headerAuth": {
        "name": "Authorization",
        "value": "Bearer {{ $env.WEBHOOK_SECRET }}"
      }
    }
  }
}

Credential Encryption

# Generate encryption key
N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY=$(openssl rand -hex 32)

# Store securely (e.g., in secrets manager)
echo "N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY=$N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY" >> .env

Monitoring and Logging

Execution History

  • View all workflow executions in n8n UI
  • Filter by status (success, error, waiting)
  • View execution details and data

Webhook Monitoring

# Check webhook logs
docker logs n8n | grep webhook

# Or access n8n logs
docker exec -it n8n cat /home/node/.n8n/logs/main.log

Error Handling

// Add error trigger workflow
{
  "name": "Error Handler",
  "nodes": [
    {
      "name": "Error Trigger",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.errorTrigger",
      "typeVersion": 1
    },
    {
      "name": "Slack - Alert",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.slack",
      "parameters": {
        "operation": "post",
        "channel": "#errors",
        "text": "⚠️ Workflow Error: {{ $json.workflow.name }}"
      }
    }
  ],
  "connections": {
    "Error Trigger": { "main": [[{ "node": "Slack - Alert" }]] }
  }
}

Best Practices

Workflow Design

  1. Modular workflows: Break complex workflows into smaller ones
  2. Use sub-workflows: Call other workflows with Execute Workflow node
  3. Error handling: Always add error paths
  4. Documentation: Add notes to nodes explaining their purpose
  5. Version control: Export workflows regularly for backup

Performance Optimization

  1. Batch processing: Process items in batches for large datasets
  2. Caching: Use cache for repeated API calls
  3. Parallel execution: Use parallel branches for independent tasks
  4. Pagination: Handle paginated API responses properly
  5. Rate limiting: Respect API rate limits with wait nodes

Security

  1. Use environment variables: Store secrets in env vars, not in workflows
  2. Validate inputs: Sanitize webhook inputs
  3. Use HTTPS: Always use HTTPS for webhooks
  4. Limit permissions: Use minimal required API scopes
  5. Regular audits: Review workflow permissions regularly

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Workflow not executing:

  • Check if workflow is activated
  • Verify trigger is configured correctly
  • Check execution logs for errors

API credential errors:

  • Verify API keys are correct and not expired
  • Check API scopes/permissions
  • Ensure credentials are properly configured

Webhook not receiving requests:

  • Verify webhook URL is correct
  • Check firewall/network settings
  • Ensure n8n is accessible from the internet

Execution timeout:

  • Increase timeout in node settings
  • Break workflow into smaller parts
  • Use async processing for long tasks

Debugging

// Add debug logging in Code node
console.log('Input data:', JSON.stringify($input.all(), null, 2));
console.log('Environment:', process.env);

// Return debug info
return {
  json: {
    ...result,
    _debug: {
      inputCount: $input.all().length,
      timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
    }
  }
};

Resources

Last updated: May 2026

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