Setup: Install and Run n8n

Setup: Install and Run n8n#

This notebook walks you through installing and running n8n.

Four options (choose one):

Desktop App (recommended) — easiest for beginners, no command line
npm / Shell — for developers with Node.js
Docker — for containerized environments
n8n Cloud — no installation, runs in browser

Option 1: Desktop App (Recommended)#

The n8n Desktop App is the easiest way to get started. No terminal, no Docker, no coding.

Step 1: Download#

Go to: n8n.io/download

Download the version for your operating system (Mac or Windows).

Step 2: Install and Open#

Mac: Open the .dmg file and drag n8n to Applications
Windows: Run the installer

Launch the app. n8n will open in your browser at http://localhost:5678.

Step 3: Create Account#

On first launch, create a local account (email + password). This is stored on your machine only.

You’re ready to build!

Official guide: docs.n8n.io/hosting/installation/desktop-app

Option 2: npm / Shell#

For developers comfortable with the terminal.

Step 1: Install Node.js (if needed)#

Requires Node.js 18.17+. Choose one method:

Using nvm (recommended):

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.1/install.sh | bash
nvm install 22

macOS with Homebrew:

brew install node

Or download from: nodejs.org

Step 2: Install and run n8n#

macOS/Linux:

npm install -g n8n
n8n start

macOS with Homebrew:

brew install n8n
n8n start

Windows (PowerShell):

npm install -g n8n
n8n start

Then open: http://localhost:5678

Official guide: docs.n8n.io/hosting/installation/npm

Option 3: Docker#

For containerized environments.

Step 1: Install Docker#

Download Docker Desktop: docker.com/products/docker-desktop

Step 2: Run n8n#

Open your terminal and run:

docker run -it --rm \
  --name n8n \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n \
  docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n

Step 3: Open n8n#

Go to: http://localhost:5678

Official guide: docs.n8n.io/hosting/installation/docker

Option 4: n8n Cloud#

If you don’t want to install anything, use n8n Cloud. It runs entirely in your browser.

Go to n8n.io/cloud
Sign up for a free trial
Start building immediately

Note: The free trial has execution limits. For unlimited testing while learning, use the Desktop App or self-hosted options.

Official guide: docs.n8n.io/hosting

Troubleshooting#

Issue	Solution
Desktop App won’t start	Restart your computer and try again
Port 5678 already in use	Close other apps using that port, or restart n8n
Docker command not found	Make sure Docker Desktop is installed and running
n8n command not found (npm)	Ensure Node.js 18.17+ is installed and restart your terminal
Cannot connect to localhost:5678	Wait a few seconds after starting n8n; check for errors

Recap#

You now have n8n installed and running. The four installation options are:

Desktop App: Easiest, recommended for beginners
npm: For developers with Node.js experience
Docker: For containerized environments
Cloud: No installation needed, browser-based

Next: Proceed to 08c - n8n Quick Start to build your first AI workflow from scratch.