How to Install and Run n8n Locally for Free

Introduction

n8n is a powerful automation tool that allows users to create workflows for data processing and integration. While n8n offers a cloud-based service with paid plans, you can self-host it for free using open-source methods. This guide walks you through installing and running n8n on your local machine.

Why Self-Host n8n?

  • Avoid Subscription Fees: The cloud version requires a paid subscription after a 14-day free trial.

  • More Control: You manage all workflows on your own hardware.

  • Privacy: Your data stays on your local machine instead of cloud servers.

Installation Methods

You can install n8n using:

  1. npm (Node.js Package Manager)

  2. Docker (Containerized deployment)

For simplicity, we will use the npm method.

Prerequisites

Before installing n8n, ensure your system has:

  • Node.js (v18, v20, or v22 recommended)

  • npm (Installed with Node.js)

  • A package manager (Homebrew for Mac/Linux, Chocolatey for Windows)

Step 1: Install Node.js and npm

If you haven’t installed Node.js and npm yet, do so by following these steps:

On Mac/Linux (using Homebrew):

brew install node

On Windows (using Chocolatey):

choco install nodejs

Verify installation: 

node -v  # Check Node.js version
npm -v   # Check npm version

Step 2: Install and Run n8n

One-Time Execution (without installing globally)

npx n8n

This command installs and runs n8n without adding it permanently to your system.

Permanent Installation

To install n8n globally, use: 

npm install -g n8n

Then, start n8n with: 

n8n

Step 3: Access n8n

Once n8n is running, open your browser and go to: 

http://localhost:5678

This is where you will configure workflows.

Running n8n with AI Models Locally

You can integrate n8n with locally hosted AI models using Ollama, an open-source framework for running AI models on your computer.

Step 4: Install Ollama

Download and install Ollama from: https://ollama.ai

Once installed, list available models: 

ollama list

To download a model (e.g., DeepSeek), use: 

ollama pull deepseek

To run a model: 

ollama run deepseek

Step 5: Connect n8n to Ollama

In n8n, configure the AI agent node to use: 

Base URL: http://localhost:11434

This connects n8n to Ollama, allowing you to process AI workflows locally.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and run n8n locally, along with AI integration using Ollama. This setup provides a fully private and cost-free alternative to cloud-based automation tools.

If you want more tutorials like this, stay tuned for more guides!