n8n Workflow Builder MCP Server

To start using the n8n MCP Server for AI-powered workflow automation, follow these steps:

1. Install: Run the following command to install via npx:

   npx @makafeli/n8n-workflow-builder

2. Configure: Add your n8n credentials to the server.
3. Test: Verify the connection by asking the AI to "List my workflows".
4. Create: Start building by describing your needs, e.g., "Build a workflow that...".

This setup is designed for rapid deployment (under 5 minutes) and requires no technical expertise due to the AI-assisted natural language interface.

To use the n8n Workflow Builder with Claude Desktop, add the server configuration to your claude_desktop_config.json file. You must provide the N8N_HOST and N8N_API_KEY environment variables.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "n8n-workflow-builder": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@makafeli/n8n-workflow-builder"],
      "env": {
        "N8N_HOST": "https://your-n8n-instance.com",
        "N8N_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
      }
    }
  }
}

To see detailed logs for debugging the MCP server, set the DEBUG environment variable when running via npx.

DEBUG=n8n-workflow-builder npx @makafeli/n8n-workflow-builder

The n8n Workflow Builder MCP Server allows you to automate complex business processes by describing them in natural language to an AI assistant. Instead of manually dragging nodes, you can provide high-level instructions (AI Commands) that the server translates into functional n8n workflows.

Implementation Workflow

1. Identify Repetitive Tasks: Find manual processes suitable for automation.
2. Map Your Process: Break down the steps (Triggers, Actions, Logic).
3. Describe to AI: Use natural language to explain the desired workflow.
4. Iterate and Improve: Refine the generated workflow based on the results.
5. Scale: Apply successful patterns to other processes.

To use the n8n Workflow Builder with Cline in VS Code, add the following configuration to your Cline MCP settings. Ensure N8N_HOST and N8N_API_KEY are correctly set.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "n8n-workflow-builder": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@makafeli/n8n-workflow-builder"],
      "env": {
        "N8N_HOST": "https://your-n8n-instance.com",
        "N8N_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
      }
    }
  }
}

To migrate your existing automations from Zapier to the n8n MCP Server, follow these steps:

1. Export Zapier Workflows: Document your current Zaps and their logic.
2. Describe to AI: Use natural language to instruct the AI to recreate the logic. For example: "Recreate my Zapier workflow that...".
3. Test and Refine: Use the AI assistant to adjust parameters and improve the workflow.
4. Deploy: Activate your new n8n workflows.
5. Monitor: Track performance and optimize within n8n.

Example Migration Prompt:

"Create an n8n workflow that replicates my Zapier automation: 
when a new lead comes from our website form, add them to our CRM, 
send a welcome email, and notify our sales team on Slack"

If the MCP server is not appearing in Claude Desktop, verify your configuration file:

• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
• Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

Valid JSON Structure:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "n8n-workflow-builder": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@makafeli/n8n-workflow-builder"],
      "env": {
        "N8N_HOST": "https://your-n8n-instance.com",
        "N8N_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Ensure no quotes are around environment values.
2. Ensure special characters are properly escaped.
3. Restart Claude Desktop: Completely quit the application, wait 10 seconds, and restart.

Follow these steps to transition from Make.com (Integromat) to the n8n MCP Server:

1. Document Scenarios: List your existing Make.com automations and their steps.
2. AI Recreation: Use natural language descriptions to recreate the workflows via the MCP server.
3. Enhanced Features: Leverage the AI to add improvements or more complex logic that might be difficult in Make.com.
4. Testing: Validate that all integrations and data mappings work correctly.
5. Cutover: Gradually migrate your production workflows to the new n8n setup.

You can install and run the server using three different methods depending on your needs:

Method 1: Smithery.ai (Recommended)

Use the hosted version on Smithery.ai for a zero-installation experience. Search for n8n-workflow-builder and configure it with your n8n host and API key.

Method 2: NPX (Local)

Run the server directly using npx without a permanent local installation:

npx @makafeli/n8n-workflow-builder

Method 3: Manual Installation

For development or customization, clone the repository and build it manually:

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/makafeli/n8n-workflow-builder.git
cd n8n-workflow-builder

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Build the project
npm run build

# Start the server
npm start

To use the MCP server, you need an n8n API key with workflow permissions.

For n8n Cloud:

1. Login to your n8n Cloud instance.
2. Navigate to Settings → API Keys.
3. Click Create API Key and copy the generated key.

For Self-hosted n8n:

1. Open your n8n instance.
2. Navigate to Settings → API Keys.
3. Click Create API Key and save the key securely.