What is N8N and How to Use It: Complete Beginner's Guide

What is N8N?

N8N (pronounced "nodemation") is an open-source workflow automation tool. It connects apps and services to automate repetitive tasks without coding.

Think of it as a visual programming environment where you drag and drop nodes to create automated workflows.

|---------|-----|--------|------|

| Pricing | Free (self-host) or $20+/mo | $20-600+/mo | $9-300+/mo |

| Self-hosting | Yes | No | No |

| Open source | Yes | No | No |

| Integrations | 400+ | 6,000+ | 1,500+ |

A workflow is a series of connected nodes that execute in sequence. Each workflow has a trigger and one or more action nodes.

Nodes are the building blocks. Types include:

- **Trigger nodes**: Start the workflow (webhook, schedule, app event)

- **Action nodes**: Do something (send email, update database, call API)

- **Logic nodes**: Control flow (if/else, switch, merge)