Step-by-step guide to setting up n8n with Docker for secure, scalable workflow automation. Includes configuration tips and troubleshooting.

n8n Docker Setup Guide: Self-Host with Ease

Running n8n in Docker is the most efficient way to self-host this powerful workflow automation tool. This guide covers everything from basic setup to advanced configurations using Docker.

You'll learn:

• ✅ Benefits of Dockerized n8n
• 🐳 Basic and advanced Docker setups
• ⚙️ Essential configuration options
• 🔧 Troubleshooting common issues

Why Run n8n in Docker?

Key Advantages:

• Isolation: Runs separately from your host system
• Portability: Easy to move between environments
• Consistency: Same behavior across different machines
• Scalability: Simple to scale with Docker Compose

Basic n8n Docker Setup

Prerequisites:

• Docker installed (Install Guide)
• Basic terminal knowledge

Quick Start Command:

docker run -d \
  --name n8n \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \
  n8nio/n8n

What this does:

• Runs n8n in detached mode (-d)
• Maps port 5678 (web interface)
• Creates persistent volume for data

Accessing n8n:

Open http://localhost:5678 in your browser

 Advanced Docker Configurations

1. Using Docker Compose

Create docker-compose.yml:

version: '3'
services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n
    restart: always
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    volumes:
      - ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n
    environment:
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=securepassword

Start with:

docker-compose up -d

2. Important Environment Variables

VariablePurposeExampleN8N_HOST | Interface binding | 0.0.0.0
N8N_PORT | Web server port | 5678
N8N_PROTOCOL | HTTP/HTTPS | https
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE | Enable auth | true

Essential Post-Setup Steps

1. Securing Your Instance

• Enable authentication
• Set up HTTPS (use reverse proxy)
• Restrict access with firewall rules

2. Persistent Storage

Ensure these directories are mounted:

• /home/node/.n8n - Config and workflows
• /tmp - Temporary files

3. Backup Strategy

Regularly backup:

• Docker volumes
• Workflow JSON files
• Environment variables

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Can't access web UI

✅ Solution:

• Check docker ps to verify container is running
• Ensure port 5678 isn't blocked
• Try docker logs n8n for errors

Problem: Workflows not saving

✅ Solution:

• Verify volume permissions (chown -R 1000:1000 ~/.n8n)
• Check disk space

FAQs (n8n Docker Setup)

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      "@type": "Question",
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        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Minimum: 2 CPU cores, 2GB RAM. Recommended: 4 CPU cores, 4GB RAM for production use."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can I run n8n alongside other Docker containers?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
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❓ What are the system requirements?

✅ Minimum: 2 CPU cores, 2GB RAM
✅ Recommended: 4 CPU cores, 4GB RAM for production

❓ Can I use Docker volumes for persistence?

✅ Yes! The guide shows volume mounting for data persistence

Next Steps with Your n8n Setup

Now that you have n8n running in Docker:

1. Secure your instance with authentication
2. Explore pre-built workflows in the n8n library
3. Connect your first apps and automate!

🚀 Ready to automate?
👉 Browse n8n integrations

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