Deploy n8n

Fair-code workflow automation tool. Easily automate tasks across different services.

⭐ 49.0k stars📜 Sustainable Use License🔴 Advanced⏱ ~20 minutes

What You’ll Get

A fully working n8n instance running on your server. Your data stays on your hardware — no third-party access, no usage limits, no surprise invoices.

Prerequisites

A server with Docker and Docker Compose installed (setup guide)
A domain name pointed to your server (optional but recommended)
Basic terminal access (SSH)

The Config

Create a directory for n8n and add this docker-compose.yml:


# -------------------------------------------------------------------------
# 🚀 Created and distributed by The AltStack
# 🌍 https://thealtstack.com
# -------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
version: '3.8'
 
services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n:latest
    container_name: n8n
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    environment:
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=password
      - N8N_HOST=localhost
      - N8N_PORT=5678
      - N8N_PROTOCOL=http
      - NODE_ENV=production
      - WEBHOOK_URL=http://localhost:5678/
    volumes:
      - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n
 
volumes:
  n8n_data:

Let’s Ship It


# Create a directory
mkdir -p /opt/n8n && cd /opt/n8n
 
# Create the docker-compose.yml (paste the config above)
nano docker-compose.yml
 
# Pull images and start
docker compose up -d
 
# Watch the logs
docker compose logs -f

Environment Variables

Variable	Default	Required
`N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE`	`true`	No
`N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER`	`admin`	No
`N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD`	`password`	No
`N8N_HOST`	`localhost`	No
`N8N_PORT`	`5678`	No
`N8N_PROTOCOL`	`http`	No
`NODE_ENV`	`production`	No
`WEBHOOK_URL`	`http://localhost:5678/`	No

Post-Deployment Checklist

Service is accessible on the configured port
Admin account created (if applicable)
Reverse proxy configured (Caddy guide)
SSL/HTTPS working
Backup script set up (backup guide)
Uptime monitor added (Uptime Kuma)

The “I Broke It” Section

Container won’t start?


docker compose logs n8n | tail -50

Port already in use?


# Find what's using the port
lsof -i :PORT_NUMBER

Need to start fresh?


docker compose down -v  # ⚠️ This deletes volumes/data!
docker compose up -d