Self-hosting n8n gives you unlimited workflow executions, full data control, and zero monthly fees. With Coolify, you can deploy a production-ready n8n instance in just a few clicks.
Why Self-Host n8n?
n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that connects apps and services without code. Self-hosting means unlimited executions, complete data ownership, and significant cost savings at scale.
What You Get with Coolify
Coolify deploys n8n with a production-ready architecture including:
- n8n main instance - The web interface and workflow editor
- n8n-worker - Background execution for better performance
- PostgreSQL - Database for workflows and execution history
- Redis - Message queue for distributed processing Plus automatic SSL certificates, container management, and built-in monitoring.
Deployment Steps
Prerequisites
- A Coolify instance running on your server
- A domain or subdomain pointed to your server (e.g., n8n.yourdomain.com)
Step 1: Create a New Project
In your Coolify dashboard, create a new project to organize your n8n deployment.
Step 2: Add the n8n Service
Select "Add New Resource" and choose the n8n service from Coolify's catalog. This automatically uses the Docker Compose configuration with all necessary services.
Step 3: Configure Your Domain
Set the SERVICE_URL_N8N environment variable:
SERVICE_URL_N8N=https://n8n.yourdomain.com
This tells n8n where it's publicly accessible, which is essential for webhooks and external integrations.
Step 4: Deploy and Restart
Deploy the service, then restart it. This restart allows Coolify to generate SSL certificates and apply the domain configuration properly. Within moments, you'll have n8n running with HTTPS enabled automatically.
Step 5: Initial Setup and Activation
Navigate to your n8n URL (e.g., https://n8n.yourdomain.com):
- Create Your Admin Account - Set up your username and password
- Activation Popup - n8n will display a popup asking you to activate your instance
- Enter Your Email - Provide your email address
- Receive Your Key - n8n will email you an activation key that unlocks community features
The activation is optional but recommended for access to additional features like advanced permissions and extra integrations.
Managing Your Instance
Logs: View logs for all services directly from Coolify's dashboard.
Scaling: Add more worker instances as your automation needs grow.
Backups: Set up automated backups through Coolify to protect your workflows.
Updates: Pull the latest n8n image and redeploy when new versions are released.
Why This Works
Deploying n8n manually requires managing Docker files, configuring reverse proxies, and handling SSL certificates. Coolify handles all of that automatically:
- One-click deployment with production-ready configuration
- Automatic HTTPS with Let's Encrypt
- Easy scaling and management
- All controls in one dashboard
Ready to automate? deploy n8n, and start connecting your tools in minutes.
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