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Install n8n (Self‑Hosted)

This guide covers a pragmatic self‑hosted n8n setup using Docker that balances reliability, security, and cost.

Prerequisites​

  • Docker Engine and Docker Compose
  • A reverse proxy (e.g., Nginx, Traefik) for TLS
  • Persistent storage for workflows and credentials

Minimal Compose Template​

services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n:latest
    restart: unless-stopped
    environment:
      - N8N_HOST=automation.example.com
      - N8N_PORT=5678
      - N8N_PROTOCOL=https
      - N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY=change_me
      - WEBHOOK_URL=https://automation.example.com/
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    volumes:
      - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n
volumes:
  n8n_data:

Persistence & Backups​

  • Use named volumes or bind mounts for /home/node/.n8n
  • Snapshot the volume periodically and before upgrades

Reverse Proxy & TLS​

  • Terminate TLS at the proxy and forward traffic to port 5678
  • Set WEBHOOK_URL to the public URL for inbound triggers

Upgrades​

  • Pin a tested tag, then use blue‑green or canary with a backup