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How to Install n8n on Mac (Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction

Automation has become a cornerstone of productivity in today’s digital world. Whether you’re a developer, a small business owner, or just someone looking to save time on repetitive tasks, tools like n8n offer a powerful solution. But what exactly is n8n, and why should Mac users care about installing it locally?

n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is an open-source workflow automation tool designed to make connecting various apps, APIs, and services simple and efficient. Unlike some commercial automation platforms that restrict you behind paywalls or cloud-only solutions, n8n gives you the freedom to host it yourself, customize your workflows, and keep control over your data.

For Mac users, installing n8n locally has several advantages. First, you gain full control over the automation workflows without relying on third-party cloud services, which can be crucial for sensitive data or compliance needs. Second, local installations offer faster access speeds since everything runs directly on your machine. Finally, having n8n on your Mac makes development and testing of workflows much easier, especially if you want to connect local services or APIs running on your network.

This guide covers the complete process of installing n8n on macOS, from setting up prerequisites to running it via the recommended npm method, and also explores an optional Docker-based approach for containerized usage. We’ll also discuss helpful tips post-installation, how to troubleshoot common issues, and ways to optimize your n8n experience.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to start building your own automated workflows on your Mac with confidence.

Prerequisites

Before jumping into installation, it’s important to make sure your Mac meets the necessary requirements and that you have the right tools installed.

System Requirements

n8n is built on Node.js and is quite lightweight, so it can run on almost any modern Mac. However, for best results:

  • macOS version: You should have at least macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer. Older versions might have compatibility issues with Node.js or certain dependencies.
  • Hardware: Any Mac capable of running the required macOS version will do. A minimum of 4GB RAM is recommended, but 8GB or more is better for complex workflows.

Software Requirements

  • Node.js (LTS version): Node.js is the runtime environment that runs JavaScript outside the browser, which n8n depends on. It’s important to install the Long-Term Support (LTS) version for stability and ongoing support. The LTS version ensures compatibility with the majority of npm packages, including n8n.
  • npm (Node Package Manager): Comes bundled with Node.js. You’ll use npm to download and install n8n and other dependencies.
  • Terminal access: Since macOS comes with Terminal preinstalled, you just need basic knowledge of running commands in the terminal window.

Optional Tools

  • Homebrew: A popular package manager for macOS. Homebrew makes installing Node.js and many other utilities quick and simple. If you’re comfortable installing Node.js directly from the official website, you can skip this, but Homebrew is recommended for most users.
  • Docker: If you prefer or need containerized applications (e.g., to isolate your n8n instance or for easier deployment), Docker allows you to run n8n inside a virtualized container. We will cover this later in the guide.

Method 1: Installing n8n via npm (Recommended for Local Use)

The npm-based installation is the most straightforward method for local Mac setups. It allows you to run n8n directly on your system with minimal overhead and easy access to terminal commands.

Step 1: Install Node.js and npm

If you don’t have Node.js installed, the easiest way is to use Homebrew.

Installing Homebrew (if not already installed):

Homebrew is a free and open-source package manager that simplifies installing software on macOS. Open your Terminal (you can find it in Applications > Utilities or by searching in Spotlight) and enter the following command:

Bash
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

This script installs Homebrew on your system. You might need to enter your Mac’s administrator password during the process.

Update Homebrew:

Before installing Node.js, update Homebrew to get the latest package definitions:

Bash
brew update

Install Node.js:

Run the following command to install the Long-Term Support (LTS) version of Node.js, which includes npm:

Bash
brew install node

Depending on your internet speed, this might take a few minutes. Once complete, verify the installation by checking the versions:

Bash
node -v
npm -v

You should see something like v18.x.x (or the latest LTS version number) for Node.js and a version number for npm.

Step 2: Install n8n Globally

Now, use npm to install n8n as a global package, which means it will be accessible from any directory in your Terminal.

Bash
npm install n8n -g

This downloads and installs the latest stable version of n8n globally on your system.

Step 3: Run n8n

To start n8n, simply type:

Bash
n8n

This command launches the n8n server. You’ll see logs in your Terminal indicating the service has started and is listening on port 5678.

Step 4: Access n8n in Your Browser

Open your preferred web browser and navigate to:

Plaintext
http://localhost:5678

You will land on the n8n workflow editor interface. From here, you can start building automation workflows by connecting nodes representing apps or API calls.

Why Use the npm Method?

  • Direct system integration: You can easily run n8n alongside other local development tools.
  • Performance: Since n8n runs natively on your system, it tends to be faster and more responsive.
  • Easy updates: You can upgrade n8n using npm commands.
  • Simplicity: Minimal setup, great for beginners.

Method 2: Using Docker (Optional)

If you want to avoid modifying your local Node.js setup or prefer containerized environments, Docker is an excellent alternative.

What is Docker?

Docker is a platform that allows you to package applications and their dependencies into containers. Containers are lightweight, portable environments that can run on any system with Docker installed.

When Should You Use Docker for n8n?

  • If you want to keep your system clean and avoid installing Node.js directly.
  • For testing different versions or setups without cluttering your Mac.
  • When deploying n8n to servers or cloud services that use containers.
  • To run multiple isolated n8n instances.

Step 1: Install Docker Desktop for Mac

Download Docker Desktop from the official site:

https://docs.docker.com/desktop
/mac/install

Install and launch Docker. You can verify the installation by running:

Bash
docker --version

You should see Docker’s version information printed.

Step 2: Run n8n Container

To run n8n in a Docker container, open Terminal and execute:

Bash
docker run -it --rm \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \
  n8nio/n8n

Let’s break down what each option means:

  • it: Runs the container interactively with a terminal attached.
  • -rm: Automatically removes the container when you stop it.
  • p 5678:5678: Maps port 5678 inside the container to port 5678 on your Mac, allowing browser access.
  • v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n: Mounts a local directory (~/.n8n) into the container so your workflow data persists between sessions.
  • n8nio/n8n: The official Docker image for n8n.

Step 3: Access n8n

As before, open a browser and go to:

Plaintext
http://localhost:5678

The n8n editor will load and work exactly as if installed locally.

Managing Docker Containers

  • To stop the container, press Ctrl + C in the Terminal window running Docker.
  • For persistent containers, omit -rm to keep the container running until manually stopped.
  • Use Docker Compose for more complex setups (e.g., with databases, SSL proxies).

Post-Installation Tips

Now that n8n is running on your Mac, here are some tips to optimize your experience and secure your workflows.

Configuring Environment Variables

n8n supports many environment variables to customize behavior. Some useful ones include:

  • N8N_PORT: Change the port n8n runs on.
  • N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE
    =true    : Enables basic HTTP authentication.
  • N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER and N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD: Set the username and password for authentication.
  • N8N_HOST: Specify a custom hostname or IP address.

You can set these in your Terminal session before launching n8n, for example:

Bash
export N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
export N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
export N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=strongpassword
n8n

Running n8n in the Background

Running n8n directly in Terminal means it will stop when you close the window. To keep it running in the background, use pm2, a process manager.

Install pm2 globally:

Bash
npm install pm2 -g

Start n8n with pm2:

Bash
pm2 start n8n

You can manage the process using pm2 commands:

  • pm2 status — Check running processes.
  • pm2 stop n8n — Stop the n8n process.
  • pm2 logs n8n — View logs.

pm2 will automatically restart n8n if it crashes, ensuring uptime.

Securing Your Instance

By default, n8n runs without authentication, which is fine for local, private use but risky if exposed to networks.

To secure n8n:

  • Enable Basic Auth using environment variables (as shown above).
  • Use a reverse proxy like Nginx to add HTTPS support with SSL certificates.
  • Restrict access with firewall rules or VPN.
  • Regularly update n8n and dependencies for security patches.

Using the n8n Desktop App

For those who prefer a graphical interface without command-line setup, n8n offers a native desktop application for macOS. It bundles everything needed to run n8n locally with minimal setup. The desktop app is ideal for beginners or quick experimentation.

Troubleshooting

No installation is perfect, so here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them.

Permission Errors with npm

If you get errors like EACCES: permission denied when installing or running npm packages, avoid using sudo to fix them. Instead, fix npm’s default directory permissions or use nvm (Node Version Manager).

To fix npm permissions, follow this npm guide.

Alternatively, install Node.js with nvm:

Bash
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.3/install.sh | bash
nvm install --lts
nvm use --lts

Then install n8n.

Port Conflicts

If port 5678 is already in use, n8n won’t start. Check which process is using the port:

Bash
lsof -i :5678

You can stop the conflicting process or run n8n on a different port:

Bash
export N8N_PORT=5679
n8n

Command Not Found for n8n

If Terminal says n8n: command not found after installation:

  • Make sure npm’s global bin directory is in your PATH.

Add this to your shell config (~/.zshrc or ~/.bash_profile):

Bash
export PATH="$PATH:$(npm bin -g)"

Reload the shell with source ~/.zshrc or open a new Terminal window.

Checking Logs

If n8n crashes or behaves unexpectedly, check the logs:

  • For npm installations, logs appear directly in the Terminal window.
  • With pm2, use:
Bash
pm2 logs n8n

Where to Get Help

The n8n community is active and welcoming. Resources include:

Searching these or asking politely will usually get quick answers.

Conclusion

Installing n8n on a Mac is easier than you might think, whether you choose the direct npm installation or prefer running it in Docker containers. The npm method is excellent for local development and quick startup, while Docker offers flexibility and isolation.

Once installed, n8n empowers you to automate tasks across hundreds of apps and APIs, saving you time and reducing manual work. From sending notifications to syncing databases, the possibilities are vast.

Next steps? Start by creating your first workflow in the n8n editor. Explore the available nodes, experiment with triggers, and connect your favorite apps. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the community or consult the documentation as you grow your automation skills.

Your Mac is now a powerful automation workstation — happy workflow building!