How it works
A workflow in n8n starts with a trigger node, such as a schedule, a webhook or a new row in a sheet. Each node after it does one job: fetch data, change it, call a model, send a message. Data passes from node to node as items, and you can inspect exactly what went into and came out of every step, which makes problems easier to find than in tools that hide the data.
n8n differs from most rivals in two ways. You can host it yourself on your own server or pay for n8n's hosted cloud, and you can drop into your own code when the visual steps run out. n8n calls its license fair-code. The source is published and the self-hosted Community edition is free to use, but the license restricts some commercial uses, so it is not open source in the strict sense.
Creators meet n8n when a task outgrows simple two-step automations: a content pipeline with branches, an AI agent with tools, or a workflow that has to run on a private server. The trade is control for effort. Self-hosting means that you handle updates, backups and security yourself. Plans, limits and prices change, so read n8n's own pricing page before you decide.
A worked example
A creator wants every new YouTube video turned into a draft newsletter.
- Trigger: a schedule node runs each morning and checks the channel feed for a new video.
- A node fetches the transcript, and a model node writes a 150-word summary with three takeaways.
- An IF node checks that the summary is not empty, then a node saves it as a draft in the email tool.
- The creator opens the draft, edits it and sends it. The workflow never sends on its own.
An illustration, not a real account. Any numbers in it are made up to show the method, and are not benchmarks.
Common mistakes
- Calling it open source. n8n describes itself as fair-code under its Sustainable Use License, which restricts some commercial use.
- Testing a workflow and forgetting to publish it. Test runs and live runs use different webhook addresses.
- Self-hosting without a plan for backups and updates. Free software still costs time to run.
Questions people ask
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted Community edition is free to use under n8n's license, and you pay for the server it runs on. n8n Cloud is a paid hosted service. Check n8n's pricing page for current plans.
Is n8n hard to learn?
It is harder than a two-step automation tool and easier than writing code. Expect to spend your first sessions learning how data moves between nodes.
Should I use n8n or Zapier?
Zapier is quicker for simple links between popular apps. n8n suits branching logic, AI steps, heavy volume and self-hosting. Build the same small workflow in both before you commit.
Sources
The project README says n8n is fair-code distributed under the Sustainable Use License and the n8n Enterprise License.
n8n's documentation lists a fully managed Cloud service and self-hosted editions, including a free Community edition.
Every link was opened on 13 October 2026. Products and policies change, so check the source before you rely on a figure.