> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.n8n.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.n8n.io/deploy/readme.md).

# Deploy

n8n offers two different deployment methods. [n8n Cloud](/deploy/use-n8n-cloud.md) gives fast, managed setup on an instance run by n8n. [Self-hosted n8n](/deploy/host-n8n.md) lets you run n8n on your own machine or infrastructure.\
\
**Deploy** documentation helps you deploy, configure, secure, and maintain n8n in either model.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Deployment option</th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Go to section</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Use n8n Cloud</strong><br>Managed by n8n. Get started quickly, with less operational work.</td><td><a href="/pages/TfRz19xNcFbNxlcQq9L7">/pages/TfRz19xNcFbNxlcQq9L7</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Self-host n8n</strong><br>Run n8n yourself with Docker, npm, Docker Compose, or a supported platform.</td><td><a href="/pages/dqi8Y1iZswob8wzg3QaO">/pages/dqi8Y1iZswob8wzg3QaO</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Compare deployment options

Below is a high-level overview of each option. If you're still deciding, look at [Choose your n8n](https://n8n.gitbook.io/n8n-docs-next/fTXFsp54tRnnn2McXCeU/choose-how-to-use-n8n) for more guidance.

#### Use n8n Cloud

n8n Cloud is the managed option. n8n runs the instance for you.

Choose Cloud if you want to:

* Start fast with minimal setup
* Reduce infrastructure and maintenance work
* Use Cloud-specific admin and configuration tools

{% content-ref url="/pages/TfRz19xNcFbNxlcQq9L7" %}
[Use n8n Cloud](/deploy/use-n8n-cloud.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

#### Self-host n8n

Self-hosting gives you control over how n8n runs and how your environment is managed.

Choose self-hosting if you want to:

* Run n8n on your own infrastructure
* Finely control upgrades, configuration, and security
* Design for custom scaling or platform requirements

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Self-hosted topic</th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Open</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Host n8n overview</strong><br>Start with the main self-hosted landing page.</td><td><a href="/pages/dqi8Y1iZswob8wzg3QaO">/pages/dqi8Y1iZswob8wzg3QaO</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Install options</strong><br>Set up n8n with Docker, npm, Docker Compose, or a cloud provider.</td><td><a href="/pages/tmlZdl7QpnGuCXup9vMd">/pages/tmlZdl7QpnGuCXup9vMd</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Configure n8n</strong><br>Manage databases, environment variables, users, licenses, and security settings.</td><td><a href="/pages/rc1k6jBpVgSdbcxQtXLJ">/pages/rc1k6jBpVgSdbcxQtXLJ</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Keep n8n running</strong><br>Monitor, log, trace, and update your instance.</td><td><a href="/pages/2XQWgN6U1L22KGt19WnT">/pages/2XQWgN6U1L22KGt19WnT</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Understand the architecture</strong><br>Learn how n8n works and how the database is structured.</td><td><a href="/pages/XddcCvbiPK7AMLl8LN5w">/pages/XddcCvbiPK7AMLl8LN5w</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% content-ref url="/pages/dqi8Y1iZswob8wzg3QaO" %}
[Host n8n](/deploy/host-n8n.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}