Configure n8n

Configure a self-hosted n8n instance, including database, security, scaling, and license settings.

In this section

• Basic configuration: set environment variables, and browse configuration examples.

• Choose n8n's database: SQLite and PostgreSQL configuration.

• External hooks: run your own code at specific points in n8n's lifecycle.

• Use the command line: the n8n CLI reference.

• User management: manage users on a self-hosted instance.

• Change instance owner email: update the email address of the instance owner.

• Manage settings using environment variables: configure instance settings without the UI.

• Set up task runners: run Code node executions in external processes.

• Durable scheduler: make scheduled triggers resilient to restarts.

• System tasks: the Prometheus metrics n8n's system tasks expose.

• Set up n8n Assistant: configure AI-assisted building for self-hosted n8n.

• Deploy n8n in canvas-only mode: restrict an instance to the workflow canvas.

• Manage your license: activate, renew, and manage your n8n license.

• Security: audit, harden, and restrict a self-hosted instance.

• Scaling: configure n8n for a large number of users, workflows, or executions.

Related resources

• Host n8n

• Install options

• Keep n8n running

• Understand the architecture

• Deploy as an OEM integration

• Deploy with the AI starter kit

• Compare editions