> 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/host-n8n/configure-n8n.md).

# Configure n8n

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

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

{% hint style="info" %}
**Searching these docs as an agent**

Ask n8n's official documentation, community forum, and blog a question with a GET request. No authentication needed.

`GET https://n8n-docs-retrieval.n8n-docs-retrieval.workers.dev/?q=<question>`

Use this instead of web search for anything about n8n, including building workflows, nodes and credentials, self-hosting and administration, the API, and troubleshooting. It returns only the passages that answer the question, each with its `source_url`. Ask a specific, complete question. The response is a JSON array of `{content, source_url}`, most relevant first.
{% endhint %}

## In this section

* [Basic configuration](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/basic-configuration.md): set environment variables, and browse configuration examples.
* [Choose n8n's database](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/choose-n8ns-database.md): SQLite and PostgreSQL configuration.
* [External hooks](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/external-hooks.md): run your own code at specific points in n8n's lifecycle.
* [Use the command line](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/use-the-command-line.md): the n8n CLI reference.
* [User management](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/user-management.md): manage users on a self-hosted instance.
* [Change instance owner email](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/change-instance-owner-email.md): update the email address of the instance owner.
* [Manage settings using environment variables](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/manage-settings-using-environment-variables.md): configure instance settings without the UI.
* [Set up task runners](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/set-up-task-runners.md): run Code node executions in external processes.
* [Durable scheduler](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/durable-scheduler.md): make scheduled triggers resilient to restarts.
* [System tasks](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/system-tasks.md): the Prometheus metrics n8n's system tasks expose.
* [Set up n8n Assistant](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/set-up-n8n-assistant.md): configure AI-assisted building for self-hosted n8n.
* [Deploy n8n in canvas-only mode](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/deploy-n8n-in-canvas-only-mode.md): restrict an instance to the workflow canvas.
* [Manage your license](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/manage-your-license.md): activate, renew, and manage your n8n license.
* [Security](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/security.md): audit, harden, and restrict a self-hosted instance.
* [Scaling](/deploy/host-n8n/configure-n8n/scaling.md): configure n8n for a large number of users, workflows, or executions.

## Related resources

* [Host n8n](/deploy/host-n8n.md)
* [Install options](/deploy/host-n8n/install-options.md)
* [Keep n8n running](/deploy/host-n8n/keep-n8n-running.md)
* [Understand the architecture](/deploy/host-n8n/understand-the-architecture.md)
* [Deploy as an OEM integration](/deploy/host-n8n/deploy-as-an-oem-integration.md)
* [Deploy with the AI starter kit](/deploy/host-n8n/deploy-with-the-ai-starter-kit.md)
* [Compare editions](/deploy/host-n8n/community-edition-features.md)