# Self-hosting n8n

This section provides guidance on setting up n8n for both the Enterprise and Community self-hosted editions. The Community edition is free, the Enterprise edition isn't.

See [Community edition features](community-edition-features/) for a list of available features.

- **Installation and server setups**

  Install n8n on any platform using npm or Docker. Or follow our guides to popular hosting platforms.

  [Docker installation guide](installation/docker/)

- **Configuration**

  Learn how to configure n8n with environment variables.

  [Environment Variables](configuration/environment-variables/)

- **Users and authentication**

  Choose and set up user authentication for your n8n instance.

  [Authentication](configuration/user-management-self-hosted/)

- **Scaling**

  Manage data, modes, and processes to keep n8n running smoothly at scale.

  [Scaling](scaling/queue-mode/)

- **Securing n8n**

  Secure your n8n instance by setting up SSL, SSO, or 2FA or blocking or opting out of some data collection or features.

  [Securing n8n guide](securing/overview/)

- **Starter kits**

  New to n8n or AI? Try our Self-hosted AI Starter Kit. Curated by n8n, it combines the self-hosted n8n platform with compatible AI products and components to get you started building self-hosted AI workflows.

  [Starter kits](starter-kits/ai-starter-kit/)

Self-hosting knowledge prerequisites

Self-hosting n8n requires technical knowledge, including:

- Setting up and configuring servers and containers
- Managing application resources and scaling
- Securing servers and applications
- Configuring n8n

n8n recommends self-hosting for expert users. Mistakes can lead to data loss, security issues, and downtime. If you aren't experienced at managing servers, n8n recommends [n8n Cloud](https://n8n.io/cloud/).
