MCP n8n Server

Overview

The MCP n8n API Server bridges the gap between AI assistants and n8n, a popular no‑code workflow automation platform. By exposing n8n’s REST API through the Model Context Protocol, the server lets Claude or any MCP‑compatible client discover, trigger, and interrogate workflows without writing custom code. This solves a common pain point for developers who want to embed sophisticated automation into conversational agents—removing the need to manually craft HTTP requests, manage authentication, or maintain separate integration layers.

At its core, the server offers three intuitive tools: list‑workflows, list‑workflow-webhooks, and call‑webhook (both GET and POST). The first tool retrieves a catalog of all workflows defined in the connected n8n instance, enabling an assistant to present options or guide a user through selecting a process. The second tool fetches the webhooks associated with a specific workflow, allowing dynamic discovery of entry points for external events. Finally, the webhook tools let an assistant trigger a workflow directly from a conversation by issuing a simple GET or POST request, optionally supplying JSON payloads. Because all interactions are wrapped in MCP messages, developers can integrate these capabilities into existing Claude prompts or other LLM workflows with minimal friction.

The server’s value shines in real‑world scenarios where conversational AI must orchestrate complex backend tasks. For example, a customer support bot can automatically launch an n8n workflow that logs tickets, sends follow‑up emails, and updates a CRM—all by invoking the call‑webhook tool. A project management assistant can list all available automations and let a user pick one to trigger, streamlining task creation or status updates. Even non‑technical users benefit: the assistant can explain which workflows exist, what data they expect, and how to invoke them, turning automation into a conversational experience.

Integration is straightforward: developers configure the MCP server’s environment variables with their n8n host URL and API key, then register the server in Claude Desktop or any MCP client. Once registered, the assistant can call the exposed tools as part of its reasoning process, receiving structured JSON responses that can be parsed and acted upon. This tight coupling means AI agents can treat n8n as a first‑class citizen in their knowledge base, seamlessly blending natural language with powerful automation.

Unique advantages of the MCP n8n Server include its lightweight, zero‑dependency design—installing globally or running via npx eliminates setup overhead—and its native support for both local and remote deployment. Whether the workflow engine runs on a developer’s machine or in the cloud, the server adapts without code changes. Its focus on essential automation primitives (listing and invoking) keeps the interface clean, while still enabling complex orchestration when combined with other MCP tools. For developers looking to harness n8n’s flexibility within AI workflows, this server provides a ready‑made, protocol‑compliant bridge that accelerates development and reduces maintenance.