n8n MCP Server

The n8n MCP Server bridges the gap between AI assistants and the powerful workflow automation platform n8n. By exposing n8n’s REST API through the Model Context Protocol, it lets large language models (LLMs) query, manage, and execute workflows as if they were native tools. This solves the problem of integrating complex automation logic into conversational agents without requiring custom code or exposing sensitive credentials to the user. Developers can now ask an assistant to list workflows, trigger a data pipeline, or audit security settings, and the MCP server translates those natural‑language requests into precise n8n API calls.

At its core, the server offers a rich set of capabilities that mirror the n8n experience: listing and inspecting workflows, executing them on demand, managing credentials, handling tags, and reviewing execution history. It also provides security‑focused features such as generating audit reports for workflow permissions. For enterprises, additional functionalities—like project and variable management or advanced user controls—are available when an n8n Enterprise license is in place. These features give developers a single, standardized interface to orchestrate both simple and sophisticated automation tasks directly from an LLM.

Real‑world use cases abound. In a marketing team, an assistant could pull up the latest lead‑generation workflow and trigger it after a campaign launch. In DevOps, an engineer might ask the assistant to run a deployment pipeline and receive execution logs instantly. Data scientists could have their models retrained by invoking a scheduled n8n workflow, while compliance officers might request an audit report of all workflows that access sensitive data. Because the MCP server handles authentication via a secure API key, developers can keep credentials out of the assistant’s prompt and maintain strict access controls.

Integration with AI workflows is seamless. Once configured in a client such as Claude Desktop, Cline (VS Code), or future Sage integrations, the MCP server registers itself under a recognizable name. The assistant then exposes new command slots that automatically map to n8n operations, allowing developers to compose multi‑step processes: “List my workflows → Execute workflow X → Show execution logs.” This declarative style removes boilerplate and lets developers focus on higher‑level logic rather than API plumbing.

What sets the n8n MCP Server apart is its blend of security, extensibility, and enterprise readiness. By leveraging n8n’s built‑in authentication and permission system, it guarantees that only authorized actions are performed. Its modular design means developers can add or remove features by toggling enterprise modules, and the server’s lightweight Node.js implementation keeps resource usage minimal. In short, it turns n8n into a first‑class tool in the AI assistant ecosystem, enabling intelligent automation across a wide spectrum of business processes.