N8N for total beginner

PART 1: Introduction to n8n

Lesson 1.1: Demystifying Workflow Automation
What is Workflow Automation?
Imagine a world where your software tools work together seamlessly,
handling repetitive tasks automatically. That's the power of workflow
automation. It's about using technology to eliminate manual intervention
in your processes. By setting up rules and triggers, you can automate
predictable actions, boosting efficiency and consistency.
Think of it this way:
• Automatic "Thank You" emails: When someone fills out a form,
an email is sent without you lifting a finger.
• Real-time data synchronization: New entries in a Google Sheet
instantly update your CRM like HubSpot.
Tools like n8n act as the connector, enabling different applications to
communicate and collaborate effectively.
Key Components of Workflow Automation:
1. Triggers:
o These are the starting points. Examples:

▪ A new email arrives.

▪ A form is submitted.

▪ A scheduled time is reached.

2. Actions:
o These are the tasks performed in response to a trigger.
Examples:
▪ Updating a database.

▪ Sending notifications.

▪ Posting messages in communication platforms.

3. Conditions:
o These add logic, ensuring actions occur only when specific
criteria are met. Examples:
▪ Send an email only to VIP contacts.

▪ Create a project task only if the deadline is within a

week.
Why is Workflow Automation Essential?
1. Time Savings:
o Free yourself from tedious tasks like data entry. Focus on
strategic work.
o Example: Automatically populate your CRM from website
forms.
2. Error Reduction:
o Minimize human errors and ensure consistency.

o Example: Accurate and consistent recording of invoices in

your accounting software.
3. Scalability:
o Handle increased workloads without adding manual effort.

o Example: Manage high volumes of customer inquiries with

an AI chatbot.
Real-World Examples of Workflow Automation:
• Marketing: Automate email campaigns with n8n or Mailchimp,
like sending welcome email sequences to new subscribers.
• Sales: Automatically transfer leads from LinkedIn to your CRM
and assign them based on location.
• Customer Support: Use n8n to route customer tickets from email
to platforms like Zendesk or Freshdesk.
Dive Deeper:
• Explore comprehensive guides on workflow automation.

• Learn practical steps to implement workflow automation.

• Search for "Workflow Automation complete guide" on your

favorite search engine.
Key Improvements:
• Simplified Language: Replaced some technical terms with
simpler, more accessible language.
• Stronger Examples: Examples are more direct and easier to
understand.
• Emphasis on Benefits: The "Why is it Important?" section
highlights the core advantages clearly.
• Actionable Resources: Provided general search terms to find up
to date resources.
 • Improved Flow: The information is presented in a more logical
and engaging sequence.

Lesson 1.2: Introducing n8n: Your Workflow Automation

Powerhouse
What is n8n?
n8n is a versatile, low-code platform that empowers you to connect
different applications and automate tasks with ease. Imagine it as a
digital conductor, orchestrating the flow of information between your
various tools. Its visual, node-based interface makes it incredibly user-
friendly, while its flexibility allows for complex automations and custom
code integration.
n8n vs. the Competition
Feature n8n Zapier Make.com
Simpler "Zaps", Advanced
Highly customizable,
Flexibility limited features, visual
custom code
complexity builder
300+ built-in, custom
Integrations 5,000+ apps 1,500+ apps
nodes, community
Free self-hosting, Free plan, paid Free plan, paid
Cost
cloud plans from $20 from $19.99 from $9
Key Customization & Ease of Use & Visual Workflow
Advantage Cost-Effectiveness Vast Integrations Design
Why Choose n8n?
• Unleash Your Creativity: n8n's open-source nature gives you
unmatched customization. Tailor it precisely to your needs, add
custom code, and build unique integrations.
• Control Your Budget: Enjoy free self-hosting or affordable cloud
plans. Scale your automation without breaking the bank.
• Join a Thriving Community: Benefit from a supportive
community, shared workflows, custom nodes, and collaborative
 problem-solving.
• Own Your Data: Self-hosting ensures complete control over your
data, enhancing privacy and security.
How n8n Works: A Simple Analogy
Think of n8n as a factory production line:
1. Triggers: The "start button." Something happens (like a new email
or a scheduled time) that initiates the workflow.
2. Core Nodes: The "assembly line." These nodes process and
transform data as it moves through the workflow.
3. Action Nodes: The "shipping department." These nodes perform
the final actions, such as sending messages, uploading files, or
updating databases.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Explore the n8n blog, discover available nodes, and see how others are
saving time and money with n8n.
Key Improvements:
• Concise Comparison: A table provides a clear overview of n8n's
strengths compared to Zapier and Make.com.
• Stronger Emphasis on Benefits: Highlights the unique
advantages of n8n more effectively.
• Simplified Explanation: The "How n8n Works" section uses an
analogy for easier understanding.
• Streamlined Information: Removed redundant details and
improved overall flow.

Lesson 1.3: Getting Started with n8n: Cloud or Self-Hosted?

Choosing Your n8n Setup: Cloud vs. Self-Hosted
Before diving into n8n, you'll need to decide between n8n Cloud and
self-hosting. Each option caters to different needs and technical levels.
• n8n Cloud: Quick Start, Minimal Effort

o Managed by the n8n team: Focus on building workflows, not

infrastructure.
 o Easy setup: Get started instantly with a web-based editor.
o Ideal for: Beginners, small businesses, or anyone wanting a
hassle-free experience.
• Self-Hosting: Full Control, Maximum Flexibility

o Complete data control: Maintain full ownership and security.

o Customization: Tailor n8n to your specific needs.

o Deployment options: Docker, Node.js, Kubernetes (for

scaling), and more.
o Ideal for: Developers, enterprises with strict security
requirements, or those needing advanced customization.
Setting Up Your n8n Instance
1. n8n Cloud: Get Up and Running in Minutes
• Sign Up:

o Visit the n8n Cloud sign-up page to create your account.

o Access the intuitive web-based editor and start building

workflows immediately.
• This option is the fastest way to start using n8n.

2. Self-Hosting n8n: Tailor Your Environment

Self-hosting offers maximum control, but it requires more technical
know-how.
• Official n8n Hosting Documentation:

o Comprehensive guides for installing n8n using npm or

Docker.
o Instructions for configuration, scaling, and security.

• Community Tutorials:

o "Easy Step-by-Step Guide on How to Self-Host n8n": A

beginner-friendly walkthrough.
o "How to Install n8n in Linux Using Docker-Compose":
Guide to installing n8n on a linux server using docker
compose.
• Video Tutorials:

o "Self-Host n8n Using Docker in 11 Minutes": A quick

demonstration of Docker setup.
 o "The Easiest Way to Self-Host n8n in the Cloud": Deploy
n8n on a cloud platform.
Key Improvements:
• Clearer Headings: The "Cloud vs. Self-Hosted" section is more
prominent.
• Concise Descriptions: Reduced wordiness while retaining
essential information.
• Organized Resources: Resources are grouped logically for easier
navigation.
• Emphasis on Benefits: Highlighted the advantages of each setup
option.
• Simplified Language: Made the text more accessible to a wider
audience.

Lesson 1.4: Leveraging the n8n Community and Templates

The Power of Community
The n8n community is a vibrant resource for anyone using the platform.
It's a place to:
• Learn from others: Share tips, tricks, and troubleshooting advice.

• Discover ready-made solutions: Find and use community-

contributed workflows.
• Collaborate and grow: Connect with fellow automation
enthusiasts.
For beginners, the community is an invaluable source of inspiration and
support.
Finding and Using n8n Templates
1. Explore the Template Library:
o Visit the official n8n Workflow Templates page.

o Browse pre-built workflows for various use cases, such as:

▪ Automated birthday email campaigns.

▪ Data synchronization between Notion and Google

Sheets.
2. Contribute Your Own Templates:
o Advanced users can share their workflows with the
community.
o Help others learn and adapt your solutions to their needs.

Part 1: Quick Recap

Let's solidify what you've learned in this introductory Part:
• Workflow Automation Explained:

o You grasp the concept of workflow automation: using

technology to automate tasks without manual intervention.

o You understand the core components: triggers (starting

events), actions (tasks performed), and conditions (criteria for

actions).
o You recognize the benefits: time savings, error reduction, and

improved scalability.
• n8n: Your Automation Ally:

o You've been introduced to n8n, a flexible, open-source

automation tool.
o You understand how n8n compares to other platforms like

Zapier and Make.com.

o You appreciate n8n's unique advantages: cost-effectiveness,

customizability, and data privacy.

• How n8n Works: Building Your Automation Pipelines:

o You've learned the fundamental structure of n8n workflows:

triggers, processing nodes, and action nodes.

o You understand how those nodes interact with each other.

• Setting Up n8n: Your Way:

o You know the difference between n8n Cloud (managed) and

self-hosting (full control).

o You understand how to choose the setup that best suits your
 needs and technical expertise.
• The n8n Community: A Resource Hub:
o You've discovered the value of the n8n community.

o You know how to access and utilize workflow templates.

o You understand the value of community support for learning

and troubleshooting.
Part 2: Mastering Core Concepts and Nodes in n8n
Lesson 2.1: Understanding the Power of Nodes
What Are Nodes?
Nodes are the fundamental building blocks of n8n workflows. Each node
represents a specific action or task, like fetching data, processing
information, or sending notifications. By connecting these nodes, you
create automated workflows that perform complex sequences of
operations.
Types of Nodes:
1. Trigger Nodes:
o Initiate workflows based on specific events or schedules.
(Identified by an orange lightning bolt.)
o Examples:
▪ Webhook Trigger: Starts a workflow when a specific
URL is accessed.
▪ Execute Workflow Trigger: Starts a workflow when
another workflow calls it.
▪ Gmail Trigger: Starts a workflow when a new email
arrives.
2. Regular Nodes:
o Perform actions like data retrieval, transformation, and
delivery.
o Examples:
▪ HTTP Request Node: Sends HTTP requests to external
APIs.
▪ Filter Node: Filters data based on defined conditions.
▪ Merge Node: Combines data from multiple sources.
Node Structure:
Each node consists of:
• Parameters: Settings that define the node's behavior (e.g., API
endpoints, authentication).
• Input/Output Data: Data received from and passed to other
nodes.
• Credentials (Optional): Authentication information for external
services.
Connecting Nodes:
Nodes are linked to create the flow of data and the sequence of
operations. The output of one node becomes the input for the next.
Resources:
• n8n Documentation: Nodes (Detailed information on node
functionalities)
• n8n Community Forum: Code Node for Beginners (Tips for using
the Code node)
• Youtube tutorial videos for practical node usage.
Lesson 2.2: Exploring Essential Core Nodes
Overview of Core Nodes:
n8n provides built-in core nodes for various operations:
1. Edit Fields (Set) Node:
o Defines and manipulates data within a workflow.
o Allows setting static or dynamic values.
2. Code Node:
o Executes custom JavaScript code.
o Enables complex data transformations and logic.
3. HTTP Request Node:
o Performs HTTP requests to interact with external APIs.
o Supports GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and other methods.
4. Merge Node:
o Combines data from multiple nodes.
o Supports merging by index or key.
5. Other Useful Nodes:
o Split Out: Breaks a single input into multiple items.
o Aggregate: Combines multiple items into a single output.
o Limit: Restricts the number of processed items.
Practical Applications:
• Edit Fields Node: Set default values or transform data.
• Code Node: Apply custom calculations or formatting.
• HTTP Request Node: Fetch data from APIs.
• Merge Node: Combine data from different sources.
Resources:
• n8n Documentation: Core Nodes Library (Detailed information on
core nodes)
• n8n Documentation: HTTP Request Node (Guide to configuring
HTTP requests)
• Youtube tutorial videos.
Lesson 2.3: Mastering Data Transformations
Overview:
Data transformation is crucial for integrating APIs, services, and data
formats. This lesson covers manipulating data using the Set Node,
expressions, and the Code Node.
1. Understanding Data Structures in n8n:
• n8n uses JSON for data representation.
• JSON components: key-value pairs, arrays, nested objects.
• Navigation: dot notation or square bracket notation.
• Relative referencing: $json.
• Absolute referencing: $node["NodeName"].json.
2. Using the Set Node:
• Define and modify data fields.
• Static data: add predefined values.
• Dynamic data: map and transform incoming data.
• Use expressions like {{$json["fieldName"]}} to map dynamic
data.
3. Expressions in n8n:
• Dynamically access, transform, and use data.
• Accessing data: {{$json["field"]}},
{{$node["NodeName"].json["field"]}}.
• Combining fields: combine fields and text for dynamic outputs.
• Expressions act like a mail merge.
4. Advanced Data Manipulations with the Code Node:
• Use custom JavaScript for complex data transformations.
• Examples: date conversion, array filtering, calculations.
• Output: array of objects or an empty array.
5. Variables in n8n and Understanding the Notation:
• Variables: $json, $node, $workflow, $env.
• Notation: dot notation, square bracket notation.
• Accessing data from other nodes:
{{$node["PreviousNodeName"].json["fieldName"]}}.
• Best practices: consistent naming, error handling, testing
expressions.
Resources:
• n8n Documentation: Data Structures, Core Nodes, HTTP Request
Node, Code Node.
 • n8n community resources and youtube tutorials.

Lesson 2.4: Integrating Third-Party Services

Connecting to External Applications:

n8n enables seamless integration with various third-party services,

allowing for automated data exchange and process management across
platforms.

Methods of Integration:

1. Pre-built Nodes:
○ n8n provides a collection of built-in nodes for popular
services like Google Sheets, Slack, and Trello.
○ These nodes simplify the process of connecting and
interacting with external applications.
2. HTTP Request Node:
○ For services without dedicated nodes, the HTTP Request
node allows you to interact with any API by configuring
HTTP methods, headers, and payloads.
3. Custom Nodes:
○ Develop custom nodes to cater to specific integration
requirements not covered by existing nodes.
○ These can be published as community nodes (and a great
place to check out how to do them or if they’ve already
been created!)

Authentication and Credentials:

 ● OAuth2: Used by services like Google and Facebook for secure
authorization.
● API Keys: Simple tokens provided by services to authenticate
requests.
● Basic Authentication: Uses a username and password
combination for access.

Resources:

● Understanding APIs in n8n: Watch the Video on YouTube

● n8n Blog: Definitive Guide to API Integration for Engineers
Offers an in-depth look at API integration concepts and practices.
● n8n Documentation: Integrations
Provides comprehensive guides on integrating various services
with n8n.
● n8n Community Forum: Automate Screenshots, PDFs, and
More: Integrating n8n with Self-Hosted Browserless &
Playwright
Discusses advanced integration scenarios and their
implementations.

Part 2: Quick Recap

● You now understand nodes in n8n: What they are, their types
(Trigger Nodes and Regular Nodes), and their role as the building
blocks of workflows. You’ve learned how nodes connect to
define the sequence and flow of data.
● You’ve explored core nodes: The Set Node for defining and
manipulating data, the Function Node for running custom
JavaScript, the HTTP Request Node for interacting with APIs,
and the Merge Node for combining data from multiple sources.
● You’ve learned how to use expressions: Dynamically access
 and manipulate data using expressions like {{$json["field"]}}
(current node data) and
{{$node["PreviousNode"].json["field"]}} (data from previous
nodes).
● You’ve mastered data transformations: Leveraging the Set
Node for simple modifications and the Function Node for
advanced operations like date formatting, array filtering, and
calculations using JavaScript.
● You now understand variables and notation in n8n: Using
global variables ($json,
$node, $workflow) and applying dot notation or square bracket
notation to access and manipulate nested JSON data.
● You’ve learned how to integrate third-party services:
Using pre-built nodes for popular applications, the HTTP
Request Node for API interactions, and different
authentication methods (OAuth2, API Keys, and Basic Auth)
to ensure secure connections.
Part 3: Building and Managing Workflows
Lesson 3.1: Designing Effective Workflows
Understanding Workflow Design:
Effective workflow design is essential for seamless automation. It
involves mapping processes, sequencing actions, and handling
conditions and data transformations.
Key Considerations:
• Define Objectives: Clearly outline workflow goals.

• Identify Triggers and Actions: Determine initiating events and

subsequent actions.
• Data Flow Management: Ensure accurate data transfer between

nodes.
• Error Handling: Plan for potential errors and define fallback

mechanisms.
Practical Steps:
1. Process Mapping: Visualize the entire process.
2. Node Selection: Choose appropriate nodes for each task.
3. Conditional Logic: Incorporate conditions for different scenarios.
4. Testing: Regularly test to identify and fix issues.
Resources:
• n8n Documentation: Designing the Workflow

• n8n Community Forum: Optimizing Workflow Automation with

Effective Storage Solutions

• Youtube tutorial videos.

Lesson 3.2: Workflow Execution and Monitoring

Execution Modes in n8n:
1. Manual Execution: Used for testing during development.
2. Production Execution: Automatic execution based on triggers.
Monitoring Executions:
• Execution History: Analyze past executions.

• Error Tracking: Monitor and log errors.

• Performance Metrics: Assess execution times and resource

utilization.
Tools and Features:
• Execution List: Access all workflow executions.

• Execution Search: Filter executions based on criteria.

• Retry Mechanism: Re-execute failed workflows.

Resources:
• n8n Documentation: Executions

• n8n Blog: Introducing Execution Search and Global Variables

Lesson 3.3: Advanced Workflow Features

Leveraging Advanced Features:
• Conditional Logic: Use IF Nodes for dynamic decision-making.

• Looping Mechanisms: Implement loops for repetitive tasks.

• Error Handling: Design workflows to handle errors gracefully.

Implementing Advanced Features:

• Expressions: Incorporate dynamic data and functions.

• Custom Code: Use the Function Node for complex operations.

• Sub-Workflows: Modularize workflows with reusable sub-

workflows.
Resources:
• n8n Community Forum: Demo: Secure Workflow Automation &

Advanced AI with n8n

• Youtube tutorial videos.

Lesson 3.4: Debugging and Error Workflows

1. Understanding Errors in n8n:
• Errors arise from misconfigurations, incorrect data, or service

failures.
2. Utilizing Execution Data:
• n8n maintains detailed execution data.

3. Accessing the Executions Log:

• Review executions marked as "Error" for details.

4. Implementing Error Workflows with the Error Trigger Node:

• Create dedicated error workflows.

5. Handling Errors Within the Workflow:

• Use "Continue On Fail" for resilient workflows.
6. Utilizing the Debug Helper Node:
• Inspect data flow to identify issues.

7. Best Practices for Debugging and Error Handling:

• Modular Workflow Design, Comprehensive Testing,

Implementing Error Branches, Regular Monitoring.

8. Additional Resources:
• Youtube tutorial videos and n8n community discussions.

Part 3: Quick Recap

• Workflow design: objectives, mapping, nodes, conditional logic,

testing.
• Workflow execution and monitoring: manual vs. production,

execution history, error tracking.

• Advanced workflow features: conditional logic, loops, error

handling, expressions, custom code.

• Debugging and error handling: Execution logs, Error trigger nodes,

debug helper nodes, and best practices.

Part 4: Introduction to AI Agents
Lesson 4.1: Understanding AI Agents
Definition and Functionality:
• AI agents interact with environments, perceive data, and perform

tasks autonomously.
Types of AI Agents:
• Reactive Agents, Goal-Based Agents, Utility-Based Agents,

Learning Agents.
Applications of AI Agents:
• Customer Service, Process Automation, Data Analysis, Coding

Operations.
Resources:
• AWS/IBM documentation.

• Youtube tutorial videos.

Lesson 4.2: Integrating AI with n8n

n8n's AI Capabilities:
• Integrate AI functionalities using specialized nodes.
AI Nodes in n8n:
• AI Agent Node, Summarization Chain, Question and Answer

Chain, Basic LLM Chain.

AI Integrations:
• OpenAI, Google AI Services, IBM Watson.

Steps to Build AI-Enhanced Workflows:

1. Leverage AI Nodes.
2. Connect with AI Platforms.
3. Define Dependencies.
4. Design AI-Powered Workflows.
5. Test and Optimize.
Resources:
• n8n Blog.

• Youtube tutorial videos.

Lesson 4.3: Practical AI Agent Implementations

Use Cases of AI Agents in n8n:
• Automated Customer Support, Content Generation, Data Analysis,

Personal Assistants.
Implementation Steps:
1. Define Objectives.
2. Select AI Tools.
3. Design Workflow.
4. Monitor and Improve.
Resources:
• n8n Community Forum.

• Youtube tutorial videos.

Lesson 4.4: Prompting AI Agents

Importance of Effective Prompting:
• Craft clear and specific inputs for AI agents.

Key Elements of a Good Prompt:

• Clarity, Context, Constraints, Examples.

Prompting Strategies:
• Task Specification, Iterative Refinement, Role Assignment,
 Temperature Control.
Health Warning:
• Combine prompting with other strategies for critical use cases.

Tools for Testing Prompts:

• OpenAI Playground, OpenAI Tokenizer.

Resources for Mastering Prompting:

• Youtube tutorial videos and online articles.

Part 4: Quick Recap

• AI agents: types and applications.

• Integrating AI with n8n: AI nodes and integrations.

• Practical AI agent use cases.

• Effective prompting: crafting clear prompts and using tools for

testing.
 ● n8n and AI.
Part 5: Advanced AI Integrations
Lesson 5.1: Connecting to AI Services
Overview:
Integrating AI services into n8n workflows enhances automation
with natural language processing, image recognition, and data
analysis. n8n supports connections to platforms like OpenAI and
Google AI.
Steps to Connect AI Services in n8n:
1. Identify the AI Service: Choose the service that matches your
workflow needs.
2. Obtain API Credentials: Register and get API keys or tokens.
3. Configure n8n Integration:
o Add the appropriate node (e.g., OpenAI node).

o Enter API credentials.

o Set parameters (e.g., prompts, image URLs).

4. Test the Connection: Execute the workflow to verify the

integration.
Best Practices:
• Secure API Keys: Store credentials securely.

• Monitor Usage Limits: Be aware of API limits.

• Handle Errors Gracefully: Implement error-handling

mechanisms.
Resources:
• n8n Integrations: Explore AI integrations on the n8n website.

• OpenAI Integration Guide.

• Youtube tutorial videos.

Lesson 5.2: Building AI-Powered Workflows

Overview:
AI-powered workflows in n8n automate complex tasks like content
generation, data analysis, and decision-making.
Steps to Build AI-Powered Workflows:
1. Define the Workflow Objective: Clearly state the workflow's
 goal.
2. Design the Workflow Structure:
o Identify Input Sources: Determine data origins.

o Select AI Processes: Choose necessary AI capabilities.

o Determine Output Actions: Define actions for AI-

processed data.
3. Implement the Workflow in n8n:
o Add Necessary Nodes: Incorporate input, AI, and output

nodes.
o Configure Node Settings: Set parameters and

credentials.
o Establish Data Flow: Ensure proper data transfer.

4. Test and Optimize:

o Run the Workflow: Execute and observe performance.

o Analyze Results: Assess AI outputs.

o Refine as Needed: Adjust for accuracy and efficiency.

Example Workflow: AI-Powered Content Generation:

• Objective: Automate social media posts from blog articles.

• Workflow Structure:

o Input: RSS feed.

o AI Process: OpenAI for concise summaries.

o Output: Automatic posting to social media.

Resources:
• n8n AI Workflows: Explore templates on the n8n website.

• AI Workflow Automation Guide.

Lesson 5.3: Case Studies and Real-World Applications

Overview:
Real-world applications of AI integrations in n8n demonstrate
practical implementations and benefits.
Case Study 1: Injecting Human Intelligence into AI Workflows
(SanctifAI):
• Challenge: Improve AI agent decision-making with human

input.
 • Solution: n8n workflows with human inputs at critical points.
• Outcome: 3x increase in workflow development speed.

Case Study 2: AI-Powered Children's Storytelling on Telegram:

• Challenge: Automate story creation and distribution via

Telegram.
• Solution: n8n workflow for AI-generated stories, audio, and

images.
• Outcome: Streamlined content creation and delivery.

Resources:
• n8n Case Studies: Explore more cases on the n8n website.

• AI Workflow Examples: Email Automation, Personal

Assistant, Google Scraping AI Agent.

Part 5: Quick Recap
• Connecting AI Services: Identifying platforms, obtaining

credentials, and secure integration.

• Building AI-Powered Workflows: Designing workflows with

AI processes and automation tasks.

• Real-World Case Studies: Understanding how organizations

integrate AI with n8n for decision-making and content

creation.
• The Power of AI Integrations: From personal assistants to

creative content automation.