n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform that lets you connect apps and services to automate repetitive tasks. With the Data Mammoth Marketplace, you can deploy a fully configured n8n instance on your VPS in minutes and start building automations right away.
What Is n8n?
n8n (pronounced "n-eight-n") provides a visual workflow editor where you connect nodes representing apps and services. Each node performs an action — such as fetching data from an API, sending an email, updating a spreadsheet, or transforming data — and you link them together to create automated workflows.
For a detailed overview, see What Is n8n? — Workflow Automation.
Prerequisites
- An active Data Mammoth VPS with at least 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM, and 10 GB disk space (2 GB RAM recommended for production).
- A domain name pointed to your server's IP (recommended for HTTPS access).
- SSH access for post-installation configuration.
Installing n8n via the Marketplace
Step 1 — Open the Marketplace
Step 2 — Configure Installation
n8n.example.com).
- Admin Email — For the initial admin account (e.g., [email protected]).
- Admin Password — A strong password for the admin user.
Step 3 — Wait for Deployment
The installation takes approximately 3 to 7 minutes. The system:
- Installs Node.js and n8n dependencies.
- Configures the database (SQLite or PostgreSQL).
- Sets up a reverse proxy with SSL.
- Creates the admin account.
- Starts the n8n service.
Step 4 — Access n8n
Once complete:
https://n8n.example.com (or your configured domain).Post-Installation Setup
Configure Email Notifications
Set up SMTP for n8n to send email notifications from workflows:
N8N_EMAIL_MODE=smtp
N8N_SMTP_HOST=smtp.example.com
N8N_SMTP_PORT=587
[email protected]
N8N_SMTP_PASS=your_smtp_password
N8N_SMTP_SSL=trueSet Up Timezone
Configure n8n to use your timezone for scheduling:
GENERIC_TIMEZONE=America/New_YorkEnable Webhook Security
If you use webhook triggers in your workflows, secure them:
- Use unique, hard-to-guess webhook paths.
- Consider adding authentication to webhook endpoints.
- Restrict webhook access through firewall rules if possible.
Creating Your First Workflow
For detailed workflow guides, see Creating Your First n8n Workflow.
Popular n8n Use Cases
| Automation | Description |
|---|---|
| Form submissions | Send form data to a spreadsheet, CRM, or email |
| Social media | Auto-post content across platforms |
| Data sync | Keep databases and services in sync |
| Notifications | Alert your team when specific events occur |
| Report generation | Generate and email reports on a schedule |
| Lead management | Route leads from forms to your CRM |
| Backup alerts | Monitor backup status and send notifications |
Managing Your n8n Instance
Updating n8n
Keep n8n updated for security patches and new features:
# If installed with npm
npm update -g n8nIf installed with Docker
docker compose pull
docker compose up -dBacking Up n8n
Back up your workflows and credentials regularly:
# Export all workflows via CLI
n8n export:workflow --all --output=workflows_backup.jsonBack up the database
SQLite
cp ~/.n8n/database.sqlite ~/.n8n/database.sqlite.backupPostgreSQL
pg_dump -U n8n n8n_db > n8n_backup.sqlMonitoring Performance
n8n workflows consume server resources during execution. Monitor:
- CPU and RAM usage during workflow runs.
- Database size growth over time.
- Execution logs for failed workflows.
What to Do Next
- Getting Started with Your n8n Instance — Full n8n setup guide.
- Creating Your First n8n Workflow — Build your first automation.
- Popular n8n Integrations — Connect n8n to popular services.
- Managing Installed Apps — Maintain your installation.