How to Install N8N-MCP Server in Claude Desktop

Description

In this tutorial, you will learn how to install an N8N-MCP Server in Claude Desktop to use Claude to build AI Automation Workflows in N8N.

In This Tutorial:

• How To Install Claude Desktop
• How To Check if Node.js is Installed
• How To Install Node.js
• Copy n8n-mcp snippet (GitHub Repo)
• Paste n8n-mcp snippet in Terminal
• Stop Terminal Process (Ctrl + C)
• Gather N8N URL & API KEY
• Copy Full Configuration File (GitHub Repo)
  • Developer Settings
  • Add N8N URL
  • ADD N8N API KEY
  • Save Configuration File
  • Quit Claude & Re-open
• Create New Claude Project (Requires Paid Plan)
• Paste in Claude Instructions (from GitHub Repo)
• Attach Claude Instructions (Free Plan Users)
• Run Test Prompt in Claude
• Confirm Workflow on N8N

——————
n8n-mcp Website:
https://www.n8n-mcp.com/

n8n-mcp GitHub Repo:
https://github.com/czlonkowski/n8n-mcp

Install Node.js:
https://nodejs.org

Claude Desktop:
https://claude.ai/download

n8n:
https://n8n.io

Hostinger VPS:
https://mikemurphy.co/vps
——————
✅ Chapters:
00:00 About The Tutorial
00:27 What is MCP?
00:43 What is the n8n-mcp server?
01:21 Why not just use ChatGPT?
02:36 n8n-mcp Playbook/Instructions
02:50 Is it compatible with other AI Assistants?
03:15 Prerequisites (Requirements)
03:46 Steps In This Tutorial (Preview)
03:59 Step 1: Claude Desktop App
04:15 Step 2: Install Node.js
04:41 Is Node.js Installed?
05:11 How To Install Node.js
05:48 Re-check Node.js Version
05:58 Add n8n-mcp server
06:49 Copy/Paste NPX Snippet
07:20 ⚠️ ATTENTION: STOP PROCESS IN TERMINAL!!!
07:47 Copy Full Configuration Code
08:18 Claude Developer Settings
08:37 Edit Configuration File in Claude Desktop
09:27 N8N URL & API KEY
09:41 Running n8n Locally in Docker?
10:27 N8N_API_URL
10:48 N8N_API_KEY
11:15 Tip: Keep API Keys Hidden!
11:49 Save Configuration File
12:03 Quit & Reopen Claude Desktop
12:08 Moment of Truth!
12:34 How To Delete or Remove n8n-mcp server
12:57 Create Claude Project (Paid Plans Only)
14:11 Copy & Paste Special Instructions
15:26 Free Plan Workaround
15:05 Testing Out n8n-mcp Server
15:05 Testing Out n8n-mcp Server
15:50 n8n Implementation Guide
16:21 Deploy N8N Workflow
16:46 The 😎 way to import
17:06 Import JSON File
17:14 Updating Credentials
17:44 Vibe Coding Vibes
18:16 Test out ‘Surprise Me’ Workflow
19:27 Activate Workflow

🪜 How To Install N8N-MCP Server in Claude Desktop:

1. Install Claude Desktop App
2. Install Node.js
3. Go To GitHub Repo
4. Copy npx n8n-mcp (snippet)
5. Open Terminal
6. Paste in snippet & press Return
7. Stop Terminal Process (Ctrl + C)
8. Return To GitHub Repo & Copy Full Configuration File
9. In Claude Desktop, open Settings
10. Click on ‘Developer’
11. Click on ‘Edit Config’
12. Add N8N URL & API Key
13. Save Config File
14. Quit Claude Desktop & Re-Open
15. Click on ‘Settings & Tools’ to confirm n8n-mcp is active
16. Return to GitHub Repo & Copy 🤖 Claude Project Setup
17. Create a New Project in Claude Desktop (Paid Plans only)
18. Click + Instructions and paste 🤖 Claude Project Setup
19. Enter Prompt in Claude to build n8n workflow and press ‘Submit’
20. Accept permission requests
21. Copy JSON File when Claude is finished
22. Open N8N and click ‘+’ Workflow
23. Paste JSON Code or click Ellipsis and ‘Import File’
24. Set Credentials
25. Vibe Code with Claude to fix issues or make changes
26. Test n8n Workflow and activate when finished
27. Rinse & Repeat!