Getting Started with n8n Guide
- NodeLearn
- Jul 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 2
What This Blog Covers
What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation platform that allows you to connect different apps and automate tasks without heavy coding.
You can create automations ("workflows") visually by dragging and dropping nodes that represent different apps, triggers, or actions.
n8n supports hundreds of integrations and is open-source, meaning you can self-host it for free or use n8n Cloud (the hosted version).
What is an AI agent?
An AI agent in this context is an automation or bot powered by artificial intelligence that can perform tasks, make decisions, or respond to user input.
In n8n, an AI agent might:
Use OpenAI, Google Gemini, or similar nodes to process text and generate responses.
Interact with users through chat interfaces (e.g., Telegram, WhatsApp, web chat).
Automate repetitive work, answer customer queries, generate documents, analyze data, etc.
Setting Up Your n8n Account
There are 2 options to get started with n8n:
Signing up for n8n cloud
Self-hosting n8n
So which option should you choose? Let's break each option down!
Option | Description | How to Get Started |
|---|---|---|
n8n Cloud | You create an account on n8n’s official website and use their ready-made, managed platform. No setup needed – you log in and use n8n from your browser. | |
Self-Hosting n8n | You install and run n8n on your own server or computer. You manage everything (setup, updates, security). Gives you full control and can be 100% free (excluding server). | Multiple YouTube Videos to teach you how to self-host n8n or join my n8n self-hosting tutorial waitlist here |
n8n Cloud and Self-Hosting n8n Comparison
The table below shows how n8n Cloud and Self-Hosting n8n compare
Feature | n8n Cloud | Self-Hosting n8n |
Setup Time | Very fast (just sign up) | More technical, takes more time |
Maintenance | Handled by n8n team | You are responsible (updates, backups, security) |
Cost | 14-day free trial, then monthly fee | Free if self-hosting, only pay for your server |
Best For | Beginners, teams who want "it just works" | Tech-savvy users, those who want greater control |
Now that you know the difference between n8n cloud and self-hosting n8n, let's begin creating our n8n account and build our first AI Agent!
How to Sign Up for n8n Cloud Account
Step 1: Go to the n8n Website
Click the button below to be directed to n8n website
Step 2: Click on "Get started for free"
On the homepage, look for the orange button that says "Start for free" at the top left corner.
Click on it.
Click on this button!
Step 3: Fill In Your Account Details
You’ll be taken to a registration page.
Fill up the fields and start your 14-day trial.
You do not need to fill up your credit card details or pay anything for the trial. Just fill up the form and get started!
n8n 14-day trial registration page
Step 4: Do the Short Questionnaire
Click through a few mcq questions and you are done!
Step 5: Inviting Team Member's to Your Workspace
You can invite other users to your workspace to collaborate on workflows.
Otherwise, you can skip this for now.
Step 6: Click on the "Start automating button" to start building your first AI Agent!
Click on the blue button "Start automating"
Great job! You have created your n8n free trial account and you can start building your first AI Agent.
How to Self-Host n8n
Self-hosting n8n can be quite technical and you would need to get your own server to start building your n8n workflows.
NodeLearn is developing a self-hosting tutorial to help you run AI agents for free, eliminating the need for n8n subscriptions. I'm currently using this method for unlimited active workflows at no cost. If you're interested in learning how, join the waitlist!
Meanwhile, there are also several YouTube videos that teaches you how to start self-hosting n8n! You can check out this YouTube video by Nick Saraev here
Check Out Our Free AI Agent Templates
It's a lot faster to start building with a template than building an AI agent completely from scratch.
Now that you have your n8n account and you are ready to build your first AI agent, check out NodeLearn's free ready-made AI agent templates to make your days more productive!
New templates release on a weekly basis, so stay tuned!
Wait Don't Leave Yet! If you are new to n8n, you may want to learn how to start deploying the n8n templates you have downloaded in this blog:
Have a Question?
Contact NodeLearn and we'll answer your questions ASAP!
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