D:

🚀 Want to automate workflows effortlessly with n8n but stuck at Docker setup? This ultimate guide walks you through every step—from initial configuration to running your first automation! Whether you’re a DevOps engineer or a no-code enthusiast, you’ll master n8n deployment in containerized environments with pro tips and troubleshooting hacks. Let’s dive into the world of visual workflow automation! ⚙️

🔧 Prerequisites for n8n Docker Installation

Before spinning up containers, ensure your system meets these requirements:

• ✅ Docker Engine v20.10+ (Docker Desktop for Mac/Windows users)
• ✅ 2GB+ RAM (4GB recommended for complex workflows)
• ✅ Docker Compose v2.2+ (for multi-container setups)
• ✅ 5GB+ disk space (workflow data expands quickly!)

💡 Pro Tip: Run docker --version and docker-compose --version to verify installations.

🐳 Step-by-Step n8n Docker Installation

Method 1: Simple Docker Run

docker run -d \
  --name n8n \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \
  n8nio/n8n

🔑 Key flags explained: – -p 5678:5678 exposes n8n’s default port – -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n persists workflow data

Method 2: Docker Compose (Production-Grade)

version: '3'
services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    volumes:
      - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n
    environment:
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin
      - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=securepassword123
volumes:
  n8n_data:

🔒 Security Note: Always change default credentials and consider adding TLS!

⚙️ Essential Post-Install Configuration

🚨 Common Issues & Solutions

• 🔥 Port Conflict: Change 5678:5678 to 5678:5678 if port taken
• 💾 Permission Denied: Add user: 1000:1000 in compose for Linux hosts
• 🐢 Slow Performance: Set -e N8N_DISABLE_PRODUCTION_MAIN_PROCESS=false

🚀 Conclusion: Your Automation Journey Begins!

You’ve now got a production-ready n8n instance running in Docker! 🎉 Next steps:

1. Access n8n at http://localhost:5678
2. Explore pre-built templates in the community library
3. Connect your first app (Slack/Google Sheets etc.)

💬 Got stuck? The n8n community forum (forum.n8n.io) has 10,000+ automation experts ready to help! Share your first workflow screenshot with #n8nDocker on Twitter!