Think of all the repetitive tasks you do every day, like copying data from an email to a spreadsheet, or sending a notification when a form is filled out. n8n is a tool designed to handle those tasks for you. It lets you connect different applications and services to create automated sequences called workflows.

Instead of writing code, you build these workflows visually. The interface is like a digital canvas where you place “nodes,” which represent an app or an action. You might have a node for Gmail, another for Google Sheets, and a third for Slack. By connecting these nodes, you tell n8n exactly what to do and when to do it. For example, you could create a workflow that automatically takes an invoice from a Gmail attachment, adds a new row in a Google Sheet with the invoice details, and then posts a message in Slack to let your team know.

Several things make n8n stand out in the world of automation.

n8n operates on a “source-available” model under its Sustainable Use License. This means the code is open for anyone to see, use, and modify. It’s free for personal use, internal business processes, and development. The license includes commercial restrictions, primarily requiring a paid plan if you embed n8n into a product you sell to third parties. This model helps fund the project's continued development while keeping it accessible for most users.

Compared to other automation tools, n8n's main strengths are its flexibility and self-hosting option. While some platforms focus on being extremely simple for non-technical users, n8n provides a powerful canvas that can handle more complex logic, making it a favorite among developers and technical teams. The ability to host it yourself is a major draw for organizations with strict data policies. It carves out a unique space by combining the power of a developer-focused tool with the ease of a visual interface.

Now that you have a foundational understanding of n8n, you're ready to explore how its components work together to create powerful automations.