MCP N8n Workflow Builder MCP Server

AI-powered n8n workflow management via Model Context Protocol (MCP). Create, manage, and monitor workflows through natural language with Claude AI.

Local serverstdioTypeScript

What is the MCP N8n Workflow Builder MCP server?

AI-powered n8n workflow management via Model Context Protocol (MCP). Create, manage, and monitor workflows through natural language with Claude AI. Multi-instance support with comprehensive documentation. That is what the mcp n8n workflow builder mcp server brings to an AI assistant: the same capability, reachable through the Model Context Protocol rather than a separate app or dashboard.

The tools it exposes

The server publishes 14 tools. What each one is for:

  • list_workflows — List all workflows with filtering
  • get_workflow — Retrieve complete workflow details
  • create_workflow — Build new workflows from scratch
  • update_workflow — Modify existing workflows
  • delete_workflow — Remove workflows
  • activate_workflow — Enable workflow execution
  • deactivate_workflow — Disable workflow execution
  • execute_workflow — Manually trigger workflow runs
  • list_executions — View execution history with filters
  • get_execution — Detailed execution information
  • delete_execution — Remove execution records
  • retry_execution — Retry failed workflow runs

What it needs from you

Configuration is passed through the environment: N8N_API_KEY. Treat anything key-shaped as a real credential — scope it to the minimum the server needs, and rotate it if it ever lands in a shared config.

  • Node.js v14+ (v18+ recommended) - npm v7+ - n8n instance with API access (tested with n8n v1.82.3+) - Claude Desktop or Cursor IDE

Getting it running

The server ships on npm as @kernel.salacoste/n8n-workflow-builder, so your MCP client can launch it on demand — there is no separate build step. Add the server block to your client's configuration, restart it, and the tools register themselves.

How it compares

Among the knowledge and memory options, the useful question is rarely "what can it do" but "what does it cost you to run" — permissions, credentials, and how much of your context its toolset consumes. MCP N8n Workflow Builder's toolset — list_workflows, get_workflow, create_workflow and 11 more — is a fair guide to whether it matches your workflow. It is maintained by salacoste; worth a glance at recent repository activity before you build anything load-bearing on it.

This entry was verified against MCP N8n Workflow Builder's own documentation before publication; SyncDev keeps the directory reviewed rather than auto-generated.

Things to watch

  • It runs with your machine's permissions. That is convenient and also the reason to think about what you point it at before you approve a tool call.
  • With 14 tools registered it takes up a noticeable share of the context window; turn it off in projects that never touch MCP N8n Workflow Builder.
  • Missing credentials fail quietly in some clients — if no tools show up, check the environment block first.
  • Keep per-call confirmation enabled while you learn its behaviour; it is the cheapest safeguard you have.

Available tools

ToolWhat it does
list_workflowsList all workflows with filtering
get_workflowRetrieve complete workflow details
create_workflowBuild new workflows from scratch
update_workflowModify existing workflows
delete_workflowRemove workflows
activate_workflowEnable workflow execution
deactivate_workflowDisable workflow execution
execute_workflowManually trigger workflow runs
list_executionsView execution history with filters
get_executionDetailed execution information
delete_executionRemove execution records
retry_executionRetry failed workflow runs
get_tagGet specific tag information
create_tagCreate workflow organization tags

How to install the MCP N8n Workflow Builder MCP server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "n8n-workflow-builder": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@kernel.salacoste/n8n-workflow-builder"],
      "env": {
        "N8N_API_KEY": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

Add to claude_desktop_config.json, then restart Claude Desktop.

Configuration

  • Node.js v14+ (v18+ recommended) - npm v7+ - n8n instance with API access (tested with n8n v1.82.3+) - Claude Desktop or Cursor IDE
VariableDescriptionRequired
N8N_API_KEYCredential the server authenticates with.Yes

Example prompts to try

  • Use MCP N8n Workflow Builder to list workflows.
  • Use MCP N8n Workflow Builder to get workflow.
  • Use MCP N8n Workflow Builder to create workflow.

Frequently asked questions

It connects MCP N8n Workflow Builder to MCP-compatible AI assistants such as Claude and Cursor, exposing 14 tools (list_workflows, get_workflow, create_workflow, and more) that the assistant can call on your behalf. Instead of copying data back and forth by hand, the assistant works with MCP N8n Workflow Builder directly.