VPS and Docker Settings Guide

Automation has become the backbone of a modern business, simplifying the process and freeing human resources for strategic tasks. N8NOpen sources of workflow automation tools, offering professionals and companies the ability to build tough workflows and adapted to their needs. Whether you manage websites with high traffic, handle e-commerce operations, or run complex IT systems, N8N that are posted by themselves provide unmatched security, control, and scalability without draining the bag.

This in -depth guide guides you through two main methods for organizing your own N8N: Using Virtual Private Server (VPS) in Digitalocean or local through dockerEach method has its own advantages, and we will discuss step by step, making sure you have the knowledge to choose and apply the right options for your organization.

Why self-host N8N?

Before diving into the preparation process, let’s explore why N8N who is posted by yourself is a powerful choice:

1. Data PrivacyN8N hosting itself ensures your data remains private and safe. No third party can access your workflow or sensitive information.
2. Cost effectiveness: N8N is free and open source, making it an affordable solution for private or business projects.
3. Control and flexibility: Mandiri hosting allows you to maintain control over your workflow, even if the price or provisions of the hired service changes.
4. Customization: You can configure settings to meet the needs of your project or specific business, such as integrating advanced security protocols or increasing the scale of server resources.

Option 1: Mandiri N8N Hosting on VPS (Digitalocean)

N8N hosting in VPS is ideal for businesses or teams that require long distance access. With the deploy feature once click digitalocean, the settings are easy and cost -effective (starting from $ 5 per month).

Step 1: Create a digitalocean account

1. Visit Digitalocean Marketplace. If you are a new user, you can get a free trial credit to start.
2. Search Drops N8N in the market.

Step 2: Configure your VPS

1. Click Make drops To start preparing your virtual personal server.
2. Choose region: Select the location of the data center closest to your target audience for optimal performance (for example, New York).
3. Select the image: Which has been configured before N8N in Ubuntu The image has been selected. No need to change anything here.
4. Choose hardwareFor basic workflows, the lowest level specifications (joint CPU, standard SSD) are adequate. You can increase it later if necessary.
5. Authentication:
   • Use Ssh key for safe access (recommended).
   • Or, set a strong password made by the password manager.

Step 3: Apply and access your VPS

1. Click Make dropsAnd in a few moments, your VPS will be mobilized.
2. Copy the IP address of VPS and SSH to droplets using the terminal:

   ssh root@[ALAMAT_IP]   

3. Follow the setting script for N8N. This script automates N8N installation, along with important configurations such as SSL certificates (through Let’s Encrypt) for safe traffic encryption.

Step 4: Domain and DNS Configuration

1. Get a domain name (for example, through a free duckdns or from domain registrants).
2. Handling your domain to your IP address by creating A recording In your DNS settings.
3. DNS propagation test by pinging your domain from the local system.

When finished, you will have a full function of N8N and can be accessed from any device that has an internet connection.

Option 2: hosting n8n locally with docker

If you are looking for a full solution that is fully free and prefers to run N8N on your personal computer, docker provides reliable and flexible options. However, keep in mind that accessing your N8N instance from a distance requires additional configurations such as VPN.

Step 1: Install Docker & Docker Compose

1. Make sure Docker and Docker Compose are installed on your system:
   • Mac/Linux: Use your Package Manager or Terminal command.
   • WindowsVisit the official docker website for installation guidelines.
2. Installation test by running:

   docker --versi docker-compose --versi   

Step 2: Prepare your environment

1. Create a directory for N8N:

   mkdir n8n dan cd n8n   

2. Open text editors like Visual Studio Code and create docker-compose.yml submit.

Step 3: Configuring Compose Docker

Add the following configuration to docker-compose.yml submit:

versi: '3' layanan: n8n: gambar: n8nio/n8n mulai ulang: selalu port: - 5678:5678 lingkungan: - DB_TYPE=postgresdb - DB_POSTGRES_USER=n8n_user - DB_POSTGRES_PASSWORD=kata sandi_aman   

• Update the credential database for security.
• Disable safe cookies when walking locally by adding:

  - N8N_USE_SESSIONS=salah   

Step 4: Start the application

Run the following command to start N8N:

docker-compose up -d   

Access samples in your browser on http://localhost:5678.

Build your first workflow

After your N8N agency is active, making the workflow becomes intuitive:

1. Understanding the Framework for Job Frames:
   • The N8N workflow is built by connecting node. Every node Representing a task, such as taking data from fire or changing information.
2. Start with a trigger node:
   • That trigger knot Decide when the workflow will be executed (for example, according to schedule, when the webhook is called, or manually).
3. Add functional node:
   • Example: Create an email “Good Morning”.
     • Add Date and time node to take the current date.
     • Use Request http Knot to take interesting facts through fire.
     • Combine other http request nodes for random activity generators.
     • Combine the results with Combine node.
     • Output format becomes a message that can be read using Edit field node.
4. Experimenting with fake data:
   • Use artificial data to test the workflow before integrating external fire. Edit the field node Make it easy to enter the value manually such as location or temperature.
5. Finalization and automation:
   • After the workflow is tested, connect to other services (for example, email, database) for complete automation.

Main points

• Option for hosting:
  • VPS hosting on Digitalocean offers access anytime and anywhere, starting at $ 5/month.
  • Local hosting with free docker but requires additional configuration for long distance access.
• N8N flexibility:
  • Drag and loose nodes make the making of workflows can be accessed, even by non-developing.
  • Integrated smoothly with fire, database, and other services.
• Focus of security:
  • Hosting Mandiri ensures complete privacy and data control, especially for sensitive business operations.
• Cost -effective scale:
  • Start from small with minimal resources and increase your server settings along with the growth of your workflow.
• Practical Automation:
  • Use N8N to simplify repeated tasks, such as sending daily updates, monitoring systems, or processing data.

Conclusion

N8N that is posted by itself allows business and developers to automate workflow with full security, privacy, and flexibility. Whether you choose VPS Digitalocean for scalability or docker for local hosting, N8N is a tough solution that adapts to your needs. By following this guide, you can confidently apply and start building automation that saves time and increase your operational efficiency.

Take advantage of the power of automation of open sources today and control your workflow – with N8N, the possibilities are unlimited.

Source: “Self-host N8N for free automation | Complete Settings Tutorial”-Digitalocean, Youtube, August 19, 2025-

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