How to Host n8n with Coolify: A Comprehensive Guide

This year 2025 workflow automation has become indispensable for businesses and individuals alike. By automating repetitive tasks and seamlessly connecting various applications, you can save time, reduce human error, and concentrate on more strategic initiatives. n8n is one such versatile automation tool that makes it possible to design and automate complex workflows without extensive coding knowledge.

While there are hosted solutions available, many users find that self-hosting provides greater control over their data, the flexibility to customize workflows, and often a more cost-effective approach in the long run. In this post, we’ll dive into how to deploy n8n using Coolify, a user-friendly platform designed to simplify the deployment and management of containerized applications. We will use VPS (Virtual Private Server) needs, providing you with a robust and optimized environment for running n8n.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand:

The key features of n8n and why self-hosting is advantageous.
The basics of Coolify and how it streamlines application deployments.
How to set up a VPS environment to run both Docker and Coolify.
Step-by-step instructions on deploying and configuring n8n within Coolify.
Advanced configurations, troubleshooting tips, and integrations for more complex workflows.

Let’s get started on transforming your automation workflows with n8n and Coolify.
Section 1: Understanding n8n and Coolify

What Is n8n?

n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that allows you to connect various applications, APIs, and services. It’s built with flexibility in mind, enabling you to design intricate automations that can span across multiple platforms. Unlike some other workflow automation tools, n8n provides:

Source-Available Model: While it’s not strictly GPL open-source, n8n’s source code is publicly available, allowing for extensive customization.
Node-Based Workflow Design: Each step in a workflow is a “node,” representing a specific application or operation (like sending emails, reading data from a database, or making an HTTP request).
Self-Hosting Capabilities: If you’re concerned about data privacy and ownership, n8n offers the flexibility to host it on your own server, ensuring you remain in full control.

With these features, n8n has become a go-to solution for businesses and developers looking for powerful yet customizable automation workflows.

What Is Coolify?

Coolify is an open-source platform that aims to simplify the process of deploying and managing containerized applications—like n8n—on your own infrastructure. Leveraging Docker under the hood, Coolify provides a user-friendly interface that abstracts much of the complexity associated with container orchestration.

Key advantages of using Coolify include:

Simplified Deployment: You don’t need to manually fiddle with Docker commands or complex YAML configurations.
Centralized Management: Coolify’s intuitive dashboard centralizes logs, resource monitoring, and application settings.
Easy Scaling: Whether you want to deploy a single app or multiple services, Coolify enables you to scale resources efficiently.

Why Combine n8n and Coolify?

By pairing n8n with Coolify, you gain a powerful automation tool along with a simple, streamlined deployment process. This means:

Faster Setup: Spend less time on DevOps tasks and more time building workflows in n8n.
Customization: Fine-tune resource allocation, environment variables, and other settings via Coolify’s dashboard.
Cost Efficiency: Self-hosting eliminates the ongoing fees associated with SaaS automation solutions, making it budget-friendly—especially when using a Hosting provider VPS solution optimized for Coolify.

Section 2: Prerequisites for Hosting n8n with Coolify

Before diving into the technical steps, it’s essential to ensure your server environment is ready. Here’s what you need:

System Requirements

While n8n can run on minimal resources, a smoother experience typically requires:

CPU: At least a single-core processor, but dual-core or better is recommended for more extensive workflows.
RAM: A minimum of 1 GB, although 2 GB+ is ideal for handling multiple processes concurrently.
Storage: SSD storage for fast read/write operations, with at least 10 GB available for Docker images and logs.

Why a VPS (Virtual Private Server)?

A VPS offers more flexibility, control, and dedicated resources than typical shared hosting. Since you’ll be installing Docker and controlling the environment, you need full SSH access and root privileges. VPS hosting ensures stable performance and the ability to configure the server to your specific needs.

Coolify VPS Hosting

VPS solutions that come at an affordable price. Pairing a VPS with Coolify offers:

Optimized Environment: Pre-configured or easily configurable server instances that are compatible with Docker and containerized applications.
Scalable Plans: meaning you can start small and upgrade as your workflow demands grow.
Reliable Support: VPS providers support can assist you with questions related to server setup, ensuring a smoother on-boarding experience.

Selecting the Right VPS Plan

When evaluating VPS plans:

Memory Requirements: If you anticipate running multiple workflows or resource-intensive tasks in n8n, opt for a plan with 2 GB or more of RAM.
CPU Cores: Additional CPU cores help n8n handle parallel operations more efficiently.
Bandwidth: If you integrate with third-party APIs or cloud services, ensure your VPS plan provides sufficient bandwidth.

By matching your workload needs with an appropriate plan, you can ensure your n8n instance runs smoothly without unexpected performance bottlenecks.

Section 3: Setting Up Your Server Environment

Now that you know what’s required, it’s time to start configuring your VPS. Below is a general roadmap for setting up both Docker and Coolify, using VPS as an example.

1. Access Your VPS Dashboard

Launch Terminal/SSH: Use the console provided by Hosting provider or an external SSH client (like PuTTY on Windows or your local terminal on macOS/Linux) to access your server.

Sign Up or Log In: Sign into your account.

Navigate to VPS: Locate your purchased VPS hosting plan in the dashboard.

ssh root@your_server_ip

Enter your root password when prompted. You’ll then be logged into your VPS.

2. Update and Upgrade the System

Before installing anything, ensure your system is up to date:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y

3. Install Docker

Docker is crucial because Coolify uses containerization. On Debian/Ubuntu-based systems, you can install Docker as follows:

sudo apt-get install \
    ca-certificates \
    curl \
    gnupg \
    lsb-release

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg

echo \
  "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] \
  https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" \
  | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io -y

Once Docker is installed, verify the installation:

docker --version

You should see the Docker version displayed. Make sure Docker is enabled to start on boot:

sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker

4. Install Coolify

Coolify can be installed by pulling its Docker container. However, the team behind Coolify provides a convenient script:

curl -sSL https://get.coollabs.io/coolify/install.sh | sudo bash

This script installs all the necessary components and sets up Coolify on your server. Once the installation completes, Coolify will typically be accessible on port 3000 by default.

5. Optional: Set Up a Custom Domain and SSL

If you plan to access n8n via a custom domain (e.g., n8n.yourdomain.com):

Configure DNS: Create an A record pointing to your VPS’s IP address in your domain registrar’s DNS settings.
Enable SSL: Tools like Let’s Encrypt can provide free SSL certificates, which can often be managed directly through Coolify or via Certbot if you prefer a more manual approach.

This step ensures secure access to your n8n instance over HTTPS, which is essential for protecting sensitive data in transit.

Section 4: Deploying n8n Using Coolify

With Docker and Coolify in place, you’re ready to deploy n8n.

1. Create a New Project in Coolify

Log In to Coolify: Point your browser to http://your_server_ip:3000 (or your custom domain if configured).
Create Account / Log In: Follow the prompts to create an administrator account.
Add a New Project: Within the Coolify dashboard, look for an option to create a “New Project” or a similar button.

2. Add and Configure n8n Service

Select the Project: Click on the project you just created.
Add a Service: Choose a service type like “Docker Image” or similar, depending on the Coolify version.
Image Details: For the Docker image, you can use the official n8n image:

Image: n8nio/n8n:latest

4. Environment Variables: Configure necessary environment variables:

N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=your_username
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=strong_password
WEBHOOK_TUNNEL_URL=https://n8n.yourdomain.com (if you’re using a custom domain and SSL)
Other variables as needed (e.g., database configurations if you plan to use an external database).

Resource Allocation: Decide how much CPU and RAM to allocate. This depends on your n8n workload and the VPS plan you have from Hosting provider. If you’re just starting, the default settings often suffice.

3. Deploy the n8n Service

After configuring the Docker image and environment variables, click “Deploy” or “Save and Deploy.” Coolify will:

Pull the n8n Docker image from Docker Hub.
Create a container with the specified environment variables.
Start the container and allow you to view logs in real-time.

Once the deployment completes, you should see a success message in the Coolify dashboard.

Section 5: Accessing and Configuring n8n

1. Access the n8n Dashboard

If you haven’t set up a custom domain, you can access n8n via your server’s IP and the port you specified in Coolify. For instance, if you exposed port 5678 for n8n:

http://your_server_ip:5678

For a custom domain:

https://n8n.yourdomain.com

You’ll be prompted to log in if you enabled basic authentication, ensuring only authorized users can manage workflows.

2. Initial Setup

Owner Account: The first user who logs in typically becomes the owner (admin) in n8n.
API and Security Settings: In the n8n settings, you can configure advanced security options or set up additional environment variables if needed.

3. Customize n8n Within Coolify

To tailor your n8n instance:

Add More Environment Variables: Need additional integrations or custom settings? Add them directly within the Coolify service configuration.
Adjust Resources: If you find your instance slowing down, return to the service configuration to increase CPU or RAM allocations.

This level of customization ensures that your n8n instance grows with your automation needs.

Section 6: Monitoring and Managing n8n

To ensure n8n runs smoothly, keep an eye on its performance and logs:

1. Monitor Logs in Coolify

In the Coolify dashboard, each service has a log section. Regularly check logs for:

Errors: Identify issues with specific workflows.
Warnings: Watch out for potential misconfigurations or deprecation notices.

2. Resource Usage

Coolify often provides insights into CPU and memory usage. If your workflows are resource-intensive, consider upgrading your VPS plan on hosting provider or optimizing your workflows for better efficiency.

3. Managing User Access and Permissions

n8n supports multiple user roles, which is particularly useful for teams:

Owner/Admin: Full access to system-wide settings and workflow creation.
Editor: Can create or edit workflows but may not access system settings.
Viewer: Limited read-only access to monitor workflows.

4. Best Practices: Updates and Backups

Regular updates ensure you benefit from the latest features and security patches:

Update n8n: Through the Coolify service panel, pull the latest Docker image and redeploy.
Backup: Keep regular backups of your n8n configuration and workflows. If you use an external database like MySQL or PostgreSQL, back that up as well.

Section 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite the user-friendly nature of Coolify, you may encounter occasional hiccups.

1. Deployment Failures

Check Logs: Deployment issues often surface in container logs.
Verify Docker Image Name: A typo in the Docker image name can lead to failed pulls.
Resource Constraints: If your VPS is low on RAM or storage, containers may fail to start.

2. Access Problems

Port Conflicts: Ensure no other services are using the same port.
Firewall Settings: If you have strict firewall rules, open the necessary ports for n8n (e.g., 5678) and Coolify (e.g., 3000).
DNS Misconfiguration: If using a custom domain, double-check A or CNAME records and make sure they point to your VPS IP.

3. Performance Bottlenecks

Inefficient Workflows: Complex or poorly optimized workflows can spike CPU usage. Review your workflow logic to minimize unnecessary loops or steps.
Scaling: If your usage has grown, consider upgrading to a higher-tier VPS plan at Hosting provider to access more CPU and RAM.

4. Additional Support

Community Forums: Both n8n and Coolify maintain active communities where users share solutions and advice.
Official Documentation: Reference n8n’s official docs for environment variables and advanced configuration tips.

Section 8: Advanced Configurations and Integrations

Once you have the basics under control, you can dive into more advanced capabilities that make n8n so powerful.

1. Environment-Specific Configurations

If you have multiple environments (e.g., development, staging, production), set up separate projects in Coolify. This approach allows you to test workflows in a sandbox before pushing them to production.

2. Integrating External Databases

By default, n8n uses SQLite. For robust performance and easier scalability:

MySQL or PostgreSQL: Migrate your n8n data to an external database. Update environment variables such as:

DB_TYPE=postgresdb
DB_POSTGRESDB_HOST=db_host
DB_POSTGRESDB_PORT=5432
DB_POSTGRESDB_USER=db_user
DB_POSTGRESDB_PASSWORD=db_password
DB_POSTGRESDB_DATABASE=n8n_database

This improves stability and data integrity, especially for large-scale workflows.

3. Webhook Integrations

n8n excels with webhook-based triggers. You can connect a broad range of apps:

GitHub: Trigger a workflow when new code is pushed to a repository.
Stripe: Automate financial tasks when a payment is received.
Slack: Post messages or send notifications to Slack channels.

4. Examples of Complex Workflows

E-commerce Automation: Connect a Shopify store, a Google Sheet for inventory, and an email marketing platform to automatically send promotional emails when stock levels reach a certain threshold.
DevOps Pipeline: Tie together GitHub, Jenkins, and Slack to automate code testing and deploy notifications.
Marketing Funnel: Link Typeform, Google Sheets, and Mailchimp to capture leads, store them in a spreadsheet, and automatically launch email campaigns.

These examples highlight n8n’s flexibility. With minimal coding, you can orchestrate sophisticated automations across diverse platforms.

Conclusion

Hosting n8n with Coolify on a VPS is a powerful, cost-effective strategy for anyone looking to take control of their workflow automation. By managing your own infrastructure, you gain:

Enhanced Data Control: Keep sensitive information in-house without relying on external SaaS platforms.
Customization: Tailor your environment variables, resource allocations, and workflow logic according to your unique needs.
Scalability: Start small and scale with your growing demands, leveraging flexible VPS plans.
Easy Maintenance: With Coolify’s intuitive interface, monitoring and updating your n8n instance is straightforward.

Whether you’re automating simple tasks or orchestrating complex, multi-step workflows, n8n empowers you to optimize your operations and boost productivity. Self-hosting not only provides peace of mind regarding data privacy but also enables you to tweak settings for peak performance.

Remember, the power of n8n lies in its expansive integration possibilities and the ability to orchestrate tasks that span multiple platforms. Once you’ve deployed your instance, take the time to explore n8n’s extensive library of community nodes and official integrations. The only limit is your imagination.

FAQ: Hosting n8n with Coolify

1. What is the primary benefit of self-hosting n8n rather than using a hosted service?

Self-hosting n8n gives you full control over your data, better customization options, and can be more cost-effective if you already have or plan to maintain a server. You’re not bound by the limitations or pricing structures of a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform.

2. Why should I use Coolify to deploy n8n?

Coolify streamlines the process of deploying, managing, and updating containerized applications like n8n. Instead of dealing with raw Docker commands or complex Kubernetes setups, Coolify provides an intuitive dashboard where you can configure environment variables, monitor resource usage, and manage multiple services in one place.

3. What are the minimum system requirements for running n8n and Coolify on a VPS?

While n8n can run on minimal resources, it’s recommended to have at least:

1 CPU core (2+ cores for better performance).
1–2 GB of RAM.
10 GB of SSD storage (to accommodate Docker images and logs).

4. Which hosting provider and plan should I choose?

Any VPS hosting provider that supports Docker should work. Many users choose Hostinger, DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode because it offers scalable and budget-friendly VPS plans. Select a plan that provides enough CPU, RAM, and storage to handle your workload. You can upgrade later if you need more resources.

5. How do I install Docker before setting up Coolify?

On an Ubuntu/Debian-based system, you can install Docker with these basic steps:

Update your package index:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y

2. Install the required packages and Docker:

sudo apt-get install ca-certificates curl gnupg lsb-release
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg
echo "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] \
https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io -y

6. How do I secure my n8n instance with a custom domain and SSL?

Point a subdomain (e.g., n8n.yourdomain.com) to your VPS’s IP address in your domain registrar’s DNS settings.
Use either Let’s Encrypt (with Certbot) or Coolify’s built-in SSL configuration (if available) to obtain and install an SSL certificate.
Update your n8n environment variables (e.g., WEBHOOK_TUNNEL_URL) and your Coolify service configuration to reflect the new domain.

7. Can I use an external database with n8n for better performance?

Yes. By default, n8n uses SQLite, but you can connect it to an external MySQL or PostgreSQL database. Just set the corresponding environment variables (DB_TYPE, DB_POSTGRESDB_HOST, DB_POSTGRESDB_USER, etc.) in Coolify to point to your external database. This approach is more scalable and ideal for production use.

8. How do I update n8n or Coolify after the initial installation?

n8n: In Coolify, locate the n8n service and pull the latest Docker image (e.g., n8nio/n8n:latest). Then redeploy the container.
Coolify: Follow the project’s documentation or run the official update script if available. Always back up your configurations before updating.

9. How can I troubleshoot deployment failures in Coolify?

Check container logs: Logs usually point to missing environment variables, port conflicts, or insufficient resources.
Verify Docker image name: Typos or incorrect tags can prevent Docker from pulling the correct image.
Review system resources: If your VPS is low on memory or disk space, containers might fail to start.

10. Are there any security best practices I should follow when self-hosting n8n?

Enable basic authentication: Set N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true and define secure credentials in your environment variables (N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER and N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD).
Use HTTPS: Secure all connections with an SSL certificate.
Firewall configuration: Restrict public-facing ports to only those necessary (e.g., 80/443 for HTTP/HTTPS, 5678 for n8n if needed).
Regular updates: Keep n8n, Docker, and the underlying OS up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.

11. How do I back up my n8n configuration and workflows?

SQLite users: Regularly copy the SQLite file (often named database.sqlite) to a secure location.
External databases: Run scheduled backups (e.g., pg_dump for PostgreSQL) and store them safely.
Workflow JSON files: Export your workflows from n8n’s GUI or via the CLI if you want a version-controlled backup.

12. Can I run multiple services alongside n8n in Coolify?

Absolutely. Coolify supports multi-application setups. You can spin up separate containers for other services, whether you’re hosting additional microservices, databases, or web applications. Just ensure your VPS has sufficient CPU, RAM, and disk space to handle all running containers.

13. What kinds of workflows can I build with n8n?

n8n supports a wide range of nodes and integrations, including:

Third-party APIs (e.g., Stripe, GitHub, Slack) via webhook triggers.
Database operations (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
Custom logic with Function nodes.
File management with platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive.
From marketing automation to DevOps pipelines, n8n is flexible enough to handle complex workflows across different tools.

14. Is n8n free to use?

n8n has a “source-available” license (Sustainable Use License), which allows personal and commercial self-hosted usage at no cost. For specific licensing details, consult the official n8n documentation or the n8n GitHub repository.

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