n8n Manager MCP Server

🇩🇪 Deutsche Version

Part of the ellmos-ai family.

MCP (Model Context Protocol) server for managing n8n workflows via AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and Windsurf.

Features

• 18 Tools for complete n8n workflow management
• List, create, update, delete, and activate/deactivate workflows
• Safety controls: read-only mode, backup-before-delete/update, local restore, and audit log
• Multi-server support (connect to multiple n8n instances)
• Export/Import workflows between servers
• View execution history and status
• Built-in node catalog with descriptions
• Zero dependencies on Python -- connects directly to n8n REST API

Installation

Claude Desktop

Add to claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "n8n-manager": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "n8n-manager-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

claude mcp add --scope user n8n-manager npx -y n8n-manager-mcp

Manual

npm install -g n8n-manager-mcp

Quick Start

After installation, use these commands in your AI assistant:

1. Add your n8n server:

   "Add my n8n server at http://localhost:5678 with API key abc123"

2. List workflows:

   "Show me all workflows on my n8n server"

3. Create a workflow:

   "Create an n8n workflow that triggers on a webhook, fetches data from an API, and sends a Slack message"

4. Check executions:

   "Show me the last 10 workflow executions"

Available Tools

| Tool | Description | |------|-------------| | n8n_list_workflows | List all workflows on a server | | n8n_get_workflow | Get workflow details (nodes, connections) | | n8n_create_workflow | Create a new workflow from nodes + connections | | n8n_update_workflow | Update an existing workflow | | n8n_delete_workflow | Delete a workflow | | n8n_activate_workflow | Activate or deactivate a workflow | | n8n_list_executions | List recent executions with status | | n8n_export_workflow | Export workflow as importable JSON | | n8n_import_workflow | Import workflow JSON onto a server | | n8n_safety_status | Show local safety settings, backup directory, and audit log path | | n8n_set_safety_mode | Toggle read-only mode, backup-before-mutation, and audit logging | | n8n_list_backups | List local workflow backups created before mutations | | n8n_restore_workflow | Restore a workflow from a local backup | | n8n_add_server | Add/update n8n server connection | | n8n_list_servers | List configured servers | | n8n_ping_server | Test server connection | | n8n_remove_server | Remove a server | | n8n_describe_nodes | Browse available n8n node types |

Configuration

Server connections and safety settings are stored in ~/.n8n-manager-mcp/servers.json.

Safety defaults:

• backup_before_mutations: true saves workflow JSON before update, delete, activate/deactivate, and overwrite-restore operations.
• audit_log: true appends mutation outcomes to ~/.n8n-manager-mcp/audit.log.
• read_only: false can be enabled with n8n_set_safety_mode or N8N_MANAGER_READ_ONLY=1.
• Backups are stored under ~/.n8n-manager-mcp/backups/ and can be listed/restored with the backup tools.

Development

npm install
npm run build    # One-time build
npm run dev      # Watch mode
npm start        # Start server
npm test         # Run test suite (vitest)

Testing

The project includes 82 tests covering URL building, server management, safety settings, backup path handling, workflow JSON construction, export/import validation, and error handling.

npm test              # Run all tests
npx vitest run        # Same as above
npx vitest --watch    # Watch mode

Tests are verified on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Related

• n8n-workflow-manager -- Full web UI + REST API for n8n workflow management (Python)
• n8n -- The workflow automation platform

License

MIT

ellmos-ai Ecosystem

This MCP server is part of the ellmos-ai ecosystem — AI infrastructure, MCP servers, and intelligent tools.

MCP Server Family

| Server | Tools | Focus | npm | |--------|-------|-------|-----| | FileCommander | 43 | Filesystem, process management, interactive sessions | ellmos-filecommander-mcp | | CodeCommander | 17 | Code analysis, AST parsing, import management | ellmos-codecommander-mcp | | Clatcher | 12 | File repair, format conversion, batch operations | ellmos-clatcher-mcp | | n8n Manager | 18 | n8n workflow management via AI assistants | n8n-manager-mcp |

AI Infrastructure

| Project | Description | |---------|-------------| | BACH | Text-based OS for LLMs — 109+ handlers, 373+ tools, 932+ skills | | clutch | Provider-neutral LLM orchestration with auto-routing and budget tracking | | rinnsal | Lightweight agent memory, connectors, and automation infrastructure | | ellmos-stack | Self-hosted AI research stack (Ollama + n8n + Rinnsal + KnowledgeDigest) | | MarbleRun | Autonomous agent chain framework for Claude Code | | gardener | Minimalist database-driven LLM OS prototype (4 functions, 1 table) | | ellmos-tests | Testing framework for LLM operating systems (7 dimensions) |

Desktop Software

Our partner organization open-bricks bundles AI-native desktop applications — a modern, open-source software suite built for the age of AI. Categories include file management, document tools, developer utilities, and more.

Haftung / Liability

Dieses Projekt ist eine unentgeltliche Open-Source-Schenkung im Sinne der §§ 516 ff. BGB. Die Haftung des Urhebers ist gemäß § 521 BGB auf Vorsatz und grobe Fahrlässigkeit beschränkt. Ergänzend gelten die Haftungsausschlüsse aus GPL-3.0 / MIT / Apache-2.0 §§ 15–16 (je nach gewählter Lizenz).

Nutzung auf eigenes Risiko. Keine Wartungszusage, keine Verfügbarkeitsgarantie, keine Gewähr für Fehlerfreiheit oder Eignung für einen bestimmten Zweck.

This project is an unpaid open-source donation. Liability is limited to intent and gross negligence (§ 521 German Civil Code). Use at your own risk. No warranty, no maintenance guarantee, no fitness-for-purpose assumed.