The n8n MCP runs as a **local stdio server** connecting to your n8n instance: - **API Key Access**: Your n8n API key provides programmatic access to your automation platform - **Workflow Execution**: The AI can trigger any workflow you've configured - **Credential Visibility**: While credentials aren't exposed in full, their existence is visible - **Network Access**: The server connects to your n8n host, which may be self-hosted or cloud **Security best practices**: Use a dedicated API key with minimal required permissions, consider creating a read-only key for monitoring tasks, host n8n behind proper authentication, and regularly audit which workflows are accessible via the API.

To start using the n8n MCP: 1. **Get your n8n API key**: In n8n, go to Settings → API → Create an API Key 2. **Note your n8n host URL**: This is typically `https://your-instance.app.n8n.cloud` or your self-hosted URL 3. **Configure environment variables**: Set `N8N_HOST` and `N8N_API_KEY` 4. **Add the MCP to your AI client**: Use the connection string `n8n-mcp-server` 5. **Start automating**: Ask your AI to list workflows or trigger specific automations **Example**: "List all my n8n workflows and execute the 'Daily Report' workflow"