Install n8n on Ubuntu with Docker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Automation is at the forefront of modern businesses, and n8n has emerged as a powerful tool to streamline workflows. For those interested in taking automation capabilities a step further, this tutorial will guide you through installing n8n on Ubuntu 24.04 using Docker. This setup not only simplifies deployment but also scales effortlessly with demand.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the installation, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

• A VPS instance running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS – Onidel offers high-performance VPS solutions in Singapore, Sydney, and Amsterdam that are perfect for deploying a scalable infrastructure like n8n.
• At least 2 GB of RAM and 1 vCPU to efficiently run Docker containers.
• Docker and Docker Compose installed. Version 24 or later is recommended.
• SSH access to the server with a user that has sudo privileges.

Getting Started with Onidel

Leverage Onidel’s cloud VPS services to host your applications with superior performance and reliability. Our Singapore location even offers high-availability options, ensuring your workflows remain uninterrupted.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Let’s proceed with the installation of n8n using Docker on your Ubuntu 24.04 server.

1. Update Your System

First, ensure your system is up-to-date. Run the following command to update the package list and upgrade existing packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Install Docker and Docker Compose

If Docker isn’t installed, execute the following commands to set it up:

sudo apt install docker.io -y
sudo systemctl start docker
sudo systemctl enable docker

Now, install Docker Compose:

sudo apt install docker-compose -y

Verify the installation with:

docker --version
docker-compose --version

3. Pull the n8n Docker Image

Next, pull the latest n8n image from Docker Hub:

docker pull n8nio/n8n

4. Set Up Docker Compose File

Create a directory for n8n and navigate into it:

mkdir ~/n8n && cd ~/n8n

Create a docker-compose.yml file with the following content:

version: "3.7"
services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    environment:
      - DB_SQLITE_VACUUM_ON_STARTUP=true
    volumes:
      - ./n8n:/home/node/.n8n

5. Start n8n with Docker Compose

Run the following command to start n8n:

sudo docker-compose up -d

Once started, you will be able to access n8n via http://<YOUR_SERVER_IP>:5678.

6. Configure n8n for Production

To secure n8n, consider:

• Setting it up behind a reverse proxy such as Nginx.
• Configuring SSL with Let’s Encrypt to enable HTTPS.
• Using Onidel’s web-based firewalls to manage access control and restrict unwanted traffic.

Best Practices

• Data Backup: Regularly back up your n8n instance. Utilize Onidel’s automated backup capabilities to ensure no workflow is lost.
• Security: Enable password protection and secure n8n with HTTPS. Implement least privilege access.
• Scale Efficiently: Take advantage of Onidel’s bandwidth pooling feature to manage traffic efficiently within the same region.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve walked through installing n8n on Ubuntu 24.04 with Docker, providing you with a robust foundation to automate workflows. Leveraging Onidel’s VPS services allows you to enjoy high availability and unmatched performance, especially when deploying in high-demand environments.

Explore our high-performance cloud solutions and see how Onidel can enhance your automation journey with n8n.

Further Reading

For additional details and advanced configurations, consult:

• Docker’s official documentation
• n8n’s setup guides

Happy automating!