This guide will show you:

• How to install n8n locally
• How to set it up for the first time
• How to run your first AI Agent workflow

Step 1: Install Node.js

To get started, make sure you have Node.js installed on your computer.

• Download it from https://nodejs.org
• Install the latest LTS version
• Once installed, open your terminal and run:

Step 2: Create Your Project Folder

• Create a folder anywhere on your computer. Example: n8n-local.
• Open this folder in your code editor (like VS Code).
• Open the terminal inside your editor or use your system terminal.

Step 3: Install n8n Globally

• Now install n8n using the following npm command:

• This will install n8n globally on your system so you can run it from anywhere.

Step 4: Start n8n

• After installation, start n8n by running:

• It will launch the n8n Editor UI in your browser at:
• http://localhost:5678

Step 5: Complete Initial Setup

You’ll now see a welcome form:

• Enter your name, email, and password Click Next

• Fill in additional details (company name, role, etc.) Click Get Started

n8n will now ask you to send a free license key to your email. Click the button, check your inbox, and confirm.

Step 6: Choose a Workflow Type

You’ll now see two options:

• Start from Scratch
• Test a Ready-to-Go AI Agent Example

You can choose the first option to build your own workflows (like birthday reminders, auto-email responders, etc.) But for this guide, let’s choose the second option to test an AI agent powered by OpenAI.

Step 7: Set Up OpenAI Agent

You’ll be redirected to an AI Agent template using OpenAI.

• Click on “Create new OpenAI Chat Model credentials”

• It will ask you for your OpenAI API Key

To get your OpenAI API key:

• Go to: https://platform.openai.com/account/api-keys
• Log in with your OpenAI account
• Click on Create new secret key

• Copy the key and paste it into n8n

Note: OpenAI is not fully free — you may need to load $5 to get started. Alternatively, you can use your own local LLM model if needed.

Done! Start Chatting with Your Agent

Once connected, your OpenAI-powered chatbot workflow will be ready. You can:

• Start chatting with the agent
• See how the data moves across each step
• Learn how AI and automation come together inside n8n