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Connect n8n-MCP to Claude Code CLI for enhanced n8n workflow development from the command line.

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Prerequisites

  • Node.js installed on your system
  • Claude Code CLI installed
  • n8n instance (optional, for full workflow management)

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Quick Setup via CLI

Documentation tools only - No n8n API connection required.
claude mcp add n8n-mcp \
  -e MCP_MODE=stdio \
  -e LOG_LEVEL=error \
  -e DISABLE_CONSOLE_OUTPUT=true \
  -- npx n8n-mcp

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Alternative Setup Methods

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Option 1: Import from Claude Desktop

If you already have n8n-MCP configured in Claude Desktop: 
claude mcp add-from-claude-desktop

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Option 2: Project Configuration

For team sharing, add to .mcp.json in your project root:
.mcp.json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "n8n-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["n8n-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "MCP_MODE": "stdio",
        "LOG_LEVEL": "error",
        "DISABLE_CONSOLE_OUTPUT": "true",
        "N8N_API_URL": "https://your-n8n-instance.com",
        "N8N_API_KEY": "your-api-key"
      }
    }
  }
}
Then use with scope flag: 
claude mcp add n8n-mcp --scope project

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Managing Your MCP Server

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Check Server Status

claude mcp list
claude mcp get n8n-mcp
During a conversation, use the /mcp command to see server status and available tools.

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Remove the Server

claude mcp remove n8n-mcp

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Scope Management

Understanding Scopes:
  • User scope (--scope local, default): Saves to global user settings, keeps API keys private
  • Project scope (--scope project): Saves to .mcp.json in project root for team sharing

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Switching Scope

The cleanest method is to remove and re-add the server: 
claude mcp remove n8n-mcp
claude mcp add n8n-mcp --scope project

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Manual Switching (Advanced)

You can manually edit your .claude.json file (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\.claude.json):
  1. Cut the "n8n-mcp": { ... } block from the top-level "mcpServers" object (user scope)
  2. Paste it into the nested "mcpServers" object under your project’s path key (project scope), or vice versa
  3. Important: You may need to restart Claude Code for manual changes to take effect

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Claude Skills (Optional)

Supercharge your n8n workflow building with specialized Claude Code skills! The n8n-skills repository provides 7 complementary skills.

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What You Get

  • n8n Expression Syntax - Correct patterns and common mistakes
  • n8n MCP Tools Expert - How to use n8n-mcp tools effectively
  • n8n Workflow Patterns - 5 proven architectural patterns
  • n8n Validation Expert - Interpret and fix validation errors
  • n8n Node Configuration - Operation-aware setup guidance
  • n8n Code JavaScript - Write effective JavaScript in Code nodes
  • n8n Code Python - Python patterns with limitation awareness

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Installation

Recommended method
/plugin install czlonkowski/n8n-skills
For complete installation instructions, configuration options, and usage examples, see the n8n-skills README.

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Project Instructions

For optimal results, create a CLAUDE.md file in your project root with the instructions from the Claude Project Setup section.

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Verification

To verify your setup is working:
1

Check Connection

Start a conversation in Claude Code and use the /mcp command to see server status and available tools.
2

Test a Tool

Try running a simple command:
Search for Slack nodes in n8n
3

Verify Tool Count

You should see approximately 39 tools available if properly connected.
Claude Code will automatically start the MCP server when you begin a conversation.

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