Cursor n8n

This MCP server lets you control Cursor’s AI-powered assistant capabilities to manage n8n workflows through the n8n REST API. It provides workflow lifecycle operations, activation controls, execution history access, webhook triggering, and built‑in help so your assistant can work with n8n smoothly and reliably.

How to use

You interact with the MCP server through an MCP client to manage n8n workflows via the n8n REST API. Use it to list, create, update, delete, and activate or deactivate workflows. Retrieve execution histories and details to understand workflow behavior. Trigger workflows on demand through webhook URLs and consult built‑in documentation and node information to compose valid workflows.

When your AI assistant requests actions, convert those intents into MCP commands that call the n8n API. The server handles errors gracefully by retrying failed requests with exponential backoff and surfaces helpful error messages to guide resolution. Ensure your n8n instance URL and an API key are correctly configured, and set an appropriate log level to help with debugging.

How to install

Prerequisites you need on your machine: Node.js and npm (Node 12+ is typical for modern MCP servers). You also need access to your n8n instance with a valid API key.

# Install locally from source
git clone https://github.com/alicankiraz1/cursor-n8n-mcp.git
cd cursor-n8n-mcp

npm install
npm run build

node dist/index.js setup

Optionally, you can use the provided install script to set up the MCP server quickly.

./install.sh

Configuration and startup

Create or edit a global MCP configuration file at ~/.cursor/mcp.json to register the MCP server with your client. Provide the command to run the server, the arguments, and environment variables required for n8n access.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "cursor-n8n-mcp": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/cursor-n8n-mcp/dist/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "MCP_MODE": "stdio",
        "LOG_LEVEL": "error",
        "N8N_API_URL": "https://your-n8n-instance.com",
        "N8N_API_KEY": "your-api-key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Security and reliability notes

The MCP server uses a 30‑second timeout for API requests and automatic retries with exponential backoff to improve reliability when the n8n API temporarily fails or is slow to respond. Keep API keys and endpoint URLs secure, and prefer a least-privilege API key for production environments.

Available tools

n8n_tools_help

Get usage guide and documentation for n8n-related features.

n8n_get_node_info

Fetch information about common n8n nodes to assist in workflow design.

n8n_list_workflows

List all workflows available in the connected n8n instance.

n8n_get_workflow

Retrieve detailed information about a specific workflow by its ID.

n8n_create_workflow

Create a new workflow in n8n.

n8n_update_workflow

Update an existing workflow in n8n.

n8n_delete_workflow

Delete a workflow from n8n.

n8n_activate_workflow

Activate a workflow so it can run.

n8n_deactivate_workflow

Deactivate a workflow to prevent it from running.

n8n_list_executions

List execution history for workflows.

n8n_get_execution

Get details about a specific workflow execution.

n8n_delete_execution

Delete an execution record.

n8n_trigger_webhook

Trigger a workflow via a webhook URL.

n8n_health_check

Check connectivity to the n8n API.

documentation

Provide self‑documentation and help for the AI assistant.