n8n Connection

Connect N8N Insider to your n8n instance for Builder Mode.

Note: Connecting to n8n is optional. Helper Mode works without it. n8n connection is required for Builder Mode to create and modify workflows.

What You Need

  • Your n8n instance URL (e.g., https://n8n.yourcompany.com or https://your-instance.app.n8n.cloud)
  • An n8n API key with workflow permissions

Step 1: Get Your n8n Instance URL

Your n8n instance URL is the address you use to access n8n in your browser.

n8n Cloud

Format: https://your-instance.app.n8n.cloud

Self-hosted

Format: https://n8n.yourdomain.com

Step 2: Generate an API Key in n8n

  1. Open your n8n instance in a browser
  2. Click your profile icon in the bottom left
  3. Go to "Settings"
  4. Navigate to "API" in the sidebar
  5. Click "Create API Key"
  6. Give your key a name (e.g., "N8N Insider")
  7. Copy the generated API key

Important!

Copy your API key immediately. n8n only shows the full key once.

Step 3: Add Credentials to N8N Insider

  1. Click the N8N Insider icon in your Chrome toolbar
  2. Open Settings (gear icon)
  3. Find the "n8n Settings" section
  4. Enter your n8n instance URL
  5. Paste your n8n API key
  6. Click "Test Connection"

Connected!

If you see a success message, N8N Insider can now read and modify your workflows using Builder Mode.

API Permissions

N8N Insider needs the following API permissions:

  • Read Workflows: View workflow structure and node configurations
  • Write Workflows: Add nodes, update configurations, connect nodes (Builder Mode)
  • Execute Workflows: Test workflows (optional)

Troubleshooting

"Connection failed" error

Check that your n8n URL is correct and includes https://. Make sure n8n is running and accessible.

"Unauthorized" error

Your API key may be expired or invalid. Generate a new key in n8n settings.

"CORS error"

For self-hosted n8n, you may need to configure CORS settings. Add your Chrome extension origin to allowed origins.

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