Does n8n integrate with Claude?
Yes — both directions (MCP + native node)
Yes, in both directions. Claude can operate n8n through n8n's built-in instance-level MCP server once MCP access is enabled and workflows are exposed; it can search, trigger/test, create and edit workflows and data tables. n8n can also call Claude inside workflows through native Anthropic AI nodes using an Anthropic API key.
| Integration method | Native via MCP and native Anthropic node — Two distinct directions both work. (1) Claude operating n8n: connect n8n's built-in instance-level MCP server on n8n Cloud or self-hosted n8n so Claude can search workflows, interact with exposed workflows, trigger/test them, and create or edit workflows and data tables. The open-source n8n-mcp project remains an alternative for node-doc search, templates and API-key-driven workflow operations. (2) Claude inside n8n: n8n's native Anthropic Chat Model and Anthropic app nodes call Claude from inside a workflow using an Anthropic API key. |
|---|---|
| Sync direction | Two-way / bidirectional control. Direction 1: Claude can use n8n MCP tools to search, trigger/test, create and edit workflows and data tables on the authorized n8n instance; workflows must be exposed to MCP and actions depend on the authenticated user/token. Direction 2: n8n sends prompts to Claude and receives completions inside AI Agent or Chain workflows. |
| Plan required | Claude side: custom remote-MCP connectors are available on Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise plans; Free users are limited to one custom connector, and Claude Code can also use MCP. n8n side: instance-level MCP must be enabled by an owner/admin on n8n Cloud or self-hosted n8n. The native Anthropic node requires a separate pay-as-you-go Anthropic API key, not a Claude Pro/Max subscription. |
| Setup time | ~20 minutes unverified estimate |
How to connect n8n to Claude
- To let Claude operate n8n, open n8n Settings > Instance-level MCP and enable MCP access as an owner or admin.
- Use the Connection details panel to choose OAuth2 or Access Token authentication, then copy the server URL for your MCP client.
- Expose only the workflows you want MCP clients to access, then add the n8n MCP server to Claude, Claude Desktop, or Claude Code and authenticate.
- If you specifically need node documentation search, templates, or API-key-based workflow deployment outside the built-in server, configure the open-source n8n-mcp project as an alternative.
- To use Claude inside n8n, create an Anthropic API credential in n8n and attach the Anthropic Chat Model to an AI Agent or Chain node.
Known friction points
- The native Anthropic Chat Model node has had version-specific bugs where the credential works via a raw HTTP Request node but the native node fails (e.g. a missing x-api-key header / n8n Cloud version regressions). If the native node errors, verify the n8n version or fall back to an HTTP Request node. [source]
- The n8n-mcp server only performs write operations (create/update/deploy workflows) when configured with a reachable n8n instance API URL and API key; without them it is limited to node documentation search, validation, and templates. [source]
FAQ
- Does n8n integrate with Claude?
- Yes, in two ways. Claude can connect to n8n's built-in instance-level MCP server to search, trigger/test, create and edit workflows and data tables, and n8n can call Claude from inside workflows using native Anthropic AI nodes.
- Can Claude actually build and run my n8n workflows, or just read them?
- Both, if MCP access and workflow exposure are configured. n8n MCP can search workflows, trigger and test exposed workflows, and create or edit workflows and data tables. Keep sensitive workflows unexposed and review tool calls before execution.
- Does using Claude inside n8n require a Claude Pro subscription?
- No. The native Anthropic node in n8n uses a pay-as-you-go Anthropic API key from the Anthropic Console, billed separately from Claude chat subscriptions. Claude-side MCP connectors are also available on Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise plans, with Free limited to one custom connector.
✓ Last verified: 2026-07-02 · Every claim on this page links to a primary source. If the integration changed, the page is out of date — check the sources below.
Sources
- n8n docs — Accessing the n8n MCP server (accessed 2026-07-02)
- n8n-mcp (open-source, MIT) on GitHub (accessed 2026-07-02)
- n8n docs — Anthropic credentials (accessed 2026-07-02)
- n8n GitHub issue — Anthropic native node x-api-key (accessed 2026-07-02)
- Claude Help Center — custom connectors using remote MCP (accessed 2026-07-02)