No server to run
Builds, runtime, HTTPS and releases are handled by the platform.
n8n hosting · Agent Lab Deploy
Self-host n8n
without touching a server.
Paste one sentence into Claude Code, Codex or Cursor and Agent Lab runs n8n with PostgreSQL, free to try.
> Set up n8n from agentlab.cresclab.com/en/deploy/n8n
sites_createn8n → n8n--acme.hosting.agentlab.run
databases_createPostgreSQL 18 · S · confirmed
databases_connect_appDB_POSTGRESDB_* set, password never shown
sites_secrets_generateN8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY · generated
sites_deploy_statusBuild passed · secret scan clean
n8n is up: r1--n8n--acme.hosting.agentlab.run. It asks you to create the owner account on first open.
Why self-host
Why self-host n8n instead of n8n Cloud
Open-source workflow automation with no execution cap, and your data stays yours.
Unlimited executions
Run a workflow as often as you like; no execution cap.
Keys generated by the platform
N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY and the database password never pass through the chat.
Upgrades roll back
If an upgrade misbehaves, one action restores the previous release.
Choosing
n8n Cloud vs a VPS vs Agent Lab
The table scrolls sideways.
| What matters to you | Agent Lab Deploy | n8n Cloud | Your own VPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free to try; always-on from Pro at US$29/month (US$14 credit included) | Starter about €20/month billed yearly, 2,500 executions a month | About US$5–20/month, plus your own upkeep |
| Executions | Unlimited | 2,500 a month on Starter | Unlimited |
| Who runs the server, updates, HTTPS | The platform | n8n | You |
| Where the data lives | Your Agent Lab organization (Google Cloud) | n8n's cloud | Your VPS |
| Setup | One sentence to an AI tool | Sign up | SSH, Docker, reverse proxy |
| When idle | Free sleeps, Pro stays on | Always on | Always on, always billed |
How
Connect → one sentence → open the URL → create the owner
Connect Agent Lab
One MCP line in your AI tool, one browser sign-in. How →
Paste the sentence below
The agent creates the app, connects PostgreSQL, generates the key and builds.
Open the preview URL
On first open, n8n asks you to create the owner account.
Upgrade when it's for real
Free sleeps after 15 idle minutes; Pro stays on and takes a custom domain.
Copy and go
The Dockerfile and the sentence
Workflows and credentials live in PostgreSQL, so a rebuilt container loses nothing.
Dockerfile
FROM docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n:latest
USER node
ENV N8N_USER_FOLDER=/tmp/n8n \
DB_TYPE=postgresdb \
N8N_DIAGNOSTICS_ENABLED=false \
GENERIC_TIMEZONE=Asia/Taipei
EXPOSE 5678
CMD ["sh", "-c", "N8N_PORT=$PORT n8n"]DB_POSTGRESDB_HOST / PORT / DATABASE / USER / PASSWORDwritten by databases_connect_appN8N_ENCRYPTION_KEYgenerated by sites_secrets_generate; a changed key can't read saved credentialsWEBHOOK_URLyour address, so webhooks resolve correctly
Say this to your AI tool
Read https://app.agentlab.cresclab.com/agent/deploy.md and deploy n8n to Agent Lab with the Dockerfile at agentlab.cresclab.com/en/deploy/n8n: create an S PostgreSQL and connect it with databases_connect_app, map its connection to the DB_POSTGRESDB_* variables, generate N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY with sites_secrets_generate, set WEBHOOK_URL to the app's address. Give me the preview URL when the build passes.FAQ
Before you self-host n8n
How much does it cost to self-host n8n?
Free runs one size-S n8n with one S PostgreSQL at no charge, sleeping after 15 idle minutes. Always-on is Pro at US$29 a month before tax with US$14 of usage credit; n8n prefers size M, billed from the credit.
Self-hosted n8n vs n8n Cloud?
n8n Cloud is managed by n8n and caps executions per plan. On Agent Lab the platform runs the server, your data stays in your organization, and executions are unlimited.
Can I self-host n8n for free?
Yes. n8n is open source under the Sustainable Use License, and Agent Lab's Free plan runs one size-S n8n once a card is on file, which is never charged.
Do I lose workflows when the container rebuilds or sleeps?
No. Workflows, credentials and execution history live in PostgreSQL; the container only writes to /tmp, which a rebuild clears.
Do I need to know Docker to self-host n8n?
No. Paste the sentence into Claude Code, Codex or Cursor; it builds, connects the database and sets the variables, and you just approve going live.
Can I connect LINE, ChatGPT or Google Sheets?
Yes, all are built-in or community n8n nodes. LINE webhooks need WEBHOOK_URL set to your address; AI nodes use your own OpenAI, Anthropic or Gemini keys.
What's the easiest way to host n8n?
Connect Agent Lab's MCP server to Claude Code, Codex or Cursor and paste the sentence on this page: it builds the official n8n image, connects PostgreSQL, generates N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY and returns a URL.
How do I upgrade n8n?
Ask your AI tool to change the image tag and deploy again. The new release runs on its own preview URL first, and one action restores the previous one.