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n8n Workspace Overview
This section explains the n8n workspace UI and common terminologies to help you understand how to build workflows efficiently.
🏠 n8n Workspace Layout (After Login)
When you open n8n in the browser (http://localhost:5678), you will see the main workspace. It has multiple navigation elements:
🔹 Left Sidebar (Navigation Menu)
This contains all the global navigation options.
| Item | Meaning / Usage |
|---|---|
| Workflows | List of all workflows created. You can create, edit, activate, or delete workflows from here. |
| Executions | Shows workflow runs (successful or failed). Useful for debugging. |
| Credentials | Stores API keys and authentication required to connect to apps (e.g., Google Sheets, Slack, Notion). |
| Users & Roles (Cloud/Enterprise) | Manage multiple users, permissions, teams. |
| Settings | System-level settings: environment variables, logs, default timezone, execution settings, version info. |
🔹 Top Bar (Workflow Actions)
Seen when editing a workflow.
| Button / Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Workflow Name | Rename the workflow for easy identification. |
| Active / Inactive toggle | Enables or disables the workflow. If active, triggers run automatically. |
| Run Once | Manually triggers/executes the workflow once. |
| Save | Saves the workflow changes. |
🔹 Canvas / Editor Space
This is the visual editor where you build workflows.
- Drag nodes from the + menu onto the canvas.
- Connect nodes using arrows to build automation flow.
- You can zoom in/out and move around.
🔹 Node Panel (Right Side)
When you click on a node, the right panel opens.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Parameters | Where you provide inputs (API endpoint, payloads, etc.). |
| Credentials | Select saved auth credentials. |
| Output | Shows node execution data (great for debugging). |
⚙️ Key n8n Terminologies
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Node | A single block representing an action or integration (API call, database query, logic operator, etc.). |
| Trigger Node | Starts a workflow automatically (e.g., cron schedule, webhook call). |
| Regular Node | Executes after a trigger or another node (e.g., send email, update database). |
| Workflow | A complete automation composed of nodes. |
| Execution | A single run of a workflow. Can be manually run or auto-triggered. |
| Credentials | Stored authentication (OAuth/API key) used by nodes to connect to apps. |
| Active Workflow | Runs automatically based on triggers. |
| Inactive Workflow | Can only be manually executed. |
🚀 Example Workflow Flow
[Trigger Node] → [Processing Nodes] → [Output Action Node]
(Webhook) (IF, Set, HTTP) (Send Slack Message)
🔥 Pro Tips
✅ Always store API keys inside Credentials, not inside nodes directly.
✅ Use Executions to replay/debug failed runs.
✅ Use IF, Switch, Merge, Wait, and Function Node for logic-based workflows.
✅ Use built-in Webhooks to integrate with external apps.
You’re ready to start building workflows! 🎉