🚀 n8n Local PRO Stack for macOS

A professional-grade, containerized n8n environment optimized for performance, security, and persistence. This setup is specifically designed to support automation workflows on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) or Intel Macs.

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🏗️ Architecture & Services

This stack orchestrates four distinct services to provide a robust, self-hosted automation engine:

• n8n (App): The primary automation engine.
• Postgres (DB): High-performance storage for workflows and execution history.
• Cloudflared (Tunnel): Securely bridges your local n8n instance to the web without opening router ports.
• Uptime Kuma (Monitor): A visual, user-friendly dashboard to track system health.

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🛡️ Security Model

This setup employs a Hybrid Security Architecture:

1. Public Access (n8n): Exposed to the web via Cloudflare Tunnel to support Webhooks (critical for connecting to external APIs). Secured by n8n’s internal authentication.
2. Local Isolation (Monitor): The Uptime Kuma dashboard is restricted to 127.0.0.1:3001. It is physically inaccessible from the public internet.
3. Encrypted Tunnel: All external traffic is routed through Cloudflare's global network. No ports are opened on your local router.

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📋 Prerequisites & Installation

The included installer script handles most dependencies automatically.

Requirements:

• macOS: Sonoma or Sequoia recommended.
• Xcode Command Line Tools: The script will prompt for installation if missing.
• Homebrew & Docker Desktop: Automatically installed/verified by the script.

Installation:

1. Clone this repository to your Mac.
2. Make the script executable: chmod +x create_n8n_local.sh
3. Run the installer: ./create_n8n_local.sh

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☁️ Cloudflare Tunnel Setup Walkthrough

Log in to your Cloudflare account before setting up your new n8n tunnel. The script will open the dashboard for you. Follow these visual steps:

Switch to Zero Trust Dashboard

Step 0

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Cloudflare Tunnel Completed

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🔑 n8n Account & License Activation

Once n8n is live, follow these steps to activate your Community license:

Step 1: Enter your email address to receive the activation key.

Step 2: Click "Get started" to skip the onboarding questions.

Step 3: Confirm your admin email address.

Step 4: Check your inbox for the free license key.

Step 5: Continue to the n8n dashboard.

Step 6: Navigate to Usage and plan to enter your key.

Step 7: Apply the key.

Step 8: Your version is now activated for unlimited use.

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📈 Monitoring Setup

After logging into your local monitor at http://localhost:3001, add these three monitors for total visibility:

1. n8n App:
   • Type: HTTP
   • URL: https://your-n8n.yourdomain.com
2. Database:
   • Type: TCP Port
   • Host: n8n_db
   • Port: 5432
3. Tunnel Engine:
   • Type: TCP Port
   • Host: cloudflared_tunnel
   • Port: 20241

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📊 Maintenance Commands

Start/Stop:

docker compose up -d
docker compose stop