# n8n

> n8n is a workflow automation platform that connects applications and APIs through visual nodes and that you can also run on your own servers. Its source code is available under a 'fair-code' licence, and a hosted cloud version exists too. For companies that want to keep data on their own infrastructure, it is a strong alternative to Zapier and Make.

URL: https://corrplus.net/glossary/n8n/
Updated: 2026-10-22
Corrplus Team

**Definition:** n8n is a workflow automation platform that connects applications and APIs through visual nodes and that you can also run on your own servers.

## How does n8n work?

An n8n workflow is made of nodes. The first node is a trigger: a new email, a web form, a schedule or a webhook call. The following nodes read data, transform it and write it to other systems. There are ready-made nodes for Google Sheets, Slack, Microsoft 365, databases and HTTP requests. For a system without a dedicated node, you use an HTTP request or a JavaScript code node. AI nodes let a workflow call an [LLM](/glossary/llm/) or run an [AI agent](/glossary/ai-agent/).

## When should you use n8n?

When data has to move between systems that expose APIs: writing marketplace orders into an ERP, adding form submissions to a CRM, preparing a weekly report automatically. Screen-only systems without an API need [RPA](/glossary/rpa/) instead. n8n is a [low-code](/glossary/low-code/) tool, so simple workflows are readable by non-technical teams.

## Data location and compliance

Because n8n can run on your own servers, in an EU region or in a data centre in Türkiye, it simplifies questions about international data transfers under GDPR and [KVKK](/glossary/kvkk/), Türkiye's data protection law. Turkish ERPs such as Logo, Mikro or Netsis usually have no dedicated node, so they are connected through their database, web services or file exchange. For the broader picture, see [workflow automation](/glossary/workflow-automation/).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is n8n free?

The self-hosted community edition is free for your own internal use as long as you follow its licence terms. The cloud version and enterprise features are paid. For commercial use, check the current licence terms.

### What is the difference between n8n and Make?

Both build visual workflows. n8n can be self-hosted and is more open to code steps; Make runs only in its own cloud and is quicker to start with. When data location matters, n8n usually comes out ahead.