SOP: Connect an n8n Instance to CloudMCP Using Claude Desktop

Objective

This SOP explains how to install the required software, configure Claude Desktop with your n8n instance credentials, and verify that Claude can access and use n8n tools through ClaudeMCP. Follow these steps to enable workflow management from Claude without opening n8n directly.

Key Steps

 

1. Install the required software 0:12


  • Before connecting n8n to ClaudeMCP, install the two required applications:

    • Claude Desktop

    • Node.js

  • Use the download links provided in the documentation or video resources.

  • Choose the correct installer for your operating system and device specifications.

  • Complete any installation prompts and restart your computer if required.

 

2. Gather your n8n instance URL and API key 1:22


  • Open your n8n instance and copy the instance URL.

  • Save the URL in a temporary note so it is easy to paste later.

  • In n8n, go to Settings.

  • Select n8n API.

  • If you do not already have one, click Create an API Key.

  • Name the key something recognizable, such as Claude MCP.

  • Set the expiration according to your needs; the example shown uses Never.

  • Copy the API key and store it securely.

 

3. Open Claude Desktop settings and locate the config file 2:33


  • Launch Claude Desktop.

  • Go to your profile and open Settings.

  • Navigate to the Developer section.

  • Click Edit Config.

  • When File Explorer opens, locate the configuration file that Claude Desktop uses for custom settings.

 

4. Add the ClaudeMCP n8n configuration 3:24

"mcpServers": {
    "n8n-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "n8n-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "MCP_MODE": "stdio",
        "LOG_LEVEL": "error",
        "DISABLE_CONSOLE_OUTPUT": "true",
        "N8N_API_URL": "",
        "N8N_API_KEY": ""
      }
    }


  • Open the config file in a text editor.

  • Copy the configuration snippet provided in the ClaudeMCP documentation.

  • Paste the snippet into the config file.

  • Replace the placeholder values with your n8n details:

    • Paste your n8n instance URL into the n8nAPIURL field.

    • Paste your n8n API key into the n8nAPIKEY field.

  • Save the file after confirming both values are correct.

 

5. Restart Claude Desktop to load the integration 4:23


  • Close Claude Desktop completely.

  • Make sure the app is fully terminated, not just minimized.

  • Reopen Claude Desktop.

  • Wait for it to finish loading so the new configuration can take effect.

 

6. Verify that n8n tools are available in Claude 5:17


  • In Claude Desktop, ask a test prompt such as:

    • Check for n8n tools

  • Confirm that Claude detects the n8n tools successfully.

  • If the setup is correct, Claude should indicate that it has access to n8n tools and can use them.

 

7. Test workflow access and management 5:45


  • Ask Claude to perform a simple n8n action, such as:

    • List my workflows

  • Verify that Claude returns your workflow list, including active, inactive, and archived workflows.

  • Use additional prompts to test other actions, such as drafting or editing a workflow.

  • Confirm that Claude can interact with n8n without you opening the n8n interface directly.

Cautionary Notes

  • Protect your API key: Store it securely and do not share it publicly.

  • Use the correct config file: Editing the wrong file may prevent the integration from working.

  • Restart is required: Claude Desktop must be fully closed and reopened after config changes.

  • Match values carefully: Ensure the instance URL and API key are pasted into the correct fields.

  • Follow the documentation snippet exactly: Missing or altered config entries may break the connection.

Tips for Efficiency

  • Prepare your n8n URL and API key in a temporary note before editing the config file.

  • Use a clear API key name like Claude MCP so it is easy to identify later.

  • Keep the ClaudeMCP documentation open while editing the config to avoid mistakes.

  • After setup, use a simple verification prompt first before trying more complex workflow actions.

  • If the tools do not appear, recheck the config values and restart Claude Desktop again.

Link to Loom

https://loom.com/share/0f8e5fdfdbd4405590e89ecaa7a50006