Deploy and Host n8n on Sealos

n8n is a workflow automation platform for connecting APIs, apps, and data workflows with a visual editor. This template deploys n8n 2.22.4 on Sealos Cloud with persistent storage, optional PostgreSQL 16.4, and optional Redis-backed queue mode.

About Hosting n8n

n8n runs as a Node.js web application that serves the workflow editor, API, webhook endpoints, and execution engine from one managed service. The default deployment uses SQLite on persistent storage for lightweight projects, tests, and personal automation.

For production workloads, enable PostgreSQL during deployment. Sealos provisions PostgreSQL automatically, initializes the n8n database, injects connection credentials through Kubernetes secrets, and keeps workflow data persistent across restarts. For parallel workflow execution, enable queue mode; it provisions Redis, PostgreSQL, n8n workers, and external task runners.

Common Use Cases

• API Integration: Connect SaaS tools, internal APIs, and databases without writing glue code.
• Webhook Automation: Receive webhooks and trigger workflows for notifications, updates, or downstream processing.
• Scheduled Operations: Run recurring jobs with cron-style triggers and timezone-aware scheduling.
• Data Pipelines: Extract, transform, and route data between business systems.
• DevOps Workflows: Automate deployment notifications, incident responses, and routine maintenance tasks.

Dependencies for n8n Hosting

The Sealos template includes the n8n application service, 1Gi persistent storage, optional PostgreSQL for production data storage, and optional Redis queue resources for worker-based execution.

Deployment Dependencies

• n8n Documentation - Official n8n documentation
• n8n Hosting Guide - Self-hosting and configuration guidance
• n8n Integrations - Available nodes and integrations
• PostgreSQL Documentation - Database backend documentation
• Redis Documentation - Queue backend documentation

Implementation Details

Architecture Components

This template deploys these resources:

• n8n StatefulSet: Runs n8n 2.22.4 and stores /home/node/.n8n on persistent storage.
• Service and Ingress: Exposes the n8n web UI, API, and webhook endpoints over HTTPS.
• PostgreSQL Cluster (optional): Provides production-grade workflow and execution data storage.
• PostgreSQL Init Job (optional): Creates the n8n database idempotently after PostgreSQL is ready.
• Redis Cluster (queue mode): Provides the Bull queue backend required by n8n queue execution.
• n8n Worker and Runners (queue mode): Runs workflow executions and isolated task runners separately from the editor process.

Resource Allocation

Configuration

• n8n version: 2.22.4
• PostgreSQL version: 16.4.0 when enabled
• Redis version: 7.2.7 when queue mode is enabled
• Port: 5678
• Timezone: Configurable during deployment
• Encryption key: Generated automatically per deployment
• Startup behavior: n8n relies on Kubernetes restarts and health probes for PostgreSQL and Redis readiness; queue workers wait for the main n8n /healthz endpoint so database migrations finish in the editor process first
• Probe profile: Extended startup and liveness timeouts avoid restarts during database migrations
• Public URL: https://<app-host>.<region-domain>/
• Webhook URL: Uses the public HTTPS URL generated by Sealos

License Information

n8n is source-available under the Sustainable Use License. This Sealos template is provided under the repository license for Sealos templates.

Why Deploy n8n on Sealos?

Sealos is an AI-assisted Cloud Operating System built on Kubernetes that unifies application deployment, operations, and scaling. By deploying n8n on Sealos, you get:

• One-Click Deployment: Open the template page, click Deploy Now, and launch n8n without writing Kubernetes YAML.
• Persistent Storage Included: Workflow data and local configuration survive restarts and upgrades.
• Optional Managed PostgreSQL: Enable PostgreSQL for production workloads without manually wiring credentials.
• Queue Mode Available: Enable Redis, workers, and task runners for parallel workflow execution.
• Automatic HTTPS Access: Sealos provides a public URL with SSL for the editor and webhook endpoints.
• Simple Operations: Use the Canvas, AI dialog, and resource cards to adjust resources or inspect runtime status.
• Pay-as-You-Go Resources: Start with the minimum tested resources and scale only when workflows need more capacity.

Deployment Guide

1. Open the n8n template and click Deploy Now.
2. Configure the parameters in the popup dialog:
   • Use PostgreSQL: Enable for production workloads or multi-user usage.
   • Timezone: Select the timezone used by schedule and cron nodes.
   • Use Queue Mode: Enable Redis-backed worker execution. Queue mode also enables PostgreSQL automatically in the template.
3. Wait for deployment to complete, typically 2-3 minutes. After deployment, you will be redirected to the Canvas. For later changes, describe your requirements in the AI dialog or click the relevant resource cards to modify settings.
4. Access n8n from the URL shown in the Canvas.
5. Create the first owner account when n8n opens.

Login and Registration

n8n does not include a default username or password. On first access, the setup screen asks you to create the owner account with an email, name, and password.

After the owner account is created, use the same email and password on the n8n sign-in page. To add teammates later, invite users from n8n user management settings after logging in as the owner.

Configuration

After deployment, configure n8n through:

• n8n UI: Create credentials, workflows, variables, and project settings.
• AI Dialog: Describe resource or environment changes and let Sealos apply updates.
• Resource Cards: Open the StatefulSet, Ingress, storage, or PostgreSQL cards in Canvas for direct changes.
• PostgreSQL Mode: Enable PostgreSQL during deployment when you need a production database backend.
• Queue Mode: Enable queue mode during deployment when you need worker-based parallel workflow execution with Redis.

Scaling

Start with the default resource profile. The n8n editor uses 1024Mi memory because initial PostgreSQL migrations and workflow indexing exceed the smaller 512Mi profile in queue-mode smoke tests. Increase CPU or memory from the n8n StatefulSet resource card if workflow executions are slow, if large data items are processed, or if the UI becomes unresponsive.

For heavier production workloads, enable PostgreSQL and monitor database storage, CPU, and memory from the Canvas. Increase PostgreSQL resources when execution history or concurrent workflows grow. Enable queue mode when workflow execution should be separated from the editor process, then monitor the worker, runner, and Redis cards.

Troubleshooting

First page asks for account setup

This is expected. Create the owner account on first access; there is no default admin credential.

Scheduled workflows run in the wrong timezone

Confirm the deployment timezone input. Update GENERIC_TIMEZONE and TZ from the StatefulSet environment variables if you need to change it after deployment.

PostgreSQL deployment does not start

Check the PostgreSQL Cluster and pg-init Job in Canvas. The init Job waits for PostgreSQL readiness and creates the n8n database automatically. n8n also waits for the PostgreSQL service port before starting, so temporary startup waiting is expected while the database is created.

Queue mode workers do not start

Check the Redis Cluster, n8n Worker, and runner deployments in Canvas. Queue mode needs Redis, PostgreSQL, and the main n8n service to become ready before workers can process workflows. The worker init container waits for the main /healthz endpoint; temporary startup waiting is expected while services are created and migrations complete.

Webhooks use the wrong URL

Confirm WEBHOOK_URL, N8N_HOST, N8N_PROTOCOL, and N8N_EDITOR_BASE_URL match the public URL shown in Canvas.

Additional Resources

• n8n Documentation
• n8n Workflow Templates
• n8n Community Forum
• Sealos Discord

License

This Sealos template is provided under the repository license for Sealos templates. n8n itself is distributed under the Sustainable Use License.