n8n · examples library
n8n workflow examples
The fastest way to learn n8n is to see real workflows. Here are common automations grouped by what they do — each with its trigger, the apps it touches, and a link to the full node layout.
Anatomy of an n8n workflow
- TriggerStarts the workflow — a webhook, a schedule, a chat message, or an app event like “new email”.
- NodesEach step: an app action (Slack, Sheets), a transform (Set, Code), or an AI step.
- ConnectionsThe wires that pass data from one node to the next, top to bottom.
- CredentialsYour account connections, stored separately — examples carry placeholders only.
Examples by category
Lead generation
Content & social
- Idea backlog → AI draft → review Schedule · AI Agent · WordPress See the workflow →
- Content calendar → multi-platform posts Schedule · OpenAI · LinkedIn/X See the workflow →
- Blog / RSS → social posts RSS · LLM · Buffer See the workflow →
- Long video → Shorts → multi-post YouTube · Clipping API · TikTok See the workflow →
CRM & sales
Support & AI
Two shapes you’ll see again and again
These are build blueprints — most n8n workflows are a variation on one of these two shapes. They show the node layout, not a one-click import file. Verified, downloadable files publish on our n8n templates pages as each is tested.
- Trigger Webhook On incoming data
- Logic Set Normalize the fields
- Action Google Sheets Append a row
- Action Slack Post an alert
- Trigger Schedule Trigger Cron: daily 08:00
- Action HTTP Request GET an API
- Logic Code Shape the data
- Action Gmail Send the result
How to build an n8n workflow
- Start from the triggerDecide what kicks it off — a webhook, a schedule, a chat message, or an app event — and add that trigger node first.
- Add each app node in orderDrop the action nodes the example lists, left to right, matching each app and operation.
- Transform data between nodesUse a Set or Code node to rename, filter or reshape data so the next node gets what it expects.
- Connect your credentialsOpen each node flagged with a placeholder and select your own account. Keys live in n8n, never in the workflow.
- Test with sample dataRun once and confirm every node turns green end-to-end before going live.
- ActivateToggle the workflow Active so its trigger runs automatically from now on.
New to importing? Follow the step-by-step guide to importing an n8n template.
Frequently asked questions
What can you build with n8n?
Almost any app-to-app automation: lead capture, CRM sync, content publishing, support triage, reporting and AI agents. The examples above group the most common ones by category.
Are these n8n workflows free to use?
Yes. n8n is source-available and free to self-host, and the workflow examples here are free to learn from and build. Verified, downloadable files publish on our template pages as each is tested.
How do I get a workflow into n8n?
You can recreate it node by node from the example, or import a JSON file — paste it onto the canvas or use Import from File. See the import guide for the full steps.
What is the difference between a workflow and a template?
A workflow is the automation itself, running on your instance. A template is a saved, shareable version you import as a starting point, then connect your own credentials.
Do I need to code?
No. Workflows are built visually by connecting nodes. A Code node exists for custom logic, but it is optional.