CLAUDE_CODE_SETUP.md•4.23 kB
# Claude Code Setup
Connect n8n-MCP to Claude Code CLI for enhanced n8n workflow development from the command line.
## Quick Setup via CLI
### Basic configuration (documentation tools only):
```bash
claude mcp add n8n-mcp \
-e MCP_MODE=stdio \
-e LOG_LEVEL=error \
-e DISABLE_CONSOLE_OUTPUT=true \
-- npx n8n-mcp
```
### Full configuration (with n8n management tools):
```bash
claude mcp add n8n-mcp \
-e MCP_MODE=stdio \
-e LOG_LEVEL=error \
-e DISABLE_CONSOLE_OUTPUT=true \
-e N8N_API_URL=https://your-n8n-instance.com \
-e N8N_API_KEY=your-api-key \
-- npx n8n-mcp
```
Make sure to replace `https://your-n8n-instance.com` with your actual n8n URL and `your-api-key` with your n8n API key.
## Alternative Setup Methods
### Option 1: Import from Claude Desktop
If you already have n8n-MCP configured in Claude Desktop:
```bash
claude mcp add-from-claude-desktop
```
### Option 2: Project Configuration
For team sharing, add to `.mcp.json` in your project root:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"n8n-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["n8n-mcp"],
"env": {
"MCP_MODE": "stdio",
"LOG_LEVEL": "error",
"DISABLE_CONSOLE_OUTPUT": "true",
"N8N_API_URL": "https://your-n8n-instance.com",
"N8N_API_KEY": "your-api-key"
}
}
}
}
```
Then use with scope flag:
```bash
claude mcp add n8n-mcp --scope project
```
## Managing Your MCP Server
Check server status:
```bash
claude mcp list
claude mcp get n8n-mcp
```
During a conversation, use the `/mcp` command to see server status and available tools.
Remove the server:
```bash
claude mcp remove n8n-mcp
```
## 🎓 Add Claude Skills (Optional)
Supercharge your n8n workflow building with specialized Claude Code skills! The [n8n-skills](https://github.com/czlonkowski/n8n-skills) repository provides 7 complementary skills that teach AI assistants how to build production-ready n8n workflows.
### What You Get
- ✅ **n8n Expression Syntax** - Correct {{}} patterns and common mistakes
- ✅ **n8n MCP Tools Expert** - How to use n8n-mcp tools effectively
- ✅ **n8n Workflow Patterns** - 5 proven architectural patterns
- ✅ **n8n Validation Expert** - Interpret and fix validation errors
- ✅ **n8n Node Configuration** - Operation-aware setup guidance
- ✅ **n8n Code JavaScript** - Write effective JavaScript in Code nodes
- ✅ **n8n Code Python** - Python patterns with limitation awareness
### Installation
**Method 1: Plugin Installation** (Recommended)
```bash
/plugin install czlonkowski/n8n-skills
```
**Method 2: Via Marketplace**
```bash
# Add as marketplace, then browse and install
/plugin marketplace add czlonkowski/n8n-skills
# Then browse available plugins
/plugin install
# Select "n8n-mcp-skills" from the list
```
**Method 3: Manual Installation**
```bash
# 1. Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/czlonkowski/n8n-skills.git
# 2. Copy skills to your Claude Code skills directory
cp -r n8n-skills/skills/* ~/.claude/skills/
# 3. Reload Claude Code
# Skills will activate automatically
```
For complete installation instructions, configuration options, and usage examples, see the [n8n-skills README](https://github.com/czlonkowski/n8n-skills#-installation).
Skills work seamlessly with n8n-mcp to provide expert guidance throughout the workflow building process!
## Project Instructions
For optimal results, create a `CLAUDE.md` file in your project root with the instructions from the [main README's Claude Project Setup section](../README.md#-claude-project-setup).
## Tips
- If you're running n8n locally, use `http://localhost:5678` as the N8N_API_URL
- The n8n API credentials are optional - without them, you'll have documentation and validation tools only
- With API credentials, you'll get full workflow management capabilities
- Use `--scope local` (default) to keep your API credentials private
- Use `--scope project` to share configuration with your team (put credentials in environment variables)
- Claude Code will automatically start the MCP server when you begin a conversation