How to Install n8n on Coolify Using the Ready Services (With or Without PostgreSQL)

Mustafa Ramadan
Jun 14
3 min read

Updated: Jul 11

Looking to install n8n, the powerful open-source AI workflow automation tool?

If you’re using Coolify v4+, you’re in luck — because n8n is now available as a one-click service right inside Coolify’s interface

No need to mess with Docker Compose or manual configs — Coolify gives you a clean UI to deploy n8n in seconds.

What is n8n?

In case you’re new to it:

n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is a free and open-source workflow AI automation platform, kind of like Zapier or Make.com — but totally self-hosted.

You can integrate with AI agents, Slack, Telegram, APIs, databases, CRMs, and much more — build complex automations visually, no code needed.

Which n8n is available and ready to install in Coolify?

Option 1: n8n (Lite Version — Without PostgreSQL)

This version uses SQLite under the hood. It’s simple, lightweight, and fast to set up.

Good for:

Testing and local development
Personal automations
Lightweight usage
Minimal resource usage

Limitations:

Not ideal for high concurrency or large workflows
SQLite isn’t great for scale or team collaboration

Option 2: n8n With PostgreSQL

This version sets up n8n + PostgreSQL — giving you more power, better performance, and production-grade stability.

Good for:

Staging or production use
Team workflows
Large flows and high-frequency automations
Data persistence and backups

Why PostgreSQL?

Because n8n stores all your flows, credentials, executions, logs, and more — and PostgreSQL is simply better for long-term, reliable storage. Plus, it’s open-source too!

How to Deploy n8n on Coolify (The Easy Way)

Here’s how to install it using the built-in Coolify Services:

Open Coolify Dashboard

Head to your Coolify UI:

https://coolify.yourdomain.com

Then create a new project

Go to Projects > New Resource

From the sidebar → click Projects → then “New Resource”

In the search box, type: n8n

Select the one you need

Choose N8N for quick and lightweight usage
Choose N8N With PostgreSQL for better scalability and real-world workflows

Click your preferred option → follow the prompts and choose your domain → hit Deploy

Coolify will:

Create containers
Link volumes
Set up default ports
Give you logs and status right in the UI

All done within seconds... Once deployed, you can access n8n via your domain url, you will set your first admin details and boom...! welcome ;)

Open Source and Free

Both versions of n8n (with or without PostgreSQL) are:

100% free
Fully open-source
Self-hosted — your data stays with you
Supported inside Coolify out-of-the-box (no manual setup)

How I Use It

Personally, I use n8n as part of my self-hosted dev/staging environment to build custom Slack bots, auto-create Jira tickets, and sync GitHub/Telegram/webhooks into custom APIs. All powered by Coolify and running on my local or cloud servers 😎

Found this useful or inspiring? You can support my work, feel free to Buy me a coffee! ☕

https://www.paypal.me/mustafaramx

https://buymeacoffee.com/mustafa.ramx

Every little bit helps keep the magic alive — and my brain awake 😅