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Hosting n8n on Diploi

Javier

September 23, 2025

Updated

Spin up n8n on Diploi with zero server configuration

n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool with a visual editor and lots of integrations. In this guide, we’ll create an instance of n8n and get it running on Diploi in minutes. Diploi handles the build, configuration, and runtime, so you can focus on your automations, and not managing infrastructure.

Table of contents

Getting started with n8n on Diploi

What you need

  • A GitHub account
  • A Diploi account

You can create a Diploi account for free, no credit card required.

How to get n8n hosted online

After signing in:

  • Create a new project: Click Create Project + on your Dashboard. Create project

  • Pick the n8n component: In Pick Components, select n8n (look under Automation/Tools). Want a bundle? Add more components (e.g., a frontend) and run them together. Selecting the n8n component

  • Optional add-ons: By default, n8n will launch with PostgreSQL, but you can attach other databases or caches if needed. Selecting add-ons

  • Create a repository: Choose Create Repository so Diploi scaffolds a new GitHub repo for your app.
    Create repository

  • Launch the stack: Click Launch Stack. Diploi provisions your environment and starts n8n.
    Launch project

Once you are done and your environment finishes loading, you’ll be able to access your n8n instance. n8n live preview

Diploi sets up a Remote Development environment with a public preview URL, so you can start right away, without requiring a local setup. Which you can use via:

  • Browser IDE: Edit files online with a full VS Code-style experience.
    Using the Browser IDE

  • Your local editor via SSH: Connect VS Code, Cursor, or any SSH-friendly IDE to the remote dev container.
    Using a local IDE

This is ideal if you want to create your own custom nodes. For more about custom nodes, check the official guide from the n8n team: https://docs.n8n.io/integrations/creating-nodes/build/

Launching your custom nodes for n8n to Production

When you’re ready to go live with custom nodes:

  • Push changes to GitHub.

  • Open your project dashboard: Go to your n8n project in the Diploi console. Project dashboard for your n8n app

  • Create a Production deployment: Click Create Deployment + and choose Production.
    Launching a Production stage

  • Pick a cluster size: Start small; scale when needed.
    Selecting a cluster size

  • Select the source branch: Typically main or prod.
    Selecting a branch

  • Configure environment variables: Add any secrets and settings your instance needs (e.g., encryption key, OAuth credentials). n8n environment variables

  • Create Deployment: Diploi builds and launches your production instance.
    Creating the production deployment

Open the deployment URL to complete n8n’s first-run setup and create your admin account and that’s it, your n8n deployment is live!

Configuring a custom domain for your n8n app

By default, production runs on a .diploi.me subdomain (e.g., my-automation.diploi.me). To use your own domain:

  • Open the Options tab: In your Production deployment, go to Options.
    Accessing deployment options

  • Disable auto-generated endpoints: Toggle off Use Auto-Generated Endpoints.

  • Add your hostname: Enable Use Custom Domain and enter something like n8n.yourdomain.com.
    Adding a custom domain

  • Save changes, then update DNS: Create a CNAME for your hostname pointing to edge.diploi.com.

DNS/SSL usually settle quickly, but allow up to ~30 minutes. After that, your n8n instance will be live at your custom domain with HTTPS handled automatically.

New to n8n? Try it in the cloud first for free

You can explore n8n on Diploi in seconds without a local setup:

  • Option 1 Trial without sign-up
    Open the StackBuilder at https://diploi.com/#StackBuilder, pick n8n, and click Launch. You’ll get a temporary environment to play with, no account or credit card required.

  • Option 2 Quick Launch (if you’re logged in)
    Create a new project and in Repository, choose Quick Launch. Diploi provisions a ready-to-use n8n app instantly.
    Quick launch

These are perfect for testing. For production, create a full project with a GitHub repository so your changes are tracked.

That’s it! You’ve got n8n running on Diploi, from dev to production, with a custom domain. If you have questions or want to share what you’re building, share with us in Discord or via email at hello@diploi.com.

Happy automating 🤖

References

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