---
title: Launching n8n and Exploring the Interface
privateVideoUrl: https://stream.mux.com/npn7PbPi1vxI00ZDVlECkXjjIPndC5G0238Qb2ImI8Nm4.m3u8
isPublicLesson: true
---

Welcome to Lesson 5. In Lesson 4, we set up Node.js and Linear, and got ready to build our AI agent workflow. Now, we’re jumping in to **launch n8n locally** for the first time and take a tour of its interface. This lesson is all about getting n8n running and understanding the main UI elements so you’re ready to start building. By the end, you’ll feel at home in n8n’s dashboard. Let’s do this!

## Launching n8n Locally

Alright, let’s fire up n8n! We already installed Node.js (version 18, 20, or 22) in Lesson 4, but let’s double-check to make sure everything’s good.

1. **Check Node.js Version**:
    - Open your terminal (or command prompt on Windows).
    - Type `node -v` and hit enter.
    - If it shows 18, 20, or 22, you’re set. If not, go back to `nodejs.org` and grab the right version.
2. **Run n8n**:
    - In your terminal, type npx n8n and hit enter.
    - This command downloads all the n8n packages and starts it on your computer. The first time you run it, it might take a couple of minutes to download everything, so be patient. If you’ve run it before, it’ll be faster.

When it’s done, you’ll see a message saying n8n is running, usually on http://localhost:5678. You’ve got two ways to open it:

- Copy the link (http://localhost:5678) and paste it into your browser.
- Or, in the terminal, press `o` to open it automatically (super easy!).

Quick tip: If you close n8n by pressing `Ctrl+C` in the terminal, don’t worry — your workflows are saved locally. Just run `npx n8n` again later, and everything will be right where you left it.

## Setting Up Your n8n Account

If this is your first time launching n8n, you’ll see a signup window in your browser. Here’s what to do:

1. Fill in your email, name, and a password to create an account. It’s quick and keeps your workflows secure.
2. After signing up, n8n might ask extra questions, like where you work. You can skip these — no need to share if you don’t want to.
3. Once you’re done, you’ll land on the n8n dashboard, ready to explore.

## Exploring the n8n Interface

Now that n8n is running, let’s take a look at the main interface. This is where the magic happens! Here’s a quick tour of the key parts:

### Overview Tab

You start in the **Overview** tab on the left sidebar. This is like your home base, where all your workflows are listed under the **Workflows** section. Right now, you might see nothing (or just one workflow if you’ve played around). We’re going to start fresh, so if you have any workflows, you can delete them to match what a first-time user sees.

### Credentials

Next to Workflows, click **Credentials** in the sidebar. This is where you store API keys to connect n8n to other platforms, like OpenAI or Linear. For example, if you click on an OpenAI credential, you can see the API key field, replace it, or save changes. n8n automatically tests the connection when you add a key, and if it works, you’ll see “Connection tested successfully.” This is handy, especially for non-technical folks learning to use APIs, as it confirms everything’s set up right.

### Executions

Click **Executions** in the sidebar to see a history of all your workflow runs. This shows you what worked, what didn’t, or just lets you check past activity. It’s great for troubleshooting or if you’re curious about what your workflows have been up to.

### Variables

At the bottom of the left sidebar, there’s **Variables**. This lets you store data (like settings or values) that multiple workflows can use. For now, we’re keeping things simple with one workflow, so you don’t need this. But it’s there if you want to get fancy later.

### Templates

I love this one: **Templates**. Click it, and you’ll find a library of prebuilt workflows from the n8n community. You can download these to learn how others built automations or tweak them for your own needs. It’s awesome for beginners to see examples and for anyone who wants a head start. Take some time to check it out when you’re curious — it’s a goldmine for ideas.

### Starting a New Workflow

Back in the **Overview** tab, let’s create a new workflow. You’ll see a blank dashboard with a couple of options:

- Click **Start from Scratch** in the middle.
- Or click **Create New Workflow** in the top-right corner.

Both do the same thing, so pick one — let’s go with **Start from Scratch**. This opens the **Workflow Canvas**, your main workspace. It’s empty now, like a blank whiteboard where you’ll add nodes to build your automation.

### Navigating the Canvas

The Workflow Canvas is where you’ll spend most of your time, so let’s get comfy:

- **Save Button**: At the top, there’s a **Save** button. Click it often to avoid losing your work. Trust me, you don’t want to redo a big workflow!
- **Movable Canvas**: You can drag the canvas around to move it, zoom in, or zoom out. This is great for big, complex automations where you need to see the whole picture.
- **Mini-Map**: In the bottom-right corner, there’s a small preview of your canvas. It helps you navigate and understand the structure, especially if your workflow gets huge.

This canvas is super flexible and easy to use, whether you’re a beginner or a developer building something intricate.
