How to Install n8n on AlmaLinux 9

n8n on AlmaLinux 9 (Docker Compose + Nginx + SSL)

n8n is an open-source workflow automation and integration platform that allows users to connect applications, APIs, and databases through a visual, no-code/low-code interface. It’s often compared to Zapier or Make (Integromat) — but with one key advantage: you own your data and infrastructure. With n8n, you can create custom workflows, trigger real-time events, and automate tasks across hundreds of services while keeping everything self-hosted.

Running n8n on AlmaLinux 9, a RHEL-compatible enterprise operating system, offers stability, performance, and long-term support. With SELinux enforcement, systemd 252, OpenSSL 3, and modern Docker + Compose support, AlmaLinux 9 provides an excellent foundation for deploying n8n with Nginx reverse proxy and SSL encryption for production-grade reliability.

Architecture Overview

Layer	Component	Role
OS	AlmaLinux 9	Enterprise-grade, RHEL-compatible Linux distribution
Runtime	Docker Engine + Compose	Runs n8n and supporting containers
Database	PostgreSQL / SQLite	Stores workflows, executions, credentials, and user data
Application	n8n Server (Node.js)	Provides workflow logic and web-based builder
Reverse Proxy	Nginx / Traefik	Handles HTTPS, compression, caching, and routing
TLS	Let’s Encrypt / PKI	Provides secure SSL for dashboard and webhooks

Why Use n8n?

Open-source alternative to Zapier/Make – automate your stack without recurring costs.
Visual builder – design workflows with drag-and-drop logic.
Over 400 native integrations – supports popular apps and APIs out of the box.
Self-hosted – ensures privacy, compliance, and full control.
Extensible – build custom nodes and integrate proprietary APIs.
Event-driven – execute automations instantly with webhooks or triggers.

n8n vs Other Automation Platforms

Feature/Capability	n8n (Self-hosted)	Zapier (Cloud)	Make (Cloud)	Node-RED (Self-hosted)
Hosting	Self-hosted	SaaS only	SaaS only	Self-hosted
Cost	Free, open-source	Subscription	Subscription	Free, open-source
Integrations	400+	5000+	1500+	100+
Extensibility	High (custom code)	Low	Moderate	High (JS-based)
Privacy	Full control	Cloud storage	Cloud storage	Local only
Ideal for	Developers / SMEs	Non-tech users	SMBs	Engineers / DIY setups

n8n is the perfect choice for teams and organizations that value automation flexibility, data privacy, and scalability without vendor lock-in.

Security & Best Practices

Deploy n8n behind Nginx with HTTPS enabled.
Use environment variables or Docker secrets to store API keys securely.
Run Docker containers with non-root permissions when possible.
Enable and properly configure SELinux and firewalld.
Restrict external access to only ports 80/443.
Keep Docker, n8n images, and AlmaLinux packages updated regularly.
Backup workflow and database volumes daily.
Automate SSL renewals with Certbot or Traefik ACME integration.

Typical Use Cases

Business process automation – connect CRMs, email systems, and APIs.
DevOps and IT automation – trigger CI/CD, deploy updates, and monitor systems.
Data integration and ETL – sync data between databases and cloud apps.
Webhook-based event automation – respond to external API events instantly.
Marketing automation – schedule campaigns or connect lead management tools.
AI workflows – connect OpenAI, Hugging Face, or local LLM APIs.

Deploying n8n on AlmaLinux 9 with Docker Compose and Nginx delivers a secure, scalable, and enterprise-grade automation environment — combining the flexibility of open-source software with the reliability of a Red Hat-compatible platform.

Step 1: Create a Shape.Host Cloud Instance

Go to Shape.Host and log in.

Click Create → Instance.

Choose a data center location close to your target users.

Select a plan with at least 2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM, and 20 GB SSD.

Choose AlmaLinux 9 (64-bit) as the OS.

Click Create Instance.

Copy the public IP address under the “Resources” tab — you’ll need it to connect via SSH.

Step 2: Connect to Your Server

Use SSH to connect as root:

ssh root@your_server_ip

Step 3: Update the System

Update all system packages to ensure the latest versions and security patches:

dnf update -y

Step 4: Install Docker and Dependencies

Install necessary packages and Docker repository tools:

dnf install curl ca-certificates gnupg2 yum-utils -y

Add the official Docker CE repository:

dnf config-manager --add-repo https://download.docker.com/linux/centos/docker-ce.repo

Install Docker and the Compose plugin:

dnf install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io docker-compose-plugin -y

Enable and start the Docker service:

systemctl enable --now docker

Check Docker and Docker Compose versions:

docker --version
docker compose version

Step 5: Set Up the n8n Directory

Create a dedicated folder for n8n:

mkdir -p /opt/n8n
cd /opt/n8n

Create directories for persistent storage:

mkdir n8n-data local-files

Adjust ownership so Docker can write to these folders:

chown -R 1000:1000 n8n-data local-files

Step 6: Create the Docker Compose File

Open a new configuration file:

nano docker-compose.yml

Paste the following content:

services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n:latest
    container_name: n8n
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    environment:
      - N8N_HOST=n8n.example.com
      - N8N_PORT=5678
      - N8N_PROTOCOL=https
      - WEBHOOK_URL=https://n8n.example.com
      - N8N_EDITOR_BASE_URL=https://n8n.example.com
      - GENERIC_TIMEZONE=UTC
      - N8N_USER_FOLDER=/home/node/.n8n
    volumes:
      - ./n8n-data:/home/node/.n8n
      - ./local-files:/files
    networks:
      - n8n-network

networks:
  n8n-network:
    driver: bridge

Replace n8n.example.com with your domain name or subdomain.

Save and exit (CTRL + O, ENTER, CTRL + X).

Step 7: Start n8n with Docker Compose

Pull and launch the container in detached mode:

docker compose up -d

List active containers to verify it’s running:

docker compose ps

Check n8n logs:

docker logs -f n8n

Once running, n8n will be available on port 5678.

Step 8: Install and Configure Nginx

Install Nginx:

dnf install nginx -y

Enable and start the Nginx service:

systemctl enable --now nginx

Create a reverse proxy configuration for n8n:

nano /etc/nginx/conf.d/n8n.conf

Paste the following configuration:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name n8n.example.com;

    location / {
        proxy_pass http://localhost:5678;
        proxy_http_version 1.1;
        proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
        proxy_set_header Connection 'upgrade';
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_cache_bypass $http_upgrade;
        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Host $host;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Port $server_port;

        proxy_buffering off;
        proxy_read_timeout 300s;
        proxy_connect_timeout 75s;
    }
}

Test the Nginx configuration:

nginx -t

Reload Nginx to apply the changes:

systemctl reload nginx

Step 9: Secure n8n with SSL (Certbot)

Install Certbot and the Nginx plugin:

dnf install certbot python3-certbot-nginx -y

Run Certbot to automatically obtain and apply a free SSL certificate:

certbot --nginx -d almalinux-tutorials.shape.host --email contact@shape.host --agree-tos --non-interactive

Reload Nginx to activate HTTPS:

systemctl reload nginx

Step 10: Restart n8n

Restart the container to apply environment and SSL changes:

docker compose restart

Step 11: Access n8n

You can now access the n8n dashboard in your web browser at:

https://n8n.example.com

or (for IP-based testing):

http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:5678

Step 12: Enable Firewall (Optional but Recommended)

Allow HTTP, HTTPS, and SSH connections:

firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=http
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=https
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=ssh
firewall-cmd --reload

You have installed n8n on AlmaLinux 9 with Docker Compose, Nginx reverse proxy, and SSL encryption.
You now have a fully automated workflow engine running securely on your Shape.Host Linux SSD VPS.

For improved performance, backups, and scaling — Shape.Host offers flexible plans ideal for Docker-based automation environments.

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