Getting Started with n8n: Installing, Using the Web Version, and Building a Simple Email Auto-Responder

n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that helps you automate repetitive tasks across multiple applications. Whether you’re managing emails, databases, or APIs, n8n can save time and streamline processes.

1. Installing n8n

You can install n8n using Docker, npm, or the desktop app. For beginners, the desktop version or Docker-based web version is recommended.

Using Docker

docker run -it --rm \
docker run -it --rm \
  --name n8n \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \
  n8nio/n8n

After running the container, open http://localhost:5678 in your browser.

2. Using the Web Version

The web interface lets you build workflows visually without coding. Open the interface, sign in, and use the drag-and-drop builder to design workflows.

3. Creating a Simple Email Auto-Responder

We will create a workflow that automatically replies to incoming emails.

Steps

1. Add the IMAP Email Trigger Node and connect your email account. Set it to trigger on new emails.
2. Add the SMTP Email Node and configure it to send a reply to the sender.
3. Connect the IMAP node to the SMTP node.
4. Activate the workflow.

4. Email Auto-Responder Workflow JSON

Copy the JSON into your n8n workflow editor. This workflow automatically responds to emails.

{
  "nodes": [
    {
      "parameters": {
        "email": "your-email@example.com",
        "protocol": "IMAP",
        "triggerOnNew": true
      },
      "name": "Incoming Email",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.emailReadImap",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [250, 300]
    },
    {
      "parameters": {
        "fromEmail": "your-email@example.com",
        "toEmail": "={{$json["from"]}}",
        "subject": "Re: {{$json["subject"]}}",
        "text": "Thank you for your email. We will respond shortly."
      },
      "name": "Send Reply",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.emailSend",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [550, 300]
    }
  ],
  "connections": {
    "Incoming Email": {
      "main": [
        [
          {
            "node": "Send Reply",
            "type": "main",
            "index": 0
          }
        ]
      ]
    }
  }
}

Replace your-email@example.com with your real credentials and make sure IMAP/SMTP access is enabled. Test with a secondary email first.

Conclusion

n8n allows anyone to automate repetitive tasks easily. Using this guide, you can:

• Install n8n on your machine
• Access the web interface
• Create a simple email auto-responder workflow
• Embed the workflow example in WordPress

This is the first step toward building more advanced automations for marketing, customer support, or internal business processes.

For more advanced tutorials, visit aminforouzesh.ir.