n8n-skills
Expert Claude Code skills for building flawless n8n workflows using the n8n-mcp MCP server
Watch the Introduction Video
🎯 What is this?
This repository contains 7 complementary Claude Code skills that teach AI assistants how to build production-ready n8n workflows using the n8n-mcp MCP server.
Why These Skills Exist
Building n8n workflows programmatically can be challenging. Common issues include:
- Using MCP tools incorrectly or inefficiently
- Getting stuck in validation error loops
- Not knowing which workflow patterns to use
- Misconfiguring nodes and their dependencies
These skills solve these problems by teaching Claude:
- ✅ Correct n8n expression syntax ({{}} patterns)
- ✅ How to use n8n-mcp tools effectively
- ✅ Proven workflow patterns from real-world usage
- ✅ Validation error interpretation and fixing
- ✅ Operation-aware node configuration
📚 The 7 Skills
1. n8n Expression Syntax
Teaches correct n8n expression syntax and common patterns.
Activates when: Writing expressions, using {{}} syntax, accessing $json/$node variables, troubleshooting expression errors.
Key Features:
- Core variables ($json, $node, $now, $env)
- Critical gotcha: Webhook data is under
$json.body
- Common mistakes catalog with fixes
- When NOT to use expressions (Code nodes!)
2. n8n MCP Tools Expert (HIGHEST PRIORITY)
Expert guide for using n8n-mcp MCP tools effectively.
Activates when: Searching for nodes, validating configurations, accessing templates, managing workflows.
Key Features:
- Tool selection guide (which tool for which task)
- nodeType format differences (nodes-base.* vs n8n-nodes-base.*)
- Validation profiles (minimal/runtime/ai-friendly/strict)
- Smart parameters (branch="true" for IF nodes)
- Auto-sanitization system explained
Most Important: Teaches correct MCP tool usage patterns and parameter formats
3. n8n Workflow Patterns
Build workflows using 5 proven architectural patterns.
Activates when: Creating workflows, connecting nodes, designing automation.
Key Features:
- 5 proven patterns (webhook processing, HTTP API, database, AI, scheduled)
- Workflow creation checklist
- Real examples from 2,653+ n8n templates
- Connection best practices
- Pattern selection guide
4. n8n Validation Expert
Interpret validation errors and guide fixing.
Activates when: Validation fails, debugging workflow errors, handling false positives.
Key Features:
- Validation loop workflow
- Real error catalog
- Auto-sanitization behavior explained
- False positives guide
- Profile selection for different stages
5. n8n Node Configuration
Operation-aware node configuration guidance.
Activates when: Configuring nodes, understanding property dependencies, setting up AI workflows.
Key Features:
- Property dependency rules (e.g., sendBody → contentType)
- Operation-specific requirements
- AI connection types (8 types for AI Agent workflows)
- Common configuration patterns
6. n8n Code JavaScript
Write effective JavaScript code in n8n Code nodes.
Activates when: Writing JavaScript in Code nodes, troubleshooting Code node errors, making HTTP requests with $helpers, working with dates.
Key Features:
- Data access patterns ($input.all(), $input.first(), $input.item)
- Critical gotcha: Webhook data under
$json.body
- Correct return format:
[{json: {...}}]
- Built-in functions ($helpers.httpRequest(), DateTime, $jmespath())
- Top 5 error patterns with solutions (covering 62%+ of failures)
- 10 production-tested patterns
7. n8n Code Python
Write Python code in n8n Code nodes with proper limitations awareness.
Activates when: Writing Python in Code nodes, need to know Python limitations, working with standard library.
Key Features:
- Important: Use JavaScript for 95% of use cases
- Python data access (_input, _json, _node)
- Critical limitation: No external libraries (requests, pandas, numpy)
- Standard library reference (json, datetime, re, etc.)
- Workarounds for missing libraries
- Common Python patterns for n8n
🚀 Installation
Prerequisites
- n8n-mcp MCP server installed and configured (Installation Guide)
- Claude Code, Claude.ai, or Claude API access
.mcp.json configured with n8n-mcp server
Claude Code
czlonkowski