I Tried n8n Automation for the First Time

Get your first workflow up and running with the help of this step-by-step n8n tutorial for beginners — triggering on schedule, getting data, sending notifications. A practical demo with screenshots for an effortless automation in 2026.

Automation is supposed to be a smoother way out, not a tougher task.

I used to go through that hassle — manually transferring data from one application to another, dealing with spreadsheets and emails while time was continuously winning. Automation was another skill that I would never completely learn. However, n8n has altered the picture. The node-based canvas of n8n allowed me to coalesce disparate tasks into a workflow that executed on its own, silently returning to me the hours that I had thought were lost forever.

Overnight genius it was not. It was the one simple workflow — and seeing it work — that turned on the light.

If you are currently caught up in the same loop, let’s eliminate it. Join me in opening n8n, and I will guide you through your first workflow — the very moment when automation stopped being scary and began to be a piece of cake.

📦 What’s Inside

☁️ Setting Up the n8n Cloud

n8n Cloud is the quickest way to experience it — no installation required, just register at n8n.io and you are in the editor.

For self-hosting the solution, Docker is an option, but using the cloud allows you to concentrate on development.

As soon as you sign in, the canvas greets you — empty and prepared. Click on “Create new workflow” or the plus icon.

The dashboard presents you with templates, however we will create a workflow from the ground up to get a real feel for it.

🔸 The free tier is quite generous — there is a lot to learn.

🔸 The editor is user-friendly — nodes can be dragged and lines connected.

🔸 The community nodes give opportunity for more options in the future.

You can begin your work in the cloud and no longer worry about it.

📥 First Nodes Addition

Nodes work as the foundation triggers ignite the process actions carry it out and tools make the changes.

With my demo: A periodic trigger retrieves Hacker News pieces about “automation,” ranks them and transfers the first 10 to either email or Slack.

Begin with Schedule Trigger: Look for “schedule,” move it to the canvas by dragging it.

Daily scheduled: Intervals “Days,” 1.

Scdule trigger node added

Then, HTTP Request for Hacker News API: Query “http request,” connect from triggering event.

API URL: https://hn.algolia.com/api/v1/search?query=automation&hitsPerPage=10

Http request node added for getting api response

🔸triggers it — no human intervention needed.

🔸Web request brings current data — always brand new.

🔸Join all the points — delivery of the data is done automatically.

Move the nodes, and the magic happens.

🔌Flow Connection and Testing

HTTP input — line snaps Connect trigger output to .

Add Code node for cleanup: Search “Code,” and connect.

Code used :

const hits = $input.first().json.hits;

return hits.map(hit => ({
  json: {
    title: hit.title,
    url: hit.url
  }
}));

Only title and url fields will be kept.

Execute workflow button runs it — output panel displays data.

Next, I Created the Template using JavaScript Code.

Note : If you dont know javascript or python , just use Set(Edit) note to manually map.

🔸Step HTTP: Add another sample and edit test step parameter(s) live.

🔸Connect JSON to easily inspect the output.

🔸Errors will be highlighted with the color red and can be quickly fixed.

Applications intended for running only one node separately from a full execution test could be used in partial runs as well.

⏱️ Scheduling workflow

Return to the Schedule Trigger: Configure a time, for instance, 9 AM on working days.

Insert Email or Slack node for notifications: Link from Set up, and set the credentials.

Message: {{ $json.emailBody}}

My Email Output :

Automatic Email Ourput from n8n

Publish the workflow by using the button in the top right corner.

It operates according to the preset schedule and notifications are received.

🔸Credentials are safe and are kept in encrypted form.

🔸Logs history — view previous runs.

🔸Manual override — perform at any time.

Getting back your freedom is one schedule to set.

👁️Monitoring and Verifying

Hit the Publish button and the workflow will come to life.

The executions tab displays the different runs: the successful ones in green and the ones with errors in red.

Pin the outputs so that you can check them easily.

You can always adjust it — turn it off, change it, and turn it back on again.

Your initial automation works smoothly.

Insight into the past — trace bugs back.
Alerts for errors — keep in the forefront.
Export JSON — either to share or to keep an extra copy.

Did you experience the grind? n8n has just removed it. Cloud installation, put a schedule and HTTP, execute — see it functioning. Your first workflow is up and running, as well as the freedom.