env var
N8N Environment Variables Overview
Environment variables are the main way to configure self-hosted n8n for Docker, hosting, databases, queue mode, nodes, and security behavior.
Independent third-party notes. n8n is a trademark of its owner and is referenced only for compatibility and troubleshooting context.
Quick Answer
Environment variables are the main way to configure self-hosted n8n for Docker, hosting, databases, queue mode, nodes, and security behavior.
Key Facts
- Primary use
- Configure runtime behavior without editing application code.
- Sensitive values
- Some variables can use file-based configuration with the _FILE suffix.
- Common groups
- Database, queue, nodes, security, execution, and endpoint settings.
Recommended Steps
- Identify the setup area you are changing, such as database, nodes, queue mode, or security.
- Find the official variable name and expected type.
- Set the variable in your container, Compose environment, system service, or hosting dashboard.
- Restart n8n after changing environment variables.
- Check logs for validation errors or ignored settings.
Verification
- The instance starts without configuration warnings.
- The target behavior changes after restart.
- Sensitive variables are not visible in committed files.
Warnings
- Do not paste secrets into public Compose files or Git repositories.
- Version-specific variables can change, so verify against the docs for your n8n version.