n8nChat: build n8n workflows by natural chat
Build workflows by chatting? n8nChat turns complex automation into a simple conversation - perfect for non-coders getting started.
In my previous articles, I’ve shown how powerful no-code automation tools like n8n can be — especially for biomedical researchers, indie makers, or non-coders who just want to automate the boring stuff. But let’s be honest: even with its drag-and-drop interface, the learning curve is still steep for beginners.
Enter n8nChat — a Chrome extension that lets you talk to your n8n canvas like it’s ChatGPT. In this article, I’ll walk you through what it is, how it works, and whether it’s worth trying.
What Is n8nChat?
n8nChat is a Chrome extension that adds a natural language interface to your n8n workspace. You can literally type something like “Create a workflow to send a daily email” and n8nChat will help build it — step by step.
How to Set It Up:
- Install n8nChat from the Chrome Web Store
- Open your n8n canvas, go to Extensions > n8nChat
- Provide your OpenAI API Key (find how to generate it here)
- Choose a model (e.g. GPT-4.1)
- Activate it on your current n8n tab
You’ll now see a chat box pop up in the lower-right corner of your canvas. That’s where the magic happens.
My Experience: A Real Test Run
I asked it to “Create a workflow that sends an email every Monday.”
It responded with a basic structure using a manual trigger
- It suggested nodes like cron, email, etc.
- It even explained what each node does
Was it perfect? Not yet. Some minor bugs showed up, and the model sometimes repeated things. But for someone new to n8n who doesn’t even know what a “Cron node” is — this is gold.
Why It’s Great for Beginners
If you’re intimidated by n8n’s interface, this tool offers a low-pressure entry point.
- You don’t have to guess which node to use
- You don’t have to Google “How to build a webhook in n8n”
- You don’t have to stare at templates and feel overwhelmed
Just chat. That’s it.
This is what I call the “get a feel for automation” stage — and it’s essential if you’re building confidence.
Beyond Creation: It Explains Your Existing Workflows
One feature I really like: you can ask n8nChat to explain an existing workflow.
Let’s say you download a cool n8n template, but have no clue what half the nodes do. Ask:
What does this HTTP Request node do here?
This makes it not just a builder, but also a troubleshooting and learning companion.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
Like any early-stage tool, there are a few caveats:
- Still in development — you’ll encounter the occasional weird output or repetition
- Requires OpenAI API key — not hard to get, but a barrier for some
- Free mode with ad displays — $5/month to have Ad-free
- Not fully hands-free — you still need to understand basic automation logic
That last one is key: n8nChat can’t replace real understanding — yet.
Should You Try It?
If you’re new to automation, curious about n8n, or just want to prototype faster, I’d say yes.
Think of n8nChat as a shortcut to:
- Prototype ideas quickly
- Learn while doing
- Save hours Googling “how-to” posts
Would I use it for my production-grade workflows? Not yet. But would I recommend it to someone who says, “I want to learn automation but don’t know where to start?” — Absolutely.
Final Thoughts
In the long run, tools like n8nChat may redefine how we learn and build automation. The idea of building workflows just by talking feels magical — especially for non-coders like myself.
And honestly? Sometimes that first experience — where you see something come to life with one sentence — is all it takes to get someone hooked on automation. If you’ve been on the fence about exploring n8n, this might just be the nudge you need.
Let me know if you give it a try — and if you want more beginner-friendly tutorials or real-life automation use cases, drop a comment!
