Connect Any API to n8n

What are n8n and an API?

n8n is a free tool, which you can run on your own server, that links apps together. You build a workflow, which is a chain of steps. Each step is a box called a node.

An API is a menu of requests that one program lets another program make. It is like a waiter. You tell the waiter what you want, and the kitchen sends it back. You can ask Hostvento support whether n8n is supported on your plan.

What you need

• A working n8n.
• The service's API address, called a URL. Its help pages list it.
• An API key or token. This is a long secret code that proves who you are. Keep it private.

Steps

1. Log in to n8n and click Create workflow, or open an existing one.
2. Click the plus button to add a node. Search for HTTP Request and choose it.
3. Set Method. Use GET to read data. Use POST to send data.
4. Paste the API address into the URL field.
5. Open the Authentication setting. Choose Predefined Credential Type if n8n has a ready-made option for your service. If not, choose Generic Credential Type.
6. For a key sent in a header, pick Header Auth. Click to create a new credential. Type the header name, such as Authorization, and the value, such as Bearer YOUR_TOKEN. Follow the service's own help page for the exact form.
7. If the service needs extra details, switch on Send Query Parameters or Send Body and fill them in. A body is the data you send with a POST request, often written as JSON. JSON is a simple text format for data.
8. Click Execute step to test.
9. Read the result on the right side. If you see data, the connection works.
10. Add the next nodes that use the data. Save the workflow and switch it to Active when ready.

Common problems

• 401 or 403: The key is wrong or has no permission.
• 404: The URL is wrong.
• 429: You sent too many requests. Slow down.

Quick recap

• Use the HTTP Request node for any API.
• Set the method and the URL.
• Save your key as a credential.
• Test with Execute step.
• Read the status number if something fails.