n8n Version 2.0: Workflow tool with AI integration – Whats new?

n8n is known for its dynamic approach to no-code workflow automation and impresses with over 500 ready-made nodes as well as versatile hosting options and free use with own hosting. The new version 2.0 brings improvements in features, usability and integration options to the platform.

New features – What can n8n version 2.0 do?

The announced n8n version 2.0 takes the n8n platform to a new level. Specific new features include the new, more intuitive user interface, simplified management of complex automation processes and the expansion of tool integrations with ready-made nodes. New features for enterprise users have also been announced, sending a clear signal of the focus on larger teams and professional use.

Autosave
n8n 2.0 finally introduces autosave, which will be available shortly after the release of the stable version. This prevents data loss if the editor is closed unintentionally

Improved canvas
The canvas has been given a fresher design with an optimized look and feel. The changes provide a more modern and intuitive working environment

Updated sidebar
The sidebar has been redesigned to make navigation more efficient. It improves the overall impression of the user interface
Further surprises

Additional features
will be unveiled soon and will further extend the functionality. Details will follow in the official release notes.

https://docs.n8n.io/release-notes/

Enterprise focus: Security and control

N8n 2.0 accelerates the expansion of enterprise functions such as Single Sign-On (SSO), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Git Control. Especially for companies that prioritize compliance and security, n8n thus offers an attractive complete package. In addition, audit trails ensure transparency and facilitate the traceability of automated business processes.

AI integration & workflow performance

n8n continues to position itself as a strong partner for AI-based workflows: Existing support for AI/LLM integration remains focused, with specializations and new nodes for linking data sources and AI services into automated processes. Performance remains in focus: With up to 220 workflow executions per second, the platform is also suitable for large volumes of automation tasks.

n8n hosting variants

Your can use n8n V2 on your own server (free of charge), via cloud and as an enterprise version. The combination of cloud offering and flexible self-hosting option is an integral part of the n8n strategy. Version 2.0 continues to appeal to both developers and business users who want to implement complex company requirements or individual automation solutions.

Tutorial: host n8n yourself free of charge

How to check the compatibility of your n8n workflows

As the platform is being fundamentally changed with V2, you should test your active workflows for compatibility. The following solutions are available in n8n:

  • Migration Tool
  • Breaking Changes Documentation

Migration Tool – Check compatibility of older n8n workflows

n8n offers a migration tool to help admins with the upgrade to version 2.0. It displays compatibility problems in advance in a report and provides links to the necessary conversions.

Migration tool: https://docs.n8n.io/migration-tool-v2

How do I access the migration tool?

  • Where can I find the migration tool? Under Settings → Migration Report see Youtube-Short
  • What does the migration tool show? The number of compatible workflows and problems are displayed
  • For which users is the migration report visible: Only for global n8n admins
  • n8n version: The migration report has been available since v1.121.0, so you have to update to this version first

Migration tool: Workflow Issues

Migration tool: Instance Issues

Recommended procedure for workflow migration

  1. Fix critical workflow errors first
  2. Check medium minor problems
  3. Adjust instance config
  4. Rescan → All green = upgrade ready!

Breaking Changes – Technical changes with n8n V2

These breaking changes could affect your workflows, especially in the free self-hosted n8n version that many companies use. You should therefore check this before migrating.

Behavioral changes

  • Sub-workflow with wait node: Parent workflow now receives output from the end of the child workflow instead of input to the wait node. Customize workflows.
  • Removed nodes: Spontit, crowd.dev and Kitemaker nodes deleted as services have been discontinued. Replace affected workflows.

Security

  • Code Node Env access blocked: N8N_BLOCK_ENV_ACCESS_IN_NODE=true by default. For access: Deactivate Env variable or use credentials.
  • Settings file permissions: Strict 0600 rights required. Test with N8N_ENFORCE_SETTINGS_FILE_PERMISSIONS=true.
  • Task Runners activated: Code nodes run in isolation. Docker image n8nio/n8n without runners; use n8nio/runners.
  • Pyodide Python Node removed: Only native Python with Task Runners. Check workflows for compatibility.
  • ExecuteCommand/LocalFileTrigger deactivated: Off by default for security reasons. Activate via NODES_EXCLUDE.
  • OAuth Callback-Auth: N8N_SKIP_AUTH_ON_OAUTH_CALLBACK=false by default. Test OAuth integrations.

Data & Storage

  • MySQL/MariaDB no longer supported: Only PostgreSQL/SQLite are possible as databases. Solution: Migrate data.
  • SQLite legacy driver removed: Pooling driver default (faster). Automatically converted.
  • Binary data only file system: In-memory mode deleted. Ensure disk space.

Configuration

  • Dotenv upgrade: Quota backticks, multiline supported. check .env files.
  • n8n –tunnel removed: Switch to ngrok etc.

More information can be found in the Breaking Changes Documentation at https://docs.n8n.io/2-0-breaking-changes/

Summary / TL;DR

  • Intuitive user experience: Improved usability in the new release
  • Enterprise features: Enhancements for SSO, RBAC, audit and Git control
  • AI/LLM integration: Strong interfaces for AI workflows and data automation
  • Powerful: Up to 220 workflow executions/second for large data volumes
  • Deployment freedom: Cloud and self-hosting for maximum flexibility

Source: n8n Community