n8n cloud account intro - create your first workflow

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide to getting started with a cloud account for building AI workflows using NN. It covers signing up for a 14-day free trial, navigating the dashboard, updating the workspace version, and customizing settings like theme and time zone. Viewers learn how to create, name, tag, and organize workflows efficiently, with tips on saving progress and using workflow actions such as download, import, duplicate, and testing. The tutorial offers a clear introduction to the workflow canvas, preparing users to add their first node and build simple automations in upcoming sessions, making it accessible for beginners.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sign up for an NNI Cloud account to access a 14-day free trial and get started without worrying about self-hosting.
• 😀 Fill in your name, company email, and set up your account URL (e.g., 'AIworkshop.app.cloud') during signup to start your free trial.
• 😀 After logging in, NNI will remember your credentials for future sessions, making access quicker and easier.
• 😀 Check and update your NNI version regularly to avoid bugs and stay up to date with new features by navigating to the Admin Panel > Settings.
• 😀 The NNI Cloud service charges based on workflows, not on nodes or complexity, making it cost-effective for building complex automations.
• 😀 Always name your workflows to stay organized, especially as you build and manage multiple workflows over time.
• 😀 Use tags (e.g., 'AI Agents') to group and filter workflows for easier management, particularly when dealing with many workflows.
• 😀 Regularly save your workflows to prevent data loss and ensure progress is not lost if something unexpected happens.
• 😀 NNI allows you to download your workflows as JSON files, import others, duplicate, or delete them as needed for flexibility.
• 😀 You can switch between light and dark themes for your workspace by going to Settings > Personalization > Theme, with dark mode recommended for better UI clarity.
• 😀 The workflow editor includes zooming tools (Zoom In, Zoom Out, Zoom to Fit) to help you manage and view large, complex workflows efficiently.

Q & A

What type of NNI account is recommended for beginners and why?

A cloud account is recommended for beginners because it is simple to set up, offers a 14-day free trial, and allows users to get familiar with the canvas, workflows, and other features without worrying about self-hosting.

How do you create an NNI cloud account?

To create an NNI cloud account, click the provided link, select 'Get Started', enter your name, email, password, and desired account URL, then click 'Try for Free'. After this, future logins to the same URL will automatically sign you in.

Why is it important to check and update the version of NNI?

Updating to the latest version is important because it includes bug fixes and improvements in the nodes and workflows, ensuring that your account runs smoothly and securely.

Where can you find the admin panel and what can you do there?

The admin panel is on the left-hand side of the workspace. You can check and update the software version, adjust the time zone, view your current plan, and manage other account settings.

How can you personalize the NNI workspace theme?

Click the three dots next to your name, go to 'Settings', then under 'Personalization' select 'Theme'. You can choose between light and dark themes, with dark being recommended for better visibility.

Why is naming workflows important?

Naming workflows helps with organization, making it easier to identify, manage, and navigate between multiple workflows without getting lost.

What is the purpose of tags in workflows?

Tags allow you to categorize workflows, making it easier to filter and locate related workflows, especially when managing many workflows such as AI agents or customer support workflows.

What are some of the options available in the workflow menu (three dots)?

Options include downloading a workflow as JSON, importing workflows or templates, duplicating workflows, deleting workflows, and sharing workflows with others.

What are 'executions' in NNI workflows?

Executions are where you run and test your workflows. While building a workflow, you stay in the editor section, and later you can use executions to simulate and verify workflow functionality.

What features help manage multiple nodes and workflows visually?

The 'Zoom to Fit' feature centers and shows all nodes in the workflow. Users can also zoom in and out or reset the zoom to easily navigate and manage complex workflows.

Why is saving workflows regularly important?

Saving workflows frequently ensures that progress is not lost if the workspace closes unexpectedly or if changes are made, maintaining workflow integrity and preventing data loss.

What are the advantages of using NNI cloud workflows compared to self-hosted ones?

Cloud workflows are simpler to set up, charge based on individual workflows rather than resources, and provide easier access to updates and community support, while self-hosting involves more complex setup and management.