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n8n Local Setup (Windows) with OpenAI-Compatible Gateway

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Prerequisites

  • Node.js installed
  • n8n installed globally
npm install -g n8n
Verify installation: 
n8n --version
Start n8n: 
n8n start
n8n will be available at: 
http://localhost:5678

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Initial Account Setup

On first launch, n8n will prompt you to create an owner account. Fill in: 
Email
First Name
Last Name
Password
Password requirements:
  • Minimum 8 characters
  • At least 1 uppercase letter
  • At least 1 number
The “I want to receive security and product updates” checkbox is optional. After completing registration, you’ll be redirected to the n8n dashboard.

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Connecting n8n to an OpenAI-Compatible Gateway

This method works with:
  • ZnapAI
  • Any OpenAI-compatible endpoint

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Step 1: Open Chat

From the left sidebar: 
Chat

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Step 2: Select a Model

Click: 
Select a model
Choose: 
OpenAI

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Step 3: Create Credentials

When prompted, create a new credential. Enter: 
API Key:
<your-api-key>

Base URL: https://api.znapai.com/v1
n8n Configuration

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Step 4: Save Credential

Click: 
Save
n8n will store the credential securely and make it available for future workflows and agents.

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Step 5: Test the Connection

Send a message in the Chat interface. Example: 
Explain event-driven architecture in one paragraph.
If configured correctly:
  • n8n sends the request to your gateway
  • The gateway routes the request to the selected model
  • The response appears in the chat

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Verification

If using ZnapAI or any other Gateway Provider, monitor the gateway logs. You should see incoming requests from n8n whenever a chat message is sent. Example validation flow: 
n8n Chat
    ↓
OpenAI Credential
    ↓
Gateway (ZnapAI)
    ↓
Model Provider
    ↓
Response
If requests appear in gateway logs, the integration is working correctly.

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Next Steps

Once chat is working, you can build workflows and AI agents. Typical architecture: 
Webhook / Trigger
        ↓
AI Agent
        ↓
OpenAI-Compatible Gateway
        ↓
Tools
        ↓
Actions
Examples:
  • GitHub Issue Summarizer
  • Slack AI Assistant
  • CRM Lead Qualification Agent
  • Customer Support Automation
  • RAG Knowledge Assistant
  • Email Classification and Routing
At this point, n8n is successfully configured to use your OpenAI-compatible gateway for both chat and workflow-based AI automation.