n8n MCP Tools Expert

Expert guide for using n8n-mcp MCP tools effectively.

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Purpose

Teaches how to use n8n-mcp MCP server tools correctly for efficient workflow building.

Activates On

• search nodes
• find node
• validate
• MCP tools
• template
• workflow
• n8n-mcp
• tool selection

File Count

5 files, ~1,150 lines total

Priority

HIGHEST - Essential for correct MCP tool usage

Dependencies

n8n-mcp tools: All of them! (40+ tools)

Related skills:

• n8n Expression Syntax (write expressions for workflows)
• n8n Workflow Patterns (use tools to build patterns)
• n8n Validation Expert (interpret validation results)
• n8n Node Configuration (configure nodes found with tools)

Coverage

Core Topics

• Tool selection guide (which tool for which task)
• nodeType format differences (nodes-base.* vs n8n-nodes-base.*)
• Validation profiles (minimal/runtime/ai-friendly/strict)
• Smart parameters (branch, case for multi-output nodes)
• Auto-sanitization system
• Workflow management (18 operation types)
• AI connection types (8 types)

Tool Categories

• Node Discovery (search_nodes, get_node with detail levels and modes)
• Configuration Validation (minimal, operation, workflow)
• Workflow Management (create, update, validate)
• Template Library (search, get)
• Documentation (tools, database stats)

Evaluations

5 scenarios (100% coverage expected):

1. eval-001: Tool selection (search_nodes)
2. eval-002: nodeType format (nodes-base.* prefix)
3. eval-003: Validation workflow (profiles)
4. eval-004: standard vs full detail (1-2KB vs 3-8KB)
5. eval-005: Smart parameters (branch, case)

Key Features

✅ Tool Selection Guide: Which tool to use for each task ✅ Common Patterns: Most effective tool usage sequences ✅ Format Guidance: nodeType format differences explained ✅ Smart Parameters: Semantic branch/case routing for multi-output nodes ✅ Auto-Sanitization: Explains automatic validation fixes ✅ Comprehensive: Covers all 40+ MCP tools

Files

• SKILL.md (480 lines) - Core tool usage guide
• SEARCH_GUIDE.md (220 lines) - Node discovery tools
• VALIDATION_GUIDE.md (250 lines) - Validation tools and profiles
• WORKFLOW_GUIDE.md (200 lines) - Workflow management
• README.md (this file) - Skill metadata

What You'll Learn

• Correct nodeType formats (nodes-base.* for search tools)
• When to use get_node vs get_node({detail: "full"})
• How to use validation profiles effectively
• Smart parameters for multi-output nodes (IF/Switch)
• Common tool usage patterns and workflows

Last Updated

2025-10-20

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Part of: n8n-skills repository Conceived by: Romuald Członkowski - www.aiadvisors.pl/en