\section{What is n8n}
Workflow automation for developers
n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform. You build workflows visually by connecting nodes — each node performs one action, such as calling an API, reading a database, or sending an email. Workflows can be self-hosted or run on n8n Cloud.
Visual workflow builder
Connect nodes with a drag-and-drop canvas. No code required for most integrations — just configure each node and wire them together.
400+ integrations
n8n ships with nodes for Slack, Google Sheets, Postgres, S3, Gmail, and hundreds of other services — including the official FormaTeX community node for LaTeX workflows.
Self-hostable
Run n8n on your own infrastructure with Docker Compose. Your workflow data stays on your servers, with no SaaS vendor lock-in.
\section{Workflow setup}
Build the workflow in four steps
Add a trigger node
Start your workflow with the trigger that fits your use case. A Webhook trigger fires when an external system posts data. A Schedule trigger generates documents at a fixed interval. An n8n Form trigger turns a web form submission into a PDF instantly.
Configure the FormatEx node
Add a FormatEx node and configure it as follows:
- Operation: Compile (or Smart Compile)
- Credentials: FormatEx API
- Engine: pdflatex / xelatex / lualatex / latexmk
- LaTeX field: Use static text or n8n expressions
- Download PDF as Binary: Enabled
In the LaTeX Source field, use n8n expressions {{ $json["field"] }} to inject data from the trigger node into your document:
# n8n community package
npm install n8n-nodes-formatex
# In n8n UI
Credentials:
- API URL: https://api.formatex.io
- API Key: your key
Node:
- Type: FormatEx
- Operation: Compile
- Engine: pdflatex
- Download PDF as Binary: trueSave or deliver the PDF
The FormatEx node returns binary data when enabled. Connect a Write Binary File node to save the PDF to disk, an AWS S3 node to upload it to a bucket, a Gmail node to send it as an attachment, or a Google Drive node to store it in a shared folder. Combine nodes to do all of the above in one workflow run.
\section{Credential storage}
Keeping your API key secure in n8n
Never paste your API key directly into a node parameter or workflow JSON. n8n's credential store encrypts secrets at rest using AES-256. Credentials are referenced by name and never appear in workflow exports.
\section{Use cases}
Workflows you can build today
Scheduled reports
Trigger a workflow on a cron schedule, pull data from a database or spreadsheet, render a LaTeX template, and email the compiled PDF to a distribution list every Monday morning.
Form to PDF
Connect an n8n Form or a Typeform webhook to the FormaTeX API. The moment a user submits a form, a personalised PDF is generated and returned or emailed within seconds.
Invoice and contract generation
Watch a CRM or payment system for new records. For each new order, render an invoice LaTeX template, compile it to PDF, and attach it to a confirmation email automatically.
Bulk document export
Feed a spreadsheet or database query into an n8n loop. For each row, compile a personalised LaTeX document and upload the PDF to S3 or Google Drive in a single workflow run.
\section{Related integrations}
More automation and SDK guides
Use FormaTeX from any automation platform or programming language.