> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.langchain.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Trace n8n workflows

> Learn how to trace n8n AI workflows in LangSmith.

[n8n](https://n8n.io/) is a workflow automation platform that includes advanced AI capabilities built on LangChain. You can connect your n8n instance to LangSmith to record and monitor AI workflow runs.

<Note>
  LangSmith tracing is available for **self-hosted n8n instances** only.
</Note>

## Prerequisites

* A [LangSmith account](https://smith.langchain.com?utm_source=docs\&utm_medium=cta\&utm_campaign=langsmith-signup\&utm_content=langsmith-trace-with-n8n) and [API key](/langsmith/create-account-api-key)
* A self-hosted n8n instance

## Set up tracing

1. Set the following environment variables in the environment where you host your n8n instance, in the same way as the rest of your [n8n configuration](https://docs.n8n.io/hosting/configuration/configuration-methods/).

   Required environment variables:

   * `LANGCHAIN_TRACING_V2` — Set to `true` to enable tracing.
   * `LANGCHAIN_API_KEY` — Your LangSmith API key.

   Optional environment variables:

   * `LANGCHAIN_ENDPOINT` — LangSmith API endpoint. Defaults to `https://api.smith.langchain.com`. Set this if using self-hosted LangSmith, GCP EU (`https://eu.api.smith.langchain.com`), GCP APAC (`https://apac.api.smith.langchain.com`), or AWS US (`https://aws.api.smith.langchain.com`).
   * `LANGCHAIN_PROJECT` — Project name for traces. Defaults to `"default"`.
   * `LANGCHAIN_CALLBACKS_BACKGROUND` — Set to `true` for asynchronous trace upload (default), or `false` for synchronous uploads. (default: `true`)

2. Restart your n8n instance for the environment variables to take effect.

## View traces in LangSmith

After running an AI workflow:

1. Open [LangSmith](https://smith.langchain.com?utm_source=docs\&utm_medium=cta\&utm_campaign=langsmith-signup\&utm_content=langsmith-trace-with-n8n).
2. Select your project. If you just created your account, the `"default"` project appears after the first trace is sent.
3. Locate the trace corresponding to your workflow execution.

## Additional resources

* [n8n LangSmith integration guide](https://docs.n8n.io/advanced-ai/langchain/langsmith/)
* [n8n Advanced AI documentation](https://docs.n8n.io/advanced-ai/)

***

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