How can I configure n8n to import local workflow templates instead of using the online library?

Below is a concise explanation on how to use workflow templates locally instead of being redirected to n8n’s online templates library.

---

Why It Happens

By default, when you click the Templates button from the Editor UI, n8n opens the online library (hosted on n8n.io). This behavior is aimed at users who want to browse a large variety of shared workflows. If you’re running a local or self‑hosted instance, you might prefer to work with your own set of templates.

---

How to Use Templates Locally

To use templates locally you’ll need to:

1. Disable the Remote Templates
   n8n offers a configuration option to disable the online templates. For self‑hosted instances, there is a section in the documentation explaining how you can disable remote workflow templates. This stops the Editor UI from linking you to the remote library.

2. Set Up Your Own Custom Library
   Once remote templates are disabled, you can configure n8n to use a custom workflow templates library located on your local installation. This involves:

   • Creating (or designating) a folder where you store your workflow JSON files.
   • Modifying your n8n configuration so that the Editor UI reads workflows from your custom library rather than the online library.

   Detailed step‑by‑step instructions for creating and managing your custom templates library are provided in the “Self‑hosted n8n: Use your own library” section of the documentation.

---

What to Do Next

• Review the Docs: Look for the sections titled “Disable templates” and “Self‑hosted n8n: Use your own library” in the n8n documentation. They include the necessary instructions (and code snippets) to change the default behavior.
• Configuration: In your n8n configuration (for example, via environment variables or a configuration file), set up the options as described to disable the remote templates and point to your local folder.

Once you’ve configured this, clicking on the Templates button in the Editor UI should display your local templates, making it easy to import them to your local installation.

---

By following these steps, you’ll have full control over which workflow templates are available locally on your n8n installation.

If you need any additional clarifications on a specific configuration step, feel free to ask!