Chapter 6: Authentication Best Practices for HTTP Request Node¶

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Overview¶

This chapter covers the different authentication methods available when making HTTP request calls in n8n, emphasizing security best practices and the advantages of using credential types over hardcoded API keys.

Detailed Summary¶

The HTTP Request Node¶

The HTTP Request node is a powerful feature in n8n that allows you to replicate API calls without manual configuration. It's especially useful when you can import cURL commands directly from API documentation.

Authentication Methods Overview¶

When making API calls, there are multiple ways to handle authentication:

1. Hardcoded in headers (Not recommended)
2. Header Auth credential type (Recommended)
3. Other credential types (OAuth, API Key, etc.)

Method 1: Header-Based Authentication (Direct)¶

When importing a cURL command, n8n often auto-configures the header section:

Headers:
- Name: Authorization
- Value: Bearer [API_KEY]

Pros: - Quick to set up - Works immediately

Cons: - API key visible in workflow - Must reconfigure for each new node - Security risk when sharing workflows

Method 2: Credential Type Authentication (Recommended)¶

Using n8n's built-in credential system is the preferred approach.

Setting Up Header Auth Credentials¶

1. In HTTP Request node, go to Authentication
2. Select Generic Credential Type
3. Choose Header Auth
4. Click Create New Credential

Configuring the Credential¶

1. Name: Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "OpenWeatherMap Demo")
2. Name field: Enter the header name (e.g., "x-api-key" or "Authorization")
3. Value field: Enter the API key or token
4. For bearer tokens: Bearer [your-api-key]
5. Click Save

Advantages of Using Credential Types¶

1. Convenience and Reusability¶

• Set up credentials once
• Reuse across multiple nodes
• Use in different workflows
• Especially useful for APIs with both POST and GET operations

2. Security¶

• API keys not hardcoded in parameters
• Better protection when sharing workflows
• Credentials stored securely in n8n
• Team members can use workflows without seeing keys

Managing Credentials¶

All credentials are accessible from the Credentials tab:

1. Navigate to Credentials in n8n
2. View list of all configured credentials
3. Options available:
4. Edit existing credentials
5. Delete credentials
6. Reconfigure settings

When to Use Which Method¶

Credential Types Available¶

n8n supports various credential types:

1. Header Auth: For APIs using custom headers
2. OAuth2: For services requiring OAuth flows
3. API Key: For services with dedicated API key parameters
4. Basic Auth: For username/password authentication
5. Bearer Token: For JWT or bearer token auth

Best Practices Summary¶

1. Always use credential types for production workflows
2. Name credentials descriptively for easy identification
3. Don't share workflows with hardcoded credentials
4. Review credential access when adding team members
5. Delete unused credentials to maintain security hygiene

Example: Converting Header to Credential¶

Before (hardcoded):

Headers:
- Authorization: Bearer sk-xxxxx123456

After (credential):

Authentication: Generic Credential Type
Credential Type: Header Auth
Credential: "MyAPI-Demo" (contains the key securely)

Headers: (disabled/removed)

Security Considerations¶

When working with API keys:

• Never commit credentials to version control
• Rotate API keys periodically
• Use least-privilege access where possible
• Monitor credential usage
• Remove credentials when no longer needed

Key Takeaways¶

1. Credential types are preferred: Always use n8n's credential system over hardcoded values for security and convenience.

2. Header Auth is common: Most API calls use header-based authentication, making Header Auth credential type frequently used.

3. Set up once, use everywhere: Credentials configured once can be reused across multiple nodes and workflows.

4. Security for teams: Credential storage protects API keys when collaborating with team members.

5. Import cURL carefully: After importing, convert header authentication to proper credentials.

6. Credentials tab provides overview: Manage all credentials from one central location.

7. Multiple credential types exist: Choose the appropriate type based on the API's authentication requirements.

8. Toggle off manual headers: After setting up credential auth, disable the auto-populated header section.

9. Descriptive naming helps: Name credentials clearly to identify their purpose later.

10. Clean up unused credentials: Regularly review and remove credentials no longer in use.

Conclusion¶

Authentication best practices are essential for building secure, maintainable workflows. While quick testing might use direct header authentication, production workflows should always leverage n8n's credential system. This approach provides security, convenience, and scalability—especially important as workflows grow in complexity and teams expand. The extra few seconds to set up proper credentials pays dividends in security and reusability. Understanding these practices early prevents security issues and technical debt as automation projects mature.