How Data In n8n Is Structured: Items, JSON & Binary Data

This guide introduces the basic concepts of items, JSON and binary data in n8n and explains how they are used when information moves through a workflow.

n8n workflows do more than simply connect applications; they also process and transfer the information produced by those applications. Understanding how n8n structures data is therefore important when building workflows, especially when information needs to be transformed or passed between multiple nodes.

n8n workflows commonly work with structured information such as items and JSON data, while binary data can be used when workflows need to handle files or other non-text content.

This structure allows information received from one application to be passed to another node for processing. For example, a workflow could receive customer information, process selected fields and then send the resulting information to a CRM system or another application.

The ability to connect applications, data sources and APIs is one of the core functions of n8n.

How Data In n8n Is Structured

Step 1: Access Your n8n Interface

Open n8n interface in your browser using the domain provided in your welcome email, e.g. name.domain.co.za.

Step 2: Open a Workflow

1. Open the n8n web interface.
2. Open an existing workflow or create a new workflow.
3. Add a node that retrieves or generates information.
4. Run the node to produce an output.

Step 3: Understand Items

An item represents a unit of information being processed by an n8n workflow.

For example, a workflow processing customer records may have individual items containing information about individual customers.

When a node produces multiple records, n8n can process those records as multiple items as they move through the workflow.

Step 4: Understand JSON Data

JSON is commonly used to represent structured information within an n8n workflow.

A JSON structure can contain fields such as:

• Name.
• Email address.
• Customer ID.
• Order number.
• Product information.
• Status.

Nodes can use these values when processing information or sending it to another application.

Step 5: Understand Binary Data

Binary data is used for content such as files rather than standard structured text data.

Examples can include:

• Images.
• Documents.
• Audio files.
• Video files.
• Other file-based content.

A workflow can receive binary information from one node and pass it to another node for processing or storage.

Step 6: Review Data Produced by a Node

1. Run the relevant node or workflow.
2. Open the node’s execution output.
3. Review the structured data returned by the node.
4. Check whether the information is represented as the expected items, JSON or binary data.
5. Use the output when configuring the next node in the workflow.

Step 7: Pass the Data to Another Node

1. Connect the node producing the information to the next node.
2. Configure the receiving node to use the required information.
3. Run the workflow.
4. Review the receiving node’s output to confirm that the data was transferred correctly.

Additional Information

• Items represent individual units of information processed within an n8n workflow.
• JSON is used to represent structured information that can be processed and passed between nodes.
• JSON data can contain multiple fields that describe a record or object.
• Binary data is intended for file-based content such as images, documents and other files.
• Understanding the structure of incoming data makes it easier to configure subsequent nodes correctly.
• Different applications may return different data structures, so reviewing node output is useful when building integrations.
• n8n’s ability to connect applications and APIs allows data to be processed and transferred between different systems.
• Self-hosting n8n provides greater control over the workflows and data processed by your automation environment.

Login to Domains.co.za Account

1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.

2. Enter your Email and Password and click the Sign In button.

3. You will see the Domains.co.za Dashboard, displaying the Manage Account menu on the left and your Account Information, Account Overview and Open Support Tickets on the right.