Build your first full workflow

Summary

This video continues the n8n workflow tutorial, guiding users through transforming and filtering data using nodes. It demonstrates connecting nodes, renaming them for clarity, and using JSON and Schema views to inspect incoming data. The tutorial explains how to manipulate fields, set data types, and selectively filter data using the IF node to separate true and false outputs. By testing each step, users learn to refine their workflows, ensuring only the necessary data is output. The video emphasizes practical tips for organizing complex workflows and prepares viewers for building more advanced AI-driven automation and workflow journeys in subsequent lessons.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always watch previous videos in a series to understand the context of ongoing workflows.
• 😀 Use the plus button to add new nodes connected to existing nodes in n8n workflows.
• 😀 Naming nodes clearly (e.g., 'Transform Data', 'Test Data') helps maintain organization in complex workflows.
• 😀 Nodes have two main data views: JSON View for raw data and Schema View for structured interaction.
• 😀 Drag and drop fields from incoming nodes to transform, filter, or manipulate data efficiently.
• 😀 Expressions in n8n ({{ $json.field }}) allow dynamic data handling and JavaScript-based transformations.
• 😀 The Set Node is useful for selecting and renaming specific fields while filtering out unnecessary data.
• 😀 Test Step allows previewing output data to ensure transformations and filters are correctly applied.
• 😀 The If Node splits data into true and false outputs based on conditions like field existence or value comparison.
• 😀 Green tick marks indicate successful execution, while red marks indicate errors needing attention.
• 😀 Branching logic from true/false outputs enables separate handling of data for further transformations.
• 😀 Schema View’s expand feature is helpful when manipulating complex datasets with many fields.
• 😀 Using filters and conditions ensures only relevant data passes through the workflow for downstream processing.

Q & A

What is the purpose of watching the previous videos before continuing this tutorial?

Watching the previous videos is essential because this tutorial builds on the concepts and initial setup, such as the trigger node and customer data store, introduced earlier. Without that context, the workflow steps may not make sense.

How do you add a new node connected to an existing node in n8n?

To add a new node connected to an existing one, click the plus button next to the existing node, then select the desired node type from the menu or search for it. The new node will automatically be connected to the previous node.

Why is it recommended to rename nodes in a workflow?

Renaming nodes improves organization and clarity, making it easier to understand what each node does, especially in complex workflows with multiple nodes.

What are the two main views for inspecting node input data, and when should each be used?

The two main views are JSON View and Schema View. JSON View is useful for users familiar with code and for inspecting raw data, while Schema View is ideal for manual mapping and easier interaction with structured fields.

How can you filter specific fields from the incoming data in a node?

You can use the Set/Edit Fields node to manually drag and drop the fields you want to keep. You can rename fields and set their types, effectively transforming and filtering the data before passing it to the next node.

What is the difference between the true and false outputs in an If Node?

The If Node evaluates a condition and splits the data into two outputs: true (data that meets the condition) and false (data that does not meet the condition). This allows separate processing for each case.

How can you configure an If Node to filter out records with missing values?

Set the condition type to the appropriate data type (e.g., string for text fields) and select the 'exists' operation. Then specify the field to check (e.g., country). Records where the field exists go to the true output, and those missing the field go to false.

What is the purpose of the Test Step in n8n nodes?

The Test Step allows you to preview the output of a node based on the input data. It helps verify that transformations or filters are working as intended before connecting downstream nodes.

How does the Expand View in the Set Node help when managing data?

The Expand View provides more space to interact with multiple fields, making it easier to map, edit, or transform complex data structures in large workflows.

Why might you use a Switch Node instead of an If Node?

A Switch Node is useful when you need to output data to multiple routes based on several criteria, while an If Node only splits data into two routes (true or false) based on a single condition.

What indicates successful execution of a node in n8n?

A green tick mark next to the node indicates successful execution. A red mark indicates an error, which allows you to quickly identify and troubleshoot issues in the workflow.

How does manual mapping differ from JSON-based transformations?

Manual mapping allows you to drag and drop fields to transform data without coding, making it user-friendly. JSON-based transformations require familiarity with JavaScript and allow more advanced, code-driven manipulation of data.