n8n Workflow: Merge Binary Objects from Multiple Items

This n8n workflow demonstrates how to handle binary data across multiple items and prepare it for further processing, such as merging. It's a foundational example for scenarios where you need to aggregate binary files or data chunks from several sources into a single, consolidated item.

What it does

This workflow performs the following steps:

1. Manual Trigger: The workflow is initiated manually, allowing for on-demand execution.
2. Sticky Note: A sticky note provides context or instructions within the workflow, likely explaining the purpose of the subsequent nodes.
3. HTTP Request (Placeholder for Binary Data Source): This node is configured as a generic HTTP Request, which in a real-world scenario would be used to fetch binary data (e.g., images, documents, or other files) from an external API or URL. It's represented here as a placeholder to simulate receiving binary data.
4. Code Node (Binary Data Processing): A Code node is included, indicating that custom JavaScript logic would be applied here. This is where you would implement the actual merging or processing of binary data from multiple items into a single item, or prepare it for a subsequent operation.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• n8n Instance: You need a running n8n instance to import and execute this workflow.
• External Data Source (Conceptual): While not explicitly configured in this template, a real-world application of this workflow would require an external endpoint or service that provides binary data via HTTP.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow:
   • Copy the provided JSON code.
   • In your n8n instance, go to "Workflows" and click "New".
   • Click the "Import from JSON" button (usually a cloud icon with an arrow pointing down).
   • Paste the JSON code and click "Import".
2. Configure HTTP Request Node (if applicable):
   • If you intend to fetch actual binary data, edit the "HTTP Request" node.
   • Set the URL, Method, and any necessary Headers or Authentication to retrieve your binary data. Ensure the "Response Format" is set to "Binary Data" if the response is a file.
3. Implement Binary Merging Logic in Code Node:
   • Edit the "Code" node.
   • Write JavaScript code to access the binary data from the incoming items (e.g., item.binary) and implement your merging or processing logic. This might involve using Buffer.concat() for merging multiple binary buffers or other libraries depending on the data type.
4. Execute the Workflow:
   • Click the "Execute Workflow" button in the top right corner of the n8n editor.
   • Observe the output to ensure the binary data is processed as expected.