n8n Workflow: Basic Workflow Structure Example

This n8n workflow demonstrates a fundamental structure for processing data, including receiving input, applying conditional logic, transforming data, and making an HTTP request. It serves as a template for building more complex automation flows.

Description

This workflow outlines a basic data processing pipeline within n8n. It starts by accepting incoming data via a webhook, then applies conditional logic to route the data, performs data manipulation, and finally makes an external HTTP request. This structure is useful for understanding how to connect core n8n nodes to create a functional automation.

What it does

1. Receives Data via Webhook: The workflow is triggered by an incoming HTTP request to a defined webhook URL.
2. Applies Conditional Logic (If): It evaluates the incoming data against a set of conditions. Data that meets the conditions will proceed through the "true" branch, while data that does not will proceed through the "false" branch (though the false branch is not explicitly connected in this example).
3. Transforms Data (Edit Fields): On the "true" branch of the If node, the data is passed to an "Edit Fields (Set)" node, which allows for adding, modifying, or removing fields from the incoming JSON data.
4. Further Conditional Logic (Switch): The workflow then uses a Switch node to route data based on specific values within a field. This allows for multiple distinct paths depending on the data content.
5. Executes Custom Code: One path from the Switch node leads to a Code node, enabling the execution of custom JavaScript logic to further process or transform the data.
6. Makes an HTTP Request: Finally, an HTTP Request node is used to send data to an external API or service.
7. Provides a Data Table: A Data table node is included, which can be used for displaying or temporarily storing structured data within the workflow for debugging or reference.
8. Includes a Sticky Note: A Sticky Note node is present, likely for documentation or temporary notes within the workflow canvas.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• n8n Instance: A running instance of n8n (either cloud or self-hosted).
• Webhook Trigger: An external system capable of sending HTTP requests to the n8n webhook URL.
• External API/Service: If the HTTP Request node is configured, an external API or service to send data to.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow:
   • Copy the provided JSON code.
   • In your n8n instance, click "New" in the workflows section.
   • Click the "Import from JSON" button and paste the copied JSON.
2. Activate the Webhook:
   • Locate the "Webhook" node (ID: 47).
   • Click on it to open its settings.
   • Copy the "Webhook URL" and configure your external system (e.g., Jotform, another application) to send POST requests to this URL.
   • Ensure the workflow is "Active" (toggle in the top right corner).
3. Configure Nodes (as needed):
   • If Node (ID: 20): Adjust the conditions to match your specific data filtering requirements.
   • Edit Fields (Set) Node (ID: 38): Modify the fields to be added, updated, or removed based on your data transformation needs.
   • Switch Node (ID: 112): Define the expressions and cases for routing data to different paths.
   • Code Node (ID: 834): Write your custom JavaScript logic to process the data as required.
   • HTTP Request Node (ID: 19): Configure the URL, method, headers, and body for the external API call.
   • Data table (ID: 1315): Populate this with relevant data for testing or reference.
4. Test the Workflow: Send a test request to the Webhook URL to observe the data flow and ensure all nodes are functioning as expected.