Master data transformation with the complete set node guide

n8n Set Node Tutorial - Complete Guide 🎯 How It Works This tutorial workflow teaches you everything about n8n's Set node through hands-on examples. The Set node is one of the most powerful tools in n8n - it allows you to create, modify, and transform data as it flows through your workflow. What makes this tutorial special: - Progressive Learning: Starts simple, builds to complex concepts - Interactive Examples: Real working nodes you can modify and test - Visual Guidance: Sticky notes explain every concept - Branching Logic: Shows how Set nodes work in different workflow paths - Real Data: Uses practical examples you'll encounter in automation The workflow demonstrates 6 core concepts: 1. Basic data types (strings, numbers, booleans) 2. Expression syntax with {{ }} and $json references 3. Complex data structures (objects and arrays) 4. "Keep Only Set" option for clean outputs 5. Conditional data setting with branching logic 6. Data transformation and aggregation techniques 📋 Setup Steps Step 1: Import the Workflow 1. Copy the JSON from the code artifact above 2. Open your n8n instance in your browser 3. Navigate to Workflows section 4. Click "Import from JSON" or the import button (usually a "+" or import icon) 5. Paste the JSON into the import dialog 6. Click "Import" to load the workflow 7. Save the workflow (Ctrl+S or click Save button) Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point Option A: Default Tutorial Mode (Recommended for beginners) - The workflow is ready to run as-is - Uses simple "Welcome" message as starting data - Click "Execute Workflow" to begin Option B: Rich Test Data Mode (Recommended for experimentation) 1. Locate the nodes: Find "Start (Manual Trigger)" and "0. Test Data Input" 2. Disconnect default: Click the connection line between "Start (Manual Trigger)" → "1. Set Basic Values" and delete it 3. Connect test data: Drag from "0. Test Data Input" output to "1. Set Basic Values" input 4. Execute: Click "Execute Workflow" to run with rich test data Step 3: Execute and Learn 1. Run the workflow: Click the "Execute Workflow" button 2. Check outputs: Click on each node to see its output data 3. Read the notes: Each sticky note explains what's happening 4. Follow the flow: Data flows from left to right, top to bottom Step 4: Experiment and Modify Try These Experiments: 🔧 Change Basic Values: - Click on "1. Set Basic Values" - Modify userage (try 20 vs 35) - Change username to see how it propagates - Execute and see the changes flow through 📊 Test Conditional Logic: - Set userage to 20 → triggers "Student Discount" path - Set userage to 30 → triggers "Premium Access" path - Watch how the workflow branches differently 🎨 Modify Expressions: - In "2. Set with Expressions", try changing: - ={{ $json.score 2 }} to ={{ $json.score 3 }} - ={{ $json.username }} Smith to ={{ $json.username }} Johnson 🏗️ Complex Data Structures: - In "3. Set Complex Data", modify the JSON structure - Add new properties to the userprofile object - Try nested expressions 🎓 Learning Path Beginner Level (Nodes 1-2) - Focus: Understanding basic Set operations - Learn: Data types, static values, simple expressions - Time: 10-15 minutes Intermediate Level (Nodes 3-4) - Focus: Complex data and output control - Learn: Objects, arrays, "Keep Only Set" option - Time: 15-20 minutes Advanced Level (Nodes 5-6) - Focus: Conditional logic and data aggregation - Learn: Branching workflows, merging data, complex expressions - Time: 20-25 minutes 🔍 What Each Node Teaches | Node | Concept | Key Learning | |------|---------|-------------| | 1. Set Basic Values | Data Types | String, number, boolean basics | | 2. Set with Expressions | Dynamic Data | {{ }} syntax, $json references, $now functions | | 3. Set Complex Data | Advanced Structures | Objects, arrays, nested properties | | 4. Set Clean Output | Data Management | "Keep Only Set" for clean final outputs | | 5a/5b. Conditional Sets | Branching Logic | Different data based on conditions | | 6. Tutorial Sum