Lucas Peyrin This workflow corresponds to n8n.io template #5996 — we link there as the canonical source.
The workflow JSON
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{
"nodes": [
{
"id": "d6cf9b3d-66b8-4022-8c9d-698e89cd22fd",
"name": "Start Sorting",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.manualTrigger",
"position": [
-880,
608
],
"parameters": {},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "b8c72a1e-0268-4d99-8141-ca14e35cbd6a",
"name": "Sticky Note",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
-1360,
128
],
"parameters": {
"width": 624,
"height": 660,
"content": "### Tutorial: The Logic Trio (Merge, IF, Switch)\n\nWelcome! This workflow will teach you the three most important nodes for controlling the flow of your data.\n\n**The Analogy: A Package Sorting Center**\n- **Data Items:** Think of these as packages moving on a conveyor belt.\n- **Merge Node:** A point where multiple conveyor belts combine into one.\n- **IF Node:** A simple sorting gate with two paths (e.g., \"Fragile\" or \"Not Fragile\").\n- **Switch Node:** An advanced sorting machine with many paths (e.g., sorting by destination city).\n\n\n**How to use this tutorial:**\n1. Click **\"Execute Workflow\"**.\n2. Follow the flow from left to right, clicking on each node to see its output.\n3. Read the sticky notes to understand what each node does.\n\n\n---\n\n### Automate your operations today\nYour time is valuable. Let us automate the boring stuff for you.\n\n**\ud83d\udc47 CHOOSE YOUR PATH:**\n\n[ **\u26a1\ufe0f I WANT A FREE AUDIT (2 min)** ](https://workflows.ac/audit?utm_source=n8n_template&utm_medium=workflow_note&utm_campaign=learn_workflow_logic_with_merge_if_switch_operations&utm_content=5996)\n> *We've put our heart into this business evaluation machine.*\n\n[ **\ud83d\udca1 I HAVE A SPECIFIC REQUEST** ](https://workflows.ac/form?utm_source=n8n_template&utm_medium=workflow_note&utm_campaign=learn_workflow_logic_with_merge_if_switch_operations&utm_content=5996)\n\n"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "81532695-73c0-4357-a957-3d0ef580578f",
"name": "Sticky Note1",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
-272,
192
],
"parameters": {
"color": 4,
"width": 384,
"height": 604,
"content": "### 1. The Merge Node\n\n**Analogy:** A conveyor belt where packages from different loading docks (the `Set` nodes) come together.\n\n**What it does:** The Merge node combines multiple streams of data into a single stream.\n\nHere, it's set to **Append** mode, which is the most common. It waits for all incoming data and then passes it all through together.\n\n**\u27a1\ufe0f Look at the output. We now have both the letter and the parcel in one list, ready for the next step!**"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "dadbac54-6b31-4a0f-8d5e-b6121467e90e",
"name": "Sticky Note2",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
144,
192
],
"parameters": {
"color": 4,
"width": 384,
"height": 596,
"content": "### 2. The IF Node\n\n**Analogy:** A simple sorting gate with two paths: a \"true\" path and a \"false\" path.\n\n**What it does:** The IF node checks if a condition is met. If it's true, the data goes down the top output. If it's false, it goes down the bottom output.\n\nHere, we're asking a simple question: **\"Does this package have an `is_fragile` property?\"**\n\n**\u27a1\ufe0f The parcel will go down the 'true' path, and the letters (which don't have that property) will go down the 'false' path.**"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "0c330031-eab5-4ee3-8b11-91aee526952a",
"name": "Add 'Fragile' Handling",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
624,
512
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "12345",
"name": "handling_instructions",
"type": "string",
"value": "Handle with care!"
}
]
},
"includeOtherFields": true
},
"typeVersion": 3.4
},
{
"id": "d14c0e68-3823-4f15-98eb-58a0d4983861",
"name": "Add 'Standard' Handling",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
624,
704
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "12345",
"name": "handling_instructions",
"type": "string",
"value": "Standard handling"
}
]
},
"includeOtherFields": true
},
"typeVersion": 3.4
},
{
"id": "2ebde854-aa6b-48de-83b1-33950a1486e0",
"name": "Sticky Note3",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
816,
272
],
"parameters": {
"color": 5,
"width": 384,
"height": 552,
"content": "### Merge Again?\n\n**Why do we need another Merge node here?**\n\nAfter the IF node, our data was split into two different paths. Before we can perform the *next* sorting step on all packages, we need to get them back onto the same conveyor belt.\n\nThis is a very common and important pattern in n8n: \n**Split -> Process -> Merge.**"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "66ca4ac5-aceb-426e-ab22-50c012602a85",
"name": "Sticky Note4",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
1232,
176
],
"parameters": {
"color": 4,
"width": 400,
"height": 648,
"content": "### 3. The Switch Node\n\n**Analogy:** An advanced sorting machine that can send packages to many different destinations.\n\n**What it does:** The Switch node is like an IF node with multiple doors. It checks the value of a single field (`destination` in this case) and sends the data down the path that matches the value.\n\n- If the destination is \"London\", it goes to output 0.\n- If it's \"New York\", it goes to output 1.\n- If it's something else, it goes to the **default** output.\n\n\n**\u27a1\ufe0f This is much cleaner than using many IF nodes chained together!**"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "10f56a78-85cd-4c8b-88e0-b6b3f0346e89",
"name": "Send to London Bin",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
1776,
320
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "12345",
"name": "sorting_bin",
"type": "string",
"value": "A1 (London)"
}
]
},
"includeOtherFields": true
},
"typeVersion": 3.4
},
{
"id": "2cba95bd-2c9b-42d1-90cb-74c2edf97ec7",
"name": "Send to New York Bin",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
1776,
512
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "12345",
"name": "sorting_bin",
"type": "string",
"value": "B2 (New York)"
}
]
},
"includeOtherFields": true
},
"typeVersion": 3.4
},
{
"id": "1531b4e3-eece-4c89-98bd-e9633fdd77f6",
"name": "Send to Tokyo Bin",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
1776,
704
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "12345",
"name": "sorting_bin",
"type": "string",
"value": "C3 (Tokyo)"
}
]
},
"includeOtherFields": true
},
"typeVersion": 3.4
},
{
"id": "d46604a8-663e-42bd-a175-a34edb8953fb",
"name": "Default Bin",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
1776,
896
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "12345",
"name": "sorting_bin",
"type": "string",
"value": "Return to Sender"
}
]
},
"includeOtherFields": true
},
"typeVersion": 3.4
},
{
"id": "570040aa-3f8d-4f59-904a-ee3deb36a9df",
"name": "Final Sorted Packages",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.noOp",
"position": [
2160,
624
],
"parameters": {},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "756313e7-d2f3-45cc-a4f5-f91e7a8f778a",
"name": "Sticky Note5",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
2032,
272
],
"parameters": {
"color": 6,
"width": 368,
"height": 560,
"content": "### All Packages Sorted!\n\nCongratulations! You've successfully used the three logic nodes to sort your packages.\n\n**You learned how to:**\n- **Merge** data from different sources.\n- Use **IF** for simple true/false decisions.\n- Use **Switch** for complex, multi-path routing.\n\n\nMastering these three nodes is the key to building powerful and intelligent workflows in n8n."
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"id": "4466652f-cc2b-47b1-bf4f-98d89753881f",
"name": "3. Switch Node",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.switch",
"position": [
1392,
576
],
"parameters": {
"rules": {
"values": [
{
"outputKey": "London",
"conditions": {
"options": {
"version": 2,
"leftValue": "",
"caseSensitive": true,
"typeValidation": "strict"
},
"combinator": "and",
"conditions": [
{
"id": "8d43cde4-027a-4ca7-a24c-6f74f12d6238",
"operator": {
"type": "string",
"operation": "equals"
},
"leftValue": "={{ $json.destination }}",
"rightValue": "London"
}
]
},
"renameOutput": true
},
{
"outputKey": "New York",
"conditions": {
"options": {
"version": 2,
"leftValue": "",
"caseSensitive": true,
"typeValidation": "strict"
},
"combinator": "and",
"conditions": [
{
"id": "399a0fbd-6be5-48e9-9f66-04cf385cb418",
"operator": {
"name": "filter.operator.equals",
"type": "string",
"operation": "equals"
},
"leftValue": "={{ $json.destination }}",
"rightValue": "New York"
}
]
},
"renameOutput": true
},
{
"outputKey": "Tokyo",
"conditions": {
"options": {
"version": 2,
"leftValue": "",
"caseSensitive": true,
"typeValidation": "strict"
},
"combinator": "and",
"conditions": [
{
"id": "a69d387d-a174-42b3-bc5f-c8b46b7c2375",
"operator": {
"name": "filter.operator.equals",
"type": "string",
"operation": "equals"
},
"leftValue": "={{ $json.destination }}",
"rightValue": "Tokyo"
}
]
},
"renameOutput": true
}
]
},
"options": {
"fallbackOutput": "extra",
"renameFallbackOutput": "Default"
}
},
"typeVersion": 3.2
},
{
"id": "add68013-30a7-43db-93d4-5af691764684",
"name": "Create Letter",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
-496,
416
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "12345",
"name": "package_id",
"type": "string",
"value": "L-001"
},
{
"id": "67890",
"name": "type",
"type": "string",
"value": "letter"
},
{
"id": "abcde",
"name": "destination",
"type": "string",
"value": "London"
}
]
}
},
"typeVersion": 3.4
},
{
"id": "5af75a45-b912-41c6-b073-03188ae914ef",
"name": "1. Merge Node",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.merge",
"position": [
-128,
592
],
"parameters": {
"numberInputs": 3
},
"typeVersion": 3.2
},
{
"id": "11627c3b-465a-4a4a-bfe9-95c08d502f2f",
"name": "2. IF Node",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.if",
"position": [
272,
608
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"conditions": {
"options": {
"version": 2,
"leftValue": "",
"caseSensitive": true,
"typeValidation": "loose"
},
"combinator": "and",
"conditions": [
{
"id": "a68aad83-1d09-4ebe-9732-aaedc407bb4b",
"operator": {
"type": "boolean",
"operation": "true",
"singleValue": true
},
"leftValue": "={{ $json.is_fragile }}",
"rightValue": ""
}
]
},
"looseTypeValidation": true
},
"typeVersion": 2.2
},
{
"id": "4b5b5ba4-25e1-4ef0-93d8-50670dbc1ce0",
"name": "Re-group All Packages",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.merge",
"position": [
960,
608
],
"parameters": {},
"typeVersion": 3.2
},
{
"id": "21d270c4-c19c-42ed-a6e3-67ecedd1c0c9",
"name": "Create 2nd Letter",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
-496,
608
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "12345",
"name": "package_id",
"type": "string",
"value": "L-002"
},
{
"id": "67890",
"name": "type",
"type": "string",
"value": "letter"
},
{
"id": "abcde",
"name": "destination",
"type": "string",
"value": "Tokyo"
}
]
}
},
"typeVersion": 3.4
},
{
"id": "8a295323-9515-410c-9ac1-fb431d08cea2",
"name": "Create Parcel",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
"position": [
-496,
800
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"assignments": {
"assignments": [
{
"id": "12345",
"name": "package_id",
"type": "string",
"value": "P-001"
},
{
"id": "67890",
"name": "type",
"type": "string",
"value": "parcel"
},
{
"id": "abcde",
"name": "destination",
"type": "string",
"value": "New York"
},
{
"id": "fghij",
"name": "is_fragile",
"type": "boolean",
"value": true
}
]
}
},
"typeVersion": 3.4
},
{
"id": "353ac679-f133-4028-955a-f4be07ed586b",
"name": "Sticky Note6",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote",
"position": [
2432,
-256
],
"parameters": {
"color": 7,
"width": 544,
"height": 1088,
"content": "## Was this helpful? Let me know!\n[](https://workflows.ac/form)\n\nI really hope this template helped you. Your feedback is what helps me create better resources for the n8n community.\n\n### **Have Feedback, a Question, or a Project Idea?**\n\n\n#### \u27a1\ufe0f **[Click here to go to the Contact Form](https://workflows.ac/form?utm_source=n8n_template&utm_medium=workflow_note&utm_campaign=learn_workflow_logic_with_merge_if_switch_operations&utm_content=5996)**\n\nUse this single link for anything you need:\n\n* **Give Feedback:** Share your thoughts on this template, whether you found a typo, encountered an unexpected error, have a suggestion, or just want to say thanks!\n\n* **Automation Coaching:** Get personalized, one-on-one guidance to master n8n. We can work together to help you reach an expert level.\n\n* **Automation Consulting:** Have a complex business challenge or need custom workflows built from scratch? We offer a plug and play automation department for 8 to 88 people teams with unlimited automation requests.\n\n---\n\nHappy Automating!\nLucas Peyrin | [Workflows Accelerator](https://workflows.ac?utm_source=n8n_template&utm_medium=workflow_note&utm_campaign=learn_workflow_logic_with_merge_if_switch_operations&utm_content=5996)"
},
"typeVersion": 1
}
],
"connections": {
"2. IF Node": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Add 'Fragile' Handling",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
],
[
{
"node": "Add 'Standard' Handling",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Default Bin": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Final Sorted Packages",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"1. Merge Node": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "2. IF Node",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Create Letter": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "1. Merge Node",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Create Parcel": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "1. Merge Node",
"type": "main",
"index": 2
}
]
]
},
"Start Sorting": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Create Parcel",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
},
{
"node": "Create 2nd Letter",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
},
{
"node": "Create Letter",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"3. Switch Node": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Send to London Bin",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
],
[
{
"node": "Send to New York Bin",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
],
[
{
"node": "Send to Tokyo Bin",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
],
[
{
"node": "Default Bin",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Create 2nd Letter": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "1. Merge Node",
"type": "main",
"index": 1
}
]
]
},
"Send to Tokyo Bin": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Final Sorted Packages",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Send to London Bin": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Final Sorted Packages",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Send to New York Bin": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Final Sorted Packages",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Re-group All Packages": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "3. Switch Node",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Add 'Fragile' Handling": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Re-group All Packages",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Add 'Standard' Handling": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Re-group All Packages",
"type": "main",
"index": 1
}
]
]
}
}
}
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About this workflow
Ever wonder how to make your workflows smarter? How to handle different types of data in different ways? This template is a hands-on tutorial that teaches you the three most fundamental nodes for controlling the flow of your automations: Merge, IF, and Switch.
Source: https://n8n.io/workflows/5996/ — original creator credit. Request a take-down →
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