D: 🚀 Automation just got smarter! The Switch Node in n8n is your secret weapon for handling complex workflows with multiple conditions. Whether you’re routing data, filtering content, or creating dynamic automations, mastering this node will take your workflows to the next level.
🔍 What is the Switch Node?
The Switch Node allows you to branch workflows based on conditions, similar to if-else or switch-case logic in programming. Instead of linear execution, your automation can take different paths depending on input data.
Key Features:
✅ Multiple Output Paths – Route data to different branches.
✅ Flexible Conditions – Use expressions, comparisons, or regex.
✅ Default Fallback – Handle unmatched cases gracefully.
🛠 How to Use the Switch Node
1. Basic Setup
Drag the Switch Node into your workflow and connect it to previous steps.
2. Defining Conditions
You can evaluate data using:
- Value Comparison (e.g.,
{{ $json.status === "completed" }}) - Regular Expressions (e.g.,
{{ $json.email matches /@gmail\.com$/ }}) - Custom Expressions (JavaScript snippets)
3. Adding Output Branches
For each condition, connect a new branch. The first matching condition will trigger its path.
4. Default Route (Optional)
If no condition matches, data flows to the default branch.
🌟 Practical Examples
Example 1: Email Filtering
🔹 Condition:
{{ $json.email.includes("urgent") }}→ Route to “High Priority” branch.{{ $json.email.includes("newsletter") }}→ Route to “Newsletter” branch.- Default → Move to “General Inbox”.
Example 2: E-commerce Order Routing
🔹 Condition:
{{ $json.orderValue > 100 }}→ Send to “VIP Customer” flow.{{ $json.paymentMethod === "PayPal" }}→ Trigger PayPal verification.- Default → Process as standard order.
⚡ Pro Tips for Advanced Users
🔸 Combine with Error Handling – Use IF + Switch for fallback logic.
🔸 Leverage Expressions – Use $node and $workflow variables for dynamic checks.
🔸 Test Conditions Early – Debug using the “Execute Node” feature.
📌 When to Avoid Switch Node
❌ Too Many Conditions → If you have 10+ branches, consider splitting into sub-workflows.
❌ Simple True/False Logic → Use IF Node instead for binary decisions.
🎯 Conclusion
The Switch Node is a game-changer for building adaptive, multi-path automations. By mastering conditions, you can create workflows that intelligently respond to different scenarios.
💡 Try it now! Experiment with different conditions and see how it transforms your automations.
🔗 Learn more: n8n Documentation
🚀 What’s your favorite Switch Node use case? Share in the comments! 👇