n8n-binary-and-data-official

n8n Binary and Data n8n handles two kinds of data: JSON (in $json ) and binary (in $binary ), flowing side-by-side. Binary has sharp edges around agent tools, storage, and display contexts (chat surfaces, message rendering). For tabular storage (Data Tables), see the n8n-data-tables-official skill. Non-negotiables Binary is in $binary , not $json . Don't read file contents from $json . Binary cannot cross the agent tool boundary in either direction. Tool parameters are JSON only (via fromAi() ), and tool results are JSON only. Pre-stage binary in storage and pass keys/URLs through JSON. The agent's passthroughBinaryImages: true lets the LLM see uploaded images for vision, but it does NOT enable tools to receive them. See references/AGENT_TOOL_BINARY.md . Strong defaults Merge nodes keep binary in context. When a side computation strips binary, merge it back rather than re-fetching. See references/MERGE_FOR_CONTEXT.md . Binary basics In n8n, each item has two slots: Show more Installs 959 Repository n8n-io/skills GitHub Stars 463 First Seen Jul 8, 2026 Security Audits Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass Socket Pass Snyk Fail