N8n Expression Syntax

n8n Expression Syntax

Expert guide for writing correct n8n expressions in workflows.

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Expression Format

All dynamic content in n8n uses double curly braces:

{{expression}}

Examples:

✅ {{$json.email}}
✅ {{$json.body.name}}
✅ {{$node["HTTP Request"].json.data}}
❌ $json.email  (no braces - treated as literal text)
❌ {$json.email}  (single braces - invalid)

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Core Variables

$json - Current Node Output

Access data from the current node:

{{$json.fieldName}}
{{$json['field with spaces']}}
{{$json.nested.property}}
{{$json.items[0].name}}

$node - Reference Other Nodes

Access data from any previous node:

{{$node["Node Name"].json.fieldName}}
{{$node["HTTP Request"].json.data}}
{{$node["Webhook"].json.body.email}}

Important:

• Node names must be in quotes
• Node names are case-sensitive
• Must match exact node name from workflow

$now - Current Timestamp

Access current date/time:

{{$now}}
{{$now.toFormat('yyyy-MM-dd')}}
{{$now.toFormat('HH:mm:ss')}}
{{$now.plus({days: 7})}}

$env - Environment Variables

Access environment variables: