How can I extract and pass binary data to the Edit Fields node in n8n?

When your workflow receives binary data, it doesn’t automatically convert it to JSON. Instead, the binary data is stored in a dedicated binary property on the item (by default, this property is often named "data"). To work with that data—for example, to manipulate it in a Code node—you should use the built-in helper method getBinaryDataBuffer().

Below is an example of how you can use it in a Code node:

JSCopied
// Assuming you want to work with the first item and its "data" binary property:
let binaryDataBuffer = await this.helpers.getBinaryDataBuffer(0, 'data');

// binaryDataBuffer now contains the binary file data which you can process further

Keep in mind the following:

• Make sure the node that receives the file assigns the binary data to a property (the default for many nodes, such as Read/Write File, is "data").
• If you need to convert binary data to JSON or another format, consider using nodes like Convert to File or Extract From File depending on your specific use case.
• Remember that if you’re working with large files, configuring your self-hosted n8n instance to use filesystem mode can prevent memory issues.

Using getBinaryDataBuffer() ensures that you're accessing the latest binary data in your workflow and avoids legacy methods like directly targeting nested properties (for example, items[0].binary.data.data).

This approach should help you reliably access and process the binary file data coming from the other service.