Efficient workflows don't just run, they route, fan out, merge, and reshape data with intention. Use these core building blocks to keep logic clean, isolate concerns, and give downstream steps exactly the structure they expect.

• IF — two-way branch (true/false);
• Switch — multi-way router by value;
• Aggregate — many items → one item with a list;
• Merge — multiple branches → one stream;
• Split Out — one list → many items.

Understanding these nodes is key to building efficient and maintainable workflows. Each one controls how data moves, transforms, and reunites inside n8n. Using them correctly ensures your automation is fast, reliable, and easy to debug.

• Clean routing keeps logic readable and debuggable;
• Correct packing/unpacking (Aggregate / Split Out) is the difference between an AI step that gets it and one that hallucinates;
• Merge lets separate concerns evolve independently, then reunite cleanly;
• Everything stays cheaper and faster when the right shape hits the right node.

With this you should be able to route data logically with IF and Switch, combine or separate items using Aggregate and Split Out, merge branches correctly, and understand how the JSON shape (item vs list) affects workflow behavior.