The session was a comprehensive overview by Mike, targeting users new to automating workflows in N8N (Nadn), with 35 specific tips and a bonus tip focused on maximizing productivity, efficiency, and control.
Topics ranged from choosing cost-effective AI models, using OpenRouter, leveraging Telegram, mastering nodes (Switch, Set, Code, Filter), credential management, and spending limits to backup strategies and workflow organization.
Emphasis was placed on testing strategies, advanced AI techniques and integrations, workflow optimization, and practical tricks for managing and scaling automations.
The session was educational and aimed at improving both technical proficiency and operational confidence for users building AI-powered automations in N8N.
Action Items
None identified, as this was an informational session without specific delegated tasks.
Choosing AI Models and Routing
Cheaper, efficient AI models (e.g., Gemini 2.5 Flash, GPT5 Nano) are often sufficient and can unlock new possibilities at lower cost—experiment with them.
OpenRouter aggregates multiple AI models under one account, making it easier to test and select the best-fit model for each task.
Sequential automation (traditional) still offers better cost-control and customization than AI agents for many use-cases.
Integrations & Communication Tools
Telegram is recommended for managing and communicating with workflows due to its robust free API and N8N's integration capabilities.
"Human in the Loop" tools allow for approval stages using chat platforms (Telegram, WhatsApp, Gmail, Discord, etc.), maintaining both autonomy and output quality.
Workflow Optimization & Automation Techniques
Use "Switch" nodes over "If" nodes for more flexibility, clarity, and conditional branching options.
Node features: "Tidy up" can be used selectively to visually organize large workflows.
Data pinning enables faster and safer testing by avoiding repeated external requests and allows simulated test data entry.
Data Handling & Testing
Use keyboard shortcuts for faster workflow test execution (Cmd/Ctrl + Enter).
Adjust page size settings ("page size = 1 trick") for easier mapping of input/output in complex nodes.
Search and highlight fields in complex data items for efficiency.
Use "Set" or "Edit Fields" nodes to simplify data structures, and switch to "Code" node for handling multiple items or more complex transformations.
Dot notation (e.g., content.title) can be used in "Set" nodes for organized, grouped data fields.
Coding & Power User Features
Multicursor and multi-selection shortcuts in code nodes speed up editing.
Expressions in N8N support full JavaScript (in a simplified context) and enhance power/flexibility in automations.
Loading previous execution data is possible without rerunning workflows, aiding debugging and iteration.
AI Operation Strategies
AI pre-filtering (using cheap models first) can reduce load/cost on expensive models while maintaining output quality.
Avoid overusing AI agents—sequential automations are often more transparent and cost-effective.
AI can perform more than just text generation—consider leveraging capabilities like image, video, and document analysis.
Workflow Management & Best Practices
Always set spending limits with AI providers to avoid unexpected expenses.
Back up your workflows using built-in nodes and external storage (Google Drive, S3).
Centralize workflow configuration in a single "Config" (Set) node for easier management and testing.
Name nodes descriptively to improve readability and maintainability.
Use "Limit" nodes for efficient testing with minimal data, and simply remove them for full production runs.
Open subworkflows in new tabs using Cmd/Ctrl + double-click for efficient navigation.
Use the execution log pane for rapid debugging and data review.
External Service Integration & Security
HTTP node can integrate any third-party API; "Import curl" greatly simplifies setup from documentation.
Use N8N's credential management to securely handle authentication when custom-scripting integrations.
Data Management & Export
Copy JSON data easily from the schema view for external use or deeper AI prompt analysis.
Item linking is crucial for understanding data relationships as items propagate through a workflow.
For structured data storage, consider Airtable or self-hosted tools like Baserow, NoCodeDB, or CTable as alternatives to Google Sheets.
Decisions
Switch node preferred over If node — More flexible outputs, naming options, and settings make it more suitable for complex conditional logic.
Focus on sequential automation where applicable — For greater control over process and costs, favor sequential over agent-based automations unless autonomy is specifically required.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
No open questions or pending follow-ups as this was a purely instructional session.