# JSON Process

> JSON Process is a legacy node that filters and reshapes JSON. It is no longer in the node picker, but saved workflows keep running. Use Extract Field instead.

Source: https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/json-process

The **JSON Process** node transforms JSON data. It moves into a path of the data, keeps the items that match filter conditions, and narrows each item to the fields you choose. JSON Process is a legacy node. It no longer appears in the node picker, but workflows that already contain one keep loading and running as before. For new workflows, use [Extract Field](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/extract-field), [Filter List](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/filter-list) and the other list nodes.

- Found in: Automate › Logic & Data
- Output: data
- API type: `json-process`

## What to use instead

| To do this | Use |
| --- | --- |
| Pull one field or a nested path out of JSON | [Extract Field](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/extract-field) |
| Keep only the items that match conditions | [Filter List](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/filter-list) |
| Pick items by position, at random or by name | [Selector](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/selector) |
| Put the items in order | [Sort List](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/sort-list) |
| Drop repeated items | [Remove Duplicates](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/remove-duplicates) |

Workflow: In a new workflow, Filter List and Extract Field do the work of a JSON Process node: keep the matching items, then take the field you need.

- Web Scrape → Filter List (list)
- Filter List → Extract Field (source)

## How a saved JSON Process node works

A JSON Process node takes JSON, or text that contains JSON, from the node before it and sends on the processed result. When the result is a list, the nodes after it can run once per item. After a run, the settings panel previews the result, or shows the error.

The node has two modes:

| Setting | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Mode** | **Visual**, the default, builds the transformation from the fields below. **Advanced** uses a written expression instead. |
| **Input Path** | Visual mode. The dot path to the array or object to process, such as `data.items`. Leave it empty to use the whole input. |
| **Filters** | Visual mode. Conditions with a field, an operator and a value. Only the items that pass are kept. The operators are **equals**, **not equals**, **contains**, **does not contain**, **starts with**, **ends with**, **greater than**, **less than**, **is empty**, **is not empty**, **matches regex** and **is in list**. |
| **Projection** | Visual mode. The fields to keep in each item. Press Enter or Tab to add a field. Leave it empty to keep every field. |
| **Expression** | Advanced mode. The transformation, written as an expression. The default, `.`, returns the input unchanged. The panel's **Syntax reference** lists what the expression can use. |

## Credits
JSON Process is free.

## Tips
- **Rebuild when you edit.** When you change a workflow that uses JSON Process, consider replacing it with [Extract Field](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/extract-field) and [Filter List](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/automate/filter-list). Both show the fields detected in the upstream data.
- **Chain Extract Field for deep data.** One Extract Field with **Output Type** set to **JSON** can pass part of the data to a second Extract Field, which replaces an **Input Path**.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why can't I find JSON Process in the node picker?

JSON Process is no longer offered for new workflows. Workflows that already contain a JSON Process node still open and run as before.

### What should I use instead of JSON Process?

Use Extract Field to pull a field or a nested path out of JSON. Use Filter List to keep the items that match conditions, Selector to pick items by position or rule, and Sort List to order them.

### Do my existing JSON Process nodes still work?

Yes. A saved JSON Process node loads, keeps its settings, can still be edited in the settings panel, and runs as before.

### Does JSON Process cost credits?

No. JSON Process is free.