n8n Binary and Data n8n handles two kinds of data: JSON (in ) and binary (in ), flowing side-by-side. Binary has sharp edges around agent tools, storage, and display contexts (chat surfaces, message rendering). For tabular storage (Data Tables), see the skill. Non-negotiables 1. Binary is in , not . Don't read file contents from . 2. Binary cannot cross the agent tool boundary in either direction. Tool parameters are JSON only (via ), and tool results are JSON only. Pre-stage binary in storage and pass keys/URLs through JSON. The agent's lets the LLM see uploaded images for vision, but it doe…