# What is a JSON array?

> A JSON array is an ordered list in square brackets, such as a list of tasks or line items. How automations split an array into one row per entry.

Source: https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/json-array · Updated 2026-10-20 · Free from Stepthrough (https://learn.ynteractive.com)

[Data, Sheets and Gmail](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary#topic-data-sheets-and-gmail) · [AI glossary](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary)

Quick answer

A JSON array is an ordered list written inside square brackets, with entries separated by commas, such as ["Tax", "Payroll"]. Often each entry is an object with its own fields, for example a list of tasks where each has a task, an owner and a due day. Automations usually split an array so each entry becomes its own row or item.

Last updated October 20, 2026

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Updated October 20, 2026 · By [Robert Breen](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/about)

## Why it matters for a small business

Lists are everywhere in business data: the line items on an invoice, the attachments on an email, the action items from a meeting. Apps and AI models send those lists as JSON arrays. If you map the whole array into one spreadsheet cell, you get an unreadable blob; if you split it, you get one clean row per entry.

Asking an AI for an array is also a reliable way to get usable output. "Return a list called tasks, each with task, owner and due" gives you something a workflow can split and write to a sheet, instead of a paragraph someone has to retype.

Where you'll use it: in n8n's output panel, switch to the JSON view and look for square brackets. The [Split Out node](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/split-out-node) turns an array into separate items. In Make, an [iterator](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/make-iterator) does the same, and in Zapier, line-item fields handle lists.

## In a real lesson: n8n: Turn Meeting Notes into Action Items in a Google Sheet

In the free [n8n Meeting Notes to Action Items lesson](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/meeting-notes-to-action-items-google-sheets-ai-n8n), Meridian Accounting Group (made up) reads two meetings from a Google Sheet. The OpenAI prompt asks for JSON in a fixed shape: a list called **tasks**, each with a **task**, an **owner** and a **due** day, and you set the response format to **JSON Object**.

The output shows 2 items, one per meeting, each holding a tasks array: 4 tasks for the first meeting and 3 for the second. A **Split Out** node on the tasks field turns those arrays into 7 separate items, and each becomes a row in the Action Items sheet.

[Try this lesson free](https://learn.ynteractive.com/modules/n8n-meeting-notes-tasks) or [read the step-by-step guide](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/meeting-notes-to-action-items-google-sheets-ai-n8n).

## Common confusions

### JSON array vs JSON object

An array is a list in square brackets. An object is a set of named fields in curly braces. Arrays often hold objects.

### Array vs n8n items

n8n passes data between nodes as a list of [items](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/item). An array can sit inside one item until you split it out.

## Tips

- Name the array in your AI prompt, such as tasks, so you know which field to split.
- Check that every entry has the same fields before writing to a sheet.
- An empty array, [], is valid and means "no entries", so plan for it.

## Related terms

[JSON](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/json) · [Item (n8n)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/item) · [Split Out node](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/split-out-node) · [Iterator (Make)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/make-iterator) · [Structured output](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/structured-output)

## More Data, Sheets and Gmail terms

[Keyword extraction](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/keyword-extraction) · [Merge field](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/merge-field) · [Parsing rules](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/parsing-rules) · [Pivot table](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/pivot-table)

## Where you use it: free lessons

- [n8n: Turn Meeting Notes into Action Items in a Google Sheet](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/meeting-notes-to-action-items-google-sheets-ai-n8n) (n8n, 15 min)
- [n8n: Items, JSON and Expressions, Explained by Doing](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/n8n-items-json-expressions-tutorial) (n8n, 9 min)
- [Meeting to Action: Recap, Tracker Rows and a Kickoff Deck (ChatGPT, n8n, Gamma)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/meeting-notes-to-action-items-sheet-and-deck-chatgpt-n8n-gamma) (n8n, 14 min)

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I write a JSON array into Google Sheets?**

Split it first, so each entry is its own item, then use an append row step. Each item becomes one row.

**Can a JSON array hold different kinds of values?**

Yes, but for automations it is far easier when every entry has the same shape.

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