What is a bundle in Make?
Quick answer
A bundle in Make is one package of data that a module passes on, usually one record: one form response, one email or one sheet row. If a module outputs three bundles, every module after it runs three times, once per bundle, unless an aggregator combines them first.
Last updated
Take the free module →Module 9 of the free AI for Medical & Dental Office Admin course, about 12 minutes. No account needed.
Updated · By Robert Breen
Why it matters for a small business
Bundles explain most "why did that happen three times?" surprises. A trigger that finds three new form responses outputs three bundles, so the Google Sheets module adds three rows and a Gmail module would send three emails. That is usually what you want, and knowing it lets you plan for the times you do not.
They also explain usage. Each time a module processes a bundle counts as an operation, so a scenario that handles many bundles uses more of your plan. A trigger's limit setting, such as "maximum number of results", caps how many bundles it picks up per run.
Where you'll use it: after a test run, click the bubble above any module. It shows the number of bundles and lets you open each one to see its fields. The mapping panel lists the fields of a bundle, and each field you click becomes a purple tag that fills in per bundle.
In a real lesson: Your First Make.com Scenario: Google Forms to Google Sheets
In the free Your First Make Scenario lesson, the Google Forms trigger's limit is set to two: that is the most responses, so the most bundles, Make picks up each time it checks. The test run finds one new patient request, so both modules show a bubble with a 1.
If three patients had filled in Brookside Dental's form since the last check, the trigger would output three bundles and the Add a Row module would run three times, one row per patient, with the mapped name, email and reason filled in from each bundle.
Try this lesson free or read the step-by-step guide.
Common confusions
Bundle vs n8n item
They mean the same thing. n8n calls one record an item and runs most nodes once per item.
Bundle vs collection
A collection is a group of fields inside one bundle, such as an address with street and city. It is still one bundle.
Tips
- Before you add an email or message step, check how many bundles reach it.
- Use a filter to drop bundles you do not need early, so later modules run fewer times.
- Use an aggregator when you want one result from many bundles.
Related terms
More n8n and automation terms
Where you use it: free lessons
- Your First Make.com Scenario: Google Forms to Google Sheets (Make, 12 min)
- On a Schedule: A Daily Summary Email from a Google Sheet in Make.com (Make, 12 min)
- Add AI to Make.com: ChatGPT Writes a Personal Reply, Gmail Sends It (Make, 18 min)
Frequently asked questions
- How do I see what is inside a bundle?
- Run the scenario once, then click the bubble above the module and open the bundle. Each field and its value is listed.
- Can a bundle hold a list?
- Yes. A field can hold an array, such as attachments. An iterator splits that list into separate bundles.