JSON Transformations by Workato - JSON transformation action

The JSON transformation action enables you to transform one or more JSON inputs using a jq expression. You can format the result as structured JSON, CSV data, a content stream, or a file saved to FileStorage for use in downstream steps.

The JSON transformation action is a long action that enables you transform data in bulk without encountering a timeout error.

Complete the following steps to set up the action:

1

Search for and select JSON Transformations by Workato as your connector after you set up your trigger.

Select JSON Transformations by Workato

2

Select the JSON transformation action.

3

Click Add data source to define your first source.

Add data source

1

Enter a Data source name. This helps reference the input in your jq expression. For example, use input1 or orders.

2

Choose a Data source type from the drop-down menu:

• Content stream: Use when an upstream trigger or action passes the JSON input as a content stream.
• FileStorage file: Use when the JSON file is stored in Workato FileStorage.

3

Enter the required field based on your selected data source type:

• If you select Content stream, use a datapill that contains raw JSON. Apply .to_json to convert any returned list or record into a valid JSON string. Paste this into the Content input stream field.
• If you select FileStorage file, enter the full file path in the FileStorage file path field. For example, samplepath/filename.json.

4

Optional. Click Add data source again to define additional inputs.

4

Enter your jq expression. This expression defines how the input data is transformed.

A jq expression is a lightweight query written in jq (opens new window), a language that extracts, filters, and reshapes JSON data. You can reference keys, loop through arrays, format values, or convert structures into CSV. For example, .items[] | {id, name}.

Refer to the jq manual (opens new window) to learn more about jq syntax and explore examples.

5

Expand the Output section and choose an Output type:

• Content stream: Return output as a stream for downstream use.
• FileStorage: Save the output as a file.
• JSON document: Return structured JSON inline.

6

Configure the fields that appear based on your selected Output type:

Set Raw output to Yes if you plan to return the output as an unescaped raw string.

1

Choose a FileStorage output folder from the drop-down menu.

2

Enter a FileStorage output file name.

3

Set Raw output to Yes if you plan to return the output as an unescaped raw string.

1

Enter a Sample document. This defines the schema of the output JSON.

2

Set Raw output to Yes if you plan to return the output as an unescaped raw string.

Output

Output fields load dynamically based on your selected Output type. For example, if you select Content stream, the output includes the following:

Output field	Description
Contents	Transformed JSON content, returned as a stream.
Content size (bytes)	Size of the output in bytes.
Transformation execution time	Time taken to run the jq transformation.
Total processing time	Time taken for the full action to complete.