Data formatting

When you select references you can choose between providing data in JSON or plain format

When the data is used in other Next Matter steps or to complete integration, we recommend using the JSON format, as most systems parse and understand this format.

If you want the data to be provided in a human-readable format to display it to users, use the plain format.

When you send data from Next Matter to third-party tools, it's a good idea to check the tool's documentation to see which format is preferable.

Differences in formats

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In case of the input types that are not listed here both options look the same.

Text and string input

This is an example text with linebreaks\n\nand \"double quotes\"
This is an example text with linebreaks

and "double quotes"

Multi-value dropdowns and checklists

The examples are based on the itemsSelected and itemsChecked references. All other references for these inputs look the same.

["Option A", "Option B"]
Option A, Option B

File and image uploads

The examples are based on the "files" and "images" reference. In the case of the firstFile reference there is no difference between JSON and plain.

["https://file1.com", "https://file2.com"]
https://file1.com , https://file2.com

Tables

If you want to use table values as a data reference, you have the following options:

  • Plain and JSON formats can be selected in the Body of Integration steps
  • JSON format can be selected in other fields (for example form fields, or email messages)

There is no difference between JSON (other fields) and plain. The JSON that can be selected in the Body field contains escaped values.

The code example contains example values.

[[\"ONE\",\"Blue\"],[\"TWO\",\"Yellow\"],[\"ONE\",\"Blue\"],[\"TWO\",\"Yellow\"]]
[["ONE","Blue"],["TWO","Yellow"],["ONE","Blue"],["TWO","Yellow"]]
[["ONE","Blue"],["TWO","Yellow"],["ONE","Blue"],["TWO","Yellow"]]

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To send JSON table output to a Google Sheet using a custom integration, you must first parse the JSON to convert it from a string into a structured format.
Currently you cannot use the output in the Google Sheets no-code step.