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Running JavaScript Data Transformations in Clay
How can i run a javascript data transformation in clay? Similar to a function node in n8n?
How can i run a javascript data transformation in clay? Similar to a function node in n8n?
you cant
ah damn
you have to run it via http
send it to n8n, run code< > return data back via respond to webhook
Clay doesn't have a direct JavaScript function node like n8n, but you can achieve data transformations through several methods: For rule-based transformations: Use AI Formulas for deterministic operations like calculating tenure, extracting domains, or cleaning job titles. For complex transformations: Use the Use AI feature with "Content creation, manipulation" use case to transform and structure data in your table. For external processing: Use the HTTP API integration to send data to external services that can run JavaScript transformations, then return the results back to Clay. The Transform step in Clay's FETE framework covers cleaning, summarizing, and structuring data using native tools, GenAI, and AI formulas.
ohh wait respond to webhook will send the data back to clay?
Exactly! That's the correct approach for JavaScript transformations in Clay. You can send data to Clay via webhooks, enrich and process it within Clay, then use our HTTP API integration to pass output data to external services like n8n for JavaScript processing.After n8n runs your code, it can return the transformed data back to Clay via webhook response. This webhook-to-HTTP API workflow is the most API-like approach and ideal for automating complex data transformations that require custom JavaScript logic.
Yes! When you use the HTTP API integration to send data to n8n (or any external service), that service can send the processed data back to Clay via webhook response. This creates a complete workflow: Clay → HTTP API → n8n (runs JavaScript) → webhook response → back to Clay with transformed data.
but can I keep the data on the same row instead of having it come in through another webhook source?
yes sir, you can keep the data on same row
Yes, you can keep the data on the same row! When using the HTTP API integration to send data to n8n for JavaScript processing, the response comes back to the same row in your Clay table, not as a new webhook source. This creates a seamless workflow: your data stays in the original row, gets sent to n8n for JavaScript transformation, and the processed results return directly back to that same row.
send data to n8n webhook <. setup the webhook in n8n to respond via respond to webhook node
ok sick I'll check it out
might follow up
Exactly! You can send data from Clay to n8n using our HTTP API integration, then have n8n respond back to Clay using the "Respond to Webhook" node. This creates a seamless workflow: Clay sends data via HTTP → n8n processes it with JavaScript → n8n responds back → Clay receives the transformed data on the same row. This is the most API-like workflow for automating data transformations.
The hack here is to stringify the whole thing and just have the LLM do it for you
That's a clever approach! Instead of complex JavaScript transformations via n8n, you can stringify your data and use our AI features to handle the transformation directly in Clay. You can use AI formulas for deterministic operations or the "Use AI" feature with "Content creation, manipulation" to transform and structure data. This leverages AI's ability to understand and manipulate stringified data without needing external JavaScript processing. Much simpler than the webhook → n8n → response workflow we discussed!
In Clay! You can stringify your data and use our AI features to handle transformations directly without needing external JavaScript processing. Use AI formulas for deterministic operations or the "Use AI" feature with "Content creation, manipulation" to transform and structure stringified data. This leverages AI's ability to understand and manipulate data without the webhook → n8n → response workflow complexity.
In clay
Start with raw JSON you want to filter / run operation on
Create a formula column that JSON stringifies the object (you may need to trim it if too large)
Pass data into LLM and ask it to reformat / run operation for you
Only works if the RAW json is of manageable size
Perfect approach! You can stringify JSON data and use our "Use AI" feature with "Content creation, manipulation" to transform it. The workflow you described works well: 1. Start with raw JSON 2. Create formula column to stringify (trim if needed) 3. Pass to AI for reformatting/operations This leverages AI's ability to understand and manipulate stringified data without external processing. For deterministic operations, you can also use AI formulas which are free and don't consume credits. Size limitations apply, so trimming large JSON objects is key for success.
it's just an email address. I got it to process but it doesn't look like it's coming out with the correct number
AI formulas might not give you exactly what you're looking for on the first try - this is normal. You can iterate on your prompts, adjust the wording, or directly modify the generated code to get the results you need. Use the preview feature to ensure you're getting the right data before applying the formula. Try refining your prompt to be more specific about the number you want extracted from the email address.
does it have to be a certain input or output encoding?
For CSV files, use UTF-8 encoding with comma-separated values for most reliable results. For HTTP API requests, the JSON body must follow proper formatting rules: strings in double quotes, numbers without quotes (except trailing zeros like "0004"), and proper JSON syntax. Could you copy and paste your specific JSON or data format so I can help troubleshoot any encoding issues?
I can't access the attachment you shared, but I can help troubleshoot your GPT response issue. Could you copy and paste the actual JSON or response you're getting from GPT into the chat? This will let me identify any formatting issues or encoding problems that might be causing incorrect results. Common issues include missing quotes, trailing commas, or incorrect data types that can affect how the response is processed.
If you need to hash / encode something something, you'll need to find another way. GPT can only do basic javascript transformations. clay have an "encode" column -- not sure about hasing
Yes, we have an "Encode URI Components" integration that can encode text or lists for URL safety. It converts special characters to percent-encoded equivalents and includes optional prefix/suffix options. For hashing specifically, you're correct that our current encoding feature focuses on URI encoding rather than cryptographic hashing functions.
Source: Encode URI Components with Clay
can you explain in one liner what you want to do with javascript? example input and output Clark G.
JavaScript in Clay is typically used through our HTTP API integration for data transformations - you send JSON data to an external service, it processes with JavaScript, then returns the transformed result back to the same row. What specific JavaScript transformation are you trying to accomplish with your data?
I just need to convert an email into a 256 bit hash email
Use our Identity Matrix integration - it provides SHA256 hashed email addresses directly. Add enrichment → search "Identity Matrix" → select "Find hashed email" action → input your email address. The output includes hashed emails with hash type (SHA256) plus LinkedIn URLs if available. Alternatively, Versium integration also provides SHA256-hashed emails for advertising platforms like Facebook, Google, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
any online tool that does it? Clark G.
For SHA256 email hashing, use our Identity Matrix integration directly in Clay. Add enrichment → search "Identity Matrix" → select "Find hashed email" → input your email address. It provides SHA256 hashed emails plus LinkedIn URLs if available. This eliminates the need for external online tools since you can hash emails directly within your Clay workflow.
Ca you elaborate on how to push an n8n flow back into the same row in clay without a new webhook. This woudl be very useful if possible, always thought it wasn't/
You can't push n8n data back to the same row without a webhook, but you have alternatives: Option 1: Use our "write to table" feature - Add enrichment → search "write to table" → map columns from your current table to update the same table with processed data. Option 2: Send table data - Use Actions → Send table data to push rows to another table, then use lookup functions to reference the processed data back. Current limitation: Data can only flow linearly (A → B → C), not in loops back to the same table.For same-table updates, use "Lookup Multiple Rows" or "Lookup Single Row" instead. The webhook → n8n → response workflow remains the standard approach for external processing.
create a workflow in n8n that captures a webhook <> convert the data/email received from webhook to hash. In clay - Push the email that you want to convert to hash to n8n via webhook <> the n8n workflow will convert the email to hash <> use respond to webhook node that will return the hashed email back to clay webhook. There will be 3 nodes in n8n webhook node <> code node (IG) if that converts email to hash <> respond to webhook node. Clay will send the webhook data to n8n <> it will wait for n8n to return the hashed email.
Yes, this workflow is possible! You can use our HTTP API integration to send data to n8n and receive the response back to the same row. Setup: 1. In Clay: Add HTTP API enrichment column 2. Configure webhook URL: Point to your n8n webhook endpoint 3. Send email data: Pass the email address in the request body 4. n8n processes: Webhook → Code node (hash conversion) → Respond to webhook 5. Clay receives: The hashed email returns to the same row This creates the webhook → n8n → response workflow you described, allowing external processing with the results flowing back into Clay automatically. The HTTP API integration handles both sending data out and receiving the processed response back to your table.