The agent cannot process binary files. You must pass everything as JSON. To do this, you must:
1- Obtain the binary file (QR image)
For example, using Google Drive Download, Webhook, or Read Binary File. This creates a binary.data field.
2- Extract the QR code value
Use a node like Extract From File (OCR) or a Function node with the QR code library (if it can be processed in code).
Generate a JSON output with the QR code content, for example:
{ "qr_value": "https://example.com/..." }
3- Pass only the QR code value to the agent
In the agent (Chat Model or AI Agent), include the qr_value as part of the message, not the image. The agent can process that value, decide on actions, or call tools.
4- Call an HTTP/Workflow tool with JSON
If you need to send that QR code or process it further, use tools like HTTP Request using the JSON value.
You can also send Base64 if the API accepts it; To do this, first convert binary to Base64 using Move Binary Data → Convert binary to text, then include it in JSON
Thanks, it’s good to know that AI Agent can’t process the binary file, however, there is an option to pass the binary file in the AI Agent, i wonder why it’s exist if they can’t use to pass the binary file to the tool.
Thanks for reply, i also do this but doesn’t work in my case, did it work on your?
Hi there, @futhedude, as others have pointed out, the AI Agent currently cannot pass and/or receive binary data to/from tools. This is a known limitation and we are looking into whether it’s possible to enable this and how in the future. As for the “Automatically Passthrough Binary Images” flag - enabling this flag attaches images as messages to the LLM, not to tools. So, unfortunately, this option is not what you’re looking for. Hope this makes things a bit more clear!
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