# DEBUG Node: Instantly Copy Runtime $item(X).json.\* Syntax

**URL:** <https://community.n8n.io/t/debug-node-instantly-copy-runtime-item-x-json-syntax/182138>\
**Category:** Built with n8n\
**Tags:** node, workflow-building, expressions\
**Created:** [September 4, 2025, 5:14pm UTC](https://community.n8n.io/t/debug-node-instantly-copy-runtime-item-x-json-syntax/182138 "2025-09-04T17:14:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![knightsri](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/n8n/user_avatar/community.n8n.io/knightsri/32/116837_2.png) [@knightsri](https://community.n8n.io/u/knightsri)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2025, 5:14pm UTC](https://community.n8n.io/t/debug-node-instantly-copy-runtime-item-x-json-syntax/182138/1 "2025-09-04T17:14:57Z")

</div>

Hello Everyone

I created a reusable DEBUG node for n8n that instantly shows you the _real_, runtime item-reference syntax (like `$item(X).json.*`) after any step—no more relying on the UI or guessing field paths.

Get it here: [https://github.com/knightsri/n8n-debug-node](https://github.com/knightsri/n8n-debug-node)

Just import, copy the node, and use anywhere in your workflows. Hope it saves you as much time as it did for me!

-Sri