# If

The If step's fields, how each operator compares values, how the right side is read, and how the run picks its TRUE or FALSE branch.

Updated Oct 28, 2026. Source: https://smallbusinesschatbot.com/docs/workflows/steps/branch

## What this does

**If** compares a left side with a right side and sends the run down one of two branches. On the canvas in Small Business Chatbot, the TRUE branch leaves the bottom of the step and the FALSE branch leaves its right side. Only the matching branch runs.

- **Where:** **Workflows** › a step's **Node settings** › **Node type**: If
- **Needs:** nothing

## Fields

| Field | What it does | Default or options |
|---|---|---|
| **Left side** | The value to test, usually a variable such as `{{trigger.email}}` or `{{node_outputs_by_name.some_node.value}}`. | Empty |
| **Operator** | How the two sides are compared. | Equals. Options: Equals, Not equal, Contains, Greater than, Less than |
| **Right side** | The value to compare with: plain text, a number, or another variable. | Empty |

![An If step comparing {{node_outputs_by_name.ai_agent.answer_boolean}} with true using Equals](https://smallbusinesschatbot.com/static/images/docs/workflows/branch-ref-fields-2026-10-28.webp)
*Workflows › If, October 2026*

The step holds one comparison. To test two things, put a second **If** on the branch of the first.

## How the sides are read

**Left side**

- A field that is only one variable, such as `{{trigger.contact.tags}}`, keeps the value's type: a number stays a number and a list stays a list.
- A variable inside other text, such as `Order {{trigger.id}}`, becomes text.
- Text with no `{{ }}`, such as `trigger.email`, is compared as that text.
- A variable whose value is missing becomes empty text.
- An empty **Left side** sends the run down the TRUE branch.

**Right side**

| You type | It is compared as |
|---|---|
| `true` or `yes` | The value true |
| `false` or `no` | The value false |
| A whole number, such as `5` | The number 5 |
| A number with a dot, such as `2.5` | The number 2.5 |
| A variable, such as `{{trigger.phone}}` | That value |
| Anything else | Text |

## Operators

| Operator | TRUE when |
|---|---|
| **Equals** | Both sides are the same value of the same type. Text matches only with the same capital letters, so `Yes` and `yes` are different. The text `5` and the number 5 are different values. |
| **Not equal** | **Equals** would be false. |
| **Contains** | The right side appears in the left side's text. With a list on the left, such as `{{trigger.contact.tags}}`, the list has that item. |
| **Greater than** | The left side is larger. Numbers compare as numbers and text compares in alphabetical order. |
| **Less than** | The left side is smaller, by the same rules. |

**Greater than** and **Less than** fail the step when one side is a number and the other is text. **Contains** fails the step when the right side is read as a number or true or false and the left side is text.

To test for an empty value, use **Equals** with an empty **Right side**.

### Branching on an AI Agent answer

Because `yes` on the right side is read as the value true, branch on the AI Agent's `answer_boolean` output, which holds true or false:

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| **Left side** | `{{node_outputs_by_name.ai_agent.answer_boolean}}` |
| **Operator** | Equals |
| **Right side** | `true` |

`ai_agent` is the alias of a step named AI Agent. [AI Agent](https://smallbusinesschatbot.com/docs/workflows/steps/ai-step) lists its outputs.

## The branches

- When a branch has no step, the run ends there with the status **Completed**.
- Both branches can lead to more **If** steps.
- To end a run on purpose and mark it **Removed**, end the branch with [Stop Current Workflow](https://smallbusinesschatbot.com/docs/workflows/steps/remove-from-workflow#stop-current-workflow).

## What it saves

| Output | What it holds |
|---|---|
| `matched` | `true` when the run took the TRUE branch, `false` otherwise |

## Guides that use it

- [Steps](https://smallbusinesschatbot.com/docs/user-guides/workflows/steps)
- [Your first workflow](https://smallbusinesschatbot.com/docs/user-guides/workflows/your-first-workflow)