This paper extends prior work on low-code by explaining when adoption archetypes occur and how to use them. Motivated by information technology (IT) talent shortages and uneven low-code development platform (LCDP) outcomes, the paper seeks practical guidance for post-adoption choices in work systems. Using a multiple mini case study of 36 cases in large German organizations, this study analyzes interviews and context questionnaires with within-/cross-case coding and pattern matching against a 13-factor model. This analysis identifies situations that trigger three adoption archetypes—application development democratizers, synergy realizers, and IT resource shortage mitigators—and one non-adoption archetype, intricacy adversaries. The analysis also maps advantages and disadvantages and distills 12 good practices. Across adoption cases, efficiency is the dominant goal, whereas non-adoption stems from high application sophistication. The results give actionable guidance: align goals to an archetype, stick to LCDP standards, involve IT and foster an open culture, invest in skilling, reuse platform components, and reserve LCDPs for less-complex apps while planning architecture early.