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OpenAI Web Search

Action ID: openai_search

Description

Searches the web using OpenAI's capabilities. This node performs real-time web searches integrated with OpenAI models, allowing you to get current information and search results directly within your workflows. Supports batch searching with multiple queries simultaneously.

Provider

OpenAI

Connection

Name
Description
Required
Category

OpenAI Connection

The OpenAI connection to use for the search.

✓

openai

Input Parameters

Name
Type
Required
Default
Description

search_queries

array

✓

-

List of search queries to process using OpenAI's web search capability. Accepts 1-10 queries.

model

dropdown

-

gpt-4o-search-preview-2025-03-11

The OpenAI model to use for search. Options: gpt-4o-search-preview-2025-03-11, gpt-4o-mini-search-preview-2025-03-11

View JSON Schema
{
  "description": "OpenAI Search node input.",
  "properties": {
    "search_queries": {
      "description": "List of search queries to process using OpenAI's web search capability",
      "items": {
        "type": "string"
      },
      "maxLength": 10,
      "minLength": 1,
      "title": "Search Queries",
      "type": "array"
    },
    "model": {
      "default": "gpt-4o-search-preview-2025-03-11",
      "description": "The OpenAI model to use for search",
      "enum": [
        "gpt-4o-search-preview-2025-03-11",
        "gpt-4o-mini-search-preview-2025-03-11"
      ],
      "title": "Model Name",
      "type": "string"
    }
  },
  "required": [
    "search_queries"
  ],
  "title": "OpenAISearchInput",
  "type": "object"
}

Output Parameters

Name
Type
Description

search_results

any

The search results from OpenAI.

View JSON Schema
{
  "description": "OpenAI Search node output.",
  "properties": {
    "search_results": {
      "title": "Search Results",
      "description": "The search results from OpenAI"
    }
  },
  "title": "OpenAISearchOutput",
  "type": "object"
}

How It Works

This node integrates OpenAI's web search capabilities directly into your workflows. You provide one or more search queries, and the node performs real-time web searches and returns comprehensive results. The search models (gpt-4o-search-preview or gpt-4o-mini-search-preview) combine language understanding with web search to deliver relevant, up-to-date information. You can search for multiple queries in a single node execution (up to 10 queries), making it efficient for batch processing or comprehensive research tasks.

Usage Examples

Example 1: Single Query Search

Input:

search_queries: ["latest artificial intelligence breakthroughs 2024"]
model: "gpt-4o-search-preview-2025-03-11"

Output:

search_results: {
  "results": [
    {
      "title": "OpenAI Announces GPT-4.1...",
      "url": "https://openai.com/...",
      "snippet": "OpenAI announced GPT-4.1 with improved reasoning capabilities..."
    },
    {
      "title": "Google Releases Gemini 2.0...",
      "url": "https://google.com/...",
      "snippet": "Google's new Gemini 2.0 model demonstrates advanced multimodal capabilities..."
    }
  ]
}

Example 2: Multiple Query Search

Input:

search_queries: [
  "Python web scraping libraries",
  "FastAPI best practices",
  "Redis caching strategies"
]
model: "gpt-4o-search-preview-2025-03-11"

Output:

search_results: {
  "results_per_query": {
    "Python web scraping libraries": [...],
    "FastAPI best practices": [...],
    "Redis caching strategies": [...]
  }
}

Example 3: Current News Search

Input:

search_queries: ["cryptocurrency market news today"]
model: "gpt-4o-mini-search-preview-2025-03-11"

Output:

search_results: {
  "results": [
    {
      "title": "Bitcoin reaches new highs...",
      "url": "https://news.example.com/...",
      "snippet": "Bitcoin trading at record levels as market sentiment turns positive...",
      "published": "2024-11-26"
    }
  ]
}

Common Use Cases

  • Real-time Research: Get current information on any topic for your workflows

  • News Monitoring: Track breaking news and latest developments

  • Competitor Analysis: Search competitor information and market positioning

  • Fact-Checking: Verify claims against current web information

  • Content Research: Gather research materials for content generation

  • Market Analysis: Search for current market trends and data

  • Price Comparison: Find current prices and product information

  • Event Information: Get details about upcoming events and announcements

Error Handling

Error Type
Cause
Solution

No Search Queries

search_queries is empty or missing

Provide at least one search query

Too Many Queries

More than 10 queries provided

Reduce to 10 or fewer queries per request

Invalid Model

Model name doesn't exist

Use gpt-4o-search-preview-2025-03-11 or gpt-4o-mini-search-preview-2025-03-11

Authentication Error

Invalid or missing OpenAI API key

Verify OpenAI connection is properly configured

Search Failed

Web search encountered an error

Try with simpler queries or check internet connectivity

Rate Limit Exceeded

Too many requests in a short time

Implement delays between requests

Empty Results

No search results found for query

Refine query terms or try broader searches

Timeout Error

Request took too long to complete

Try with fewer queries or simpler search terms

Notes

  • Query Limits: You can submit 1-10 queries per request. Batch processing multiple queries is more efficient than sequential requests.

  • Model Selection: Use gpt-4o-search-preview-2025-03-11 for complex queries requiring deep reasoning. Use gpt-4o-mini-search-preview-2025-03-11 for simpler queries to reduce costs.

  • Results Format: Results may include titles, URLs, snippets, and metadata depending on the search type and model.

  • Current Information: This node provides real-time web search results, making it ideal for current events and breaking news.

  • Search Quality: Craft clear, specific search queries for best results. Use quotes for exact phrases and boolean operators if supported.

  • Cost Optimization: The mini model is significantly cheaper. Use it when full reasoning power isn't needed.

  • Rate Limiting: OpenAI may rate-limit high volumes of searches. Implement backoff strategies for production use.

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