agents/apiTHE ENCYCLOPEDIA
Tools & integrations

Web search & source citations

Bring current public information into an agent workflow and preserve attribution in the final answer.

User question
Web search
Source reading
Cited answer

Use search for current information

Web search gives models access to internet information. The managed Agents API overview shows web_search in agent.tools. Decide whether the task needs public information, private retrieval, or both, and select tools accordingly.

Preserve source provenance

When displaying an answer built from search, preserve the supporting source links and citation information. A search result snippet is not a substitute for reading the source when accuracy depends on its details. Distinguish source statements from the agent’s inference.

Check controls for your runtime

The Responses web search guide describes filters and other settings for that integration. Check the managed Agents API reference before copying those optional settings into an agent definition. Runtime-specific tool schemas can differ.

Evaluate answer quality

Check whether the cited source supports the claim, whether dates match the question, and whether contradictory evidence was considered. Tool access alone does not guarantee a correct or current answer.

Read the official reference

Check the source for current API fields, account requirements, and service limits.

OpenAI: overview

23 matching topics

What is the OpenAI Agents API?FoundationsAgents API vs Agents SDK vs Responses APIComparisonsAgents API quickstartGetting startedSessions, turns & durable stateCore conceptsHosted vs self-hosted sandboxesInfrastructureConnect MCP servers to Agents APITools & integrationsFunction calling & application toolsTools & integrationsMulti-agent orchestrationCore conceptsStreaming, webhooks & event handlingIntegration guidesFiles, outputs & published artifactsCore conceptsVaults & MCP authenticationTools & integrationsAgent security & credential boundariesProductionTracing, usage & debuggingProductionAgents API pricing & cost planningProductionOpenAI Agents API with PythonGetting startedAgents API with TypeScript & Next.jsIntegration guidesWhat is the OpenAI Agents SDK?FoundationsResponses API in the agent stackFoundationsAgent Skills & SKILL.mdTools & integrationsProgrammatic Tool CallingTools & integrationsRAG, file search & vector storesTools & integrationsWeb search & source citationsTools & integrationsChatKit & Agent BuilderIntegration guides
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