Web Search (OpenAI)
The Web Search (OpenAI) tool (openai_web_search) is a native search feature from OpenAI that is directly integrated into GPT models. This tool provides real-time web results with citations and source references.
How It Works
Unlike the universal internet search tool, this native tool is built directly into OpenAI models. This ensures seamless integration where the model itself determines when and how to search, and directly processes the results into the answer.
Advantages Over Universal Tools
| Native Web Search | Universal Internet Search |
|---|---|
| Directly integrated in the model | External API call |
| Better context integration | Results processed separately |
| Automatic citations | Manual source citation |
| Optimized for GPT | Works with all models |
Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Tool key | openai_web_search |
| Default status | Auto (for OpenAI models) |
| Available for | Suitable OpenAI models and newer |
Automatic Activation
When you select an OpenAI model (such as Suitable OpenAI models), this native tool is automatically activated and replaces the universal internet_search tool. This results in:
- Faster responses
- Better integration of sources
- More consistent citations
Citations and Source References
A major advantage of OpenAI native web search is structured source citation. Each claim is automatically linked to its source, making it easy to verify.
Usage Examples
The tool is automatically invoked when you ask questions that require current information:
- "What's the latest news about artificial intelligence?"
- "Who won the elections in [country] this year?"
- "What are the current stock prices?"
Limitations
- Only available with OpenAI models
- Requires the organization to have OpenAI models enabled
- Some very recent information may not yet be available
Related Tools
- Internet Search - Universal search tool for all models
- Web Search (Claude) - Native search tool for Anthropic models
