---
title: Web Search
description: Search the web and return results.
---

Let an AI agent search the web for current information while it works.

## What it does

Web Search is a tool for an agent, not a step in the flow. It has no output port: you connect it to the **Tools** slot of a [Tools Agent](/nodes/builtin/ai/aiagents/toolsagentnode/).

The agent sees a tool named `web_search` and calls it with a search query. The browser extension opens the chosen **Engine** in a background tab, reads the first page of results and returns them to the model as a list of `title`, `url` and `snippet`. The model only gets these result snippets, not the full pages.

It reads search results only, so no approval is needed.

## When to use it

* The agent needs facts newer than its training: prices, releases, news, opening hours.
* The agent should find a source link to cite in its answer.

To run one fixed search as a step in the flow, use the [Web Search](/nodes/extension/websearch/) page node instead. For encyclopedia facts, [Wikipedia Query](/nodes/builtin/ai/aidependencies/tools/wikipedia-query/) gives longer summaries.

## Inputs and settings

A small **Max Results**, such as 5, keeps the model's input short and the run cheaper. The model writes the query itself on each call.

## Outputs

This node has no output port. It plugs into a slot on another node instead of passing items along.

* **Tools** slot of [Tools Agent](/nodes/builtin/ai/aiagents/toolsagentnode/)

The results go back to the model, not to the next node. The agent's `steps` output lists each search it ran, and its `response` holds the final answer.

## Dependencies and credentials

None. This node needs no connection and has no slots for other nodes.

The search runs in the AWFlow browser extension, so the workflow must run from the extension.

## Example workflow

1. [Get Selected Text](/nodes/extension/getselectedtext/) reads a product name you highlighted, with **Output field name** `text`.
2. [Tools Agent](/nodes/builtin/ai/aiagents/toolsagentnode/) with **Prompt** `Find the latest price and release date of {{ $input.text }}. Cite your sources.`, a [Chat OpenAI](/nodes/builtin/ai/aidependencies/llm/openai/) model in **Model**, and Web Search connected to **Tools** with **Engine** `brave` and **Max Results** `5`.
3. [Display Markdown](/nodes/extension/displaymarkdown/) shows `{{ $input.response }}`.

## Common issues

* **The search fails right away.** This node runs in the browser extension; install it or run the workflow from the extension.
* **The model gets no results.** The engine may have shown a captcha or changed its page layout. Switch **Engine** and try again.
* **The answer is vague.** Snippets are short. Raise **Max Results**, or ask the agent in the **Prompt** to search more than once with different queries.

## Related nodes

* [Tools Agent](/nodes/builtin/ai/aiagents/toolsagentnode/): the agent this tool plugs into.
* [Web Search](/nodes/extension/websearch/): one fixed search as a step in the flow.
* [Wikipedia Query](/nodes/builtin/ai/aidependencies/tools/wikipedia-query/): encyclopedia summaries for the agent.
* [HTTP Request Tool](/nodes/builtin/ai/aidependencies/tools/http-request/): let the agent read a specific API.