Web Search Node
The Web Search node performs real-time internet searches and retrieves current information from the web. This node enables your workflows to access up-to-date information, latest news, current prices, and any publicly available online content, making it ideal for creating dynamic, information-rich applications.
Basic Usage
Use the Text, Web Search, and Display Text nodes for your process to retrieve and display real-time web information.
Inputs
The Web Search node accepts the following input:
Input
- Type: Text containing search query or queries (green dot)
- Mandatory: Required
- Works best with: Text node, AI General Prompt, Form input
Provide one or more search queries that you want to search for on the web. You can include multiple queries, each on a separate line.
Example queries:
What is the current price of Bitcoin in USD?
Latest news about SpaceX
Starship launch
Outputs
Output
- Type: Search results and web content (green dot)
- Works best with: Display Text, AI General Prompt, Document Download
Returns the search results containing information retrieved from the web based on your input queries.
Configuration
The Web Search node does not require additional configuration beyond the input query. Simply provide your search terms and the node will retrieve relevant information from the web.
Example Workflows
Real-Time Information Retrieval
Scenario: Search for current information like cryptocurrency prices, news updates, and space launch information.
Steps to Create the Flow:
-
Start with the Start Node.
-
Add a Text node with your search queries:
- Example queries:
What is the current price of Bitcoin in USD?
Latest news about SpaceX
Starship launch- Connect the Text Output to Web Search Input
-
Add the Web Search node:
- Connect the Text node's Output to the Input
- The node will automatically search the web for your queries
-
Add a Display Text node:
- Connect the Web Search Output to Display Text Input
- This will show the retrieved information
-
Run the flow to get current web results.
Result: Users receive up-to-date information from the web including current Bitcoin prices, latest SpaceX news, and Starship launch updates.
Advanced Usage
AI-Enhanced Web Search
Scenario: Combine web search with AI to get summarized, relevant information.
Workflow:
- Start → Form or Text Input (user question)
- AI General Prompt (convert question to search query)
- Web Search (retrieve information)
- AI General Prompt (summarize and format results)
- Display Text (show to user)
Example:
- User asks: "What's happening with Tesla stock today?"
- AI converts to search query: "Tesla stock price today latest news"
- Web Search retrieves current information
- AI summarizes results with key points
- User sees clean, summarized answer
Use Cases
Financial Information
- Check current cryptocurrency prices
- Get stock market updates
- Retrieve exchange rates
- Monitor commodity prices
News and Current Events
- Get latest news on specific topics
- Monitor breaking news
- Track company announcements
- Follow industry updates
Product Information
- Check current product prices
- Compare product specifications
- Find availability information
- Get latest reviews
Research and Fact-Checking
- Verify current facts and figures
- Get latest statistics
- Check recent developments
- Validate information
Weather and Travel
- Check current weather conditions
- Get travel advisories
- Find flight information
- Check traffic conditions
Technical Information
- Get latest software versions
- Check API documentation
- Find technical specifications
- Get troubleshooting information
Best Practices
Writing Effective Search Queries
-
Be Specific: Include relevant keywords and context
Good: "Current Bitcoin price in USD November 2025"
Better than: "Bitcoin" -
Use Natural Language: Write queries as questions or clear statements
"What is the current price of Bitcoin in USD?"
"Latest news about SpaceX Starship launch" -
Multiple Queries: Add separate queries on new lines for different topics
Latest iPhone price
Samsung Galaxy S24 specifications
Google Pixel 8 reviews -
Include Time Context: Specify timeframes when relevant
"SpaceX launches in November 2025"
"Today's stock market performance"
Query Optimization
- Specific Terms: Use precise terminology for better results
- Avoid Ambiguity: Be clear about what you're searching for
- Current vs. Historical: Specify if you want current or historical information
- Location Context: Add location if relevant to the search
Result Processing
- Combine with AI: Use AI General Prompt to summarize large results
- Filter Information: Extract only relevant parts for your use case
- Format Output: Present results in user-friendly format
- Verify Sources: Cross-reference important information when possible
Integration Examples
With AI General Prompt (Before Search)
User Input → AI General Prompt (generate search query) → Web Search → Display
AI converts user questions into effective search queries.
With AI General Prompt (After Search)
Text → Web Search → AI General Prompt (summarize) → Display Text
AI summarizes and formats web search results.
With Form Input
Form (user question) → Web Search → Display Text
Users enter questions directly, get real-time answers.
With Decision Logic
Web Search → Branch (based on results) → Different actions
Take different actions based on search results.
Tips for Better Results
Query Formulation
- Start with Key Terms: Begin with the most important words
- Add Context: Include relevant context for better results
- Use Quotes: Put exact phrases in quotes for precise matches
- Combine Keywords: Mix different aspects of what you're looking for
Information Retrieval
- Test Queries: Try different phrasings to see what works best
- Refine Iteratively: Adjust queries based on initial results
- Multiple Searches: Break complex questions into multiple searches
- Verify Currency: Check that information is current when needed
Common Patterns
- Price Checks: "current price of [product/asset] in [currency]"
- News Updates: "latest news about [topic] [timeframe]"
- How-To: "how to [action] [context]"
- Comparisons: "compare [item A] vs [item B] [year]"
Limitations and Considerations
Search Limitations
- Results depend on what's publicly available online
- Some content may be behind paywalls or restricted
- Search quality varies based on query formulation
- Results reflect current web content at time of search
Best Practices
- Verify critical information from multiple sources
- Consider recency of information
- Be aware of potential outdated cached results
- Respect rate limits and usage policies
Performance
- Search time depends on query complexity
- Multiple queries take longer to process
- Network connectivity affects performance
- Results may vary by geographic location
Technical Details
Search Process
- Query receives search terms from input
- Node performs web search using search engines
- Retrieves and aggregates results
- Returns formatted information via output
Output Format
- Plain text with search results
- Includes relevant excerpts from web pages
- May include metadata like sources and dates
- Formatted for readability and further processing
Supported Content
- Public web pages
- News articles
- Product information
- Technical documentation
- Social media content (public)
- Forum discussions
Notes
- Web Search retrieves real-time, current information from the internet
- Results are only as good as the search queries provided
- Combining with AI nodes can enhance result quality and presentation
- Multiple queries can be processed in a single search
- Output can be fed into other nodes for further processing
- Ideal for applications requiring up-to-date information
- Works well with conversational AI for dynamic Q&A systems
- Can be used to keep workflows informed with latest data