> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.voiceblox.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Web Search (Exa.ai)

> Enable real-time web search in your voice agent using the Exa node.

# Web Search (Exa.ai)

The Exa node gives your agent access to real-time web search via [Exa.ai](https://exa.ai). The LLM can call the `web_search` tool during a conversation to look up current information.

## Setup

1. Get an API key from [exa.ai](https://exa.ai)
2. Add it to `.env.local`:
   ```env theme={null}
   EXA_API_KEY=your-exa-key
   ```
3. Drag the **Exa** node from the sidebar (Tools category) onto the canvas
4. Connect its output handle to the Agent node's `tools_in` handle

## Parameters

| Parameter         | Type          | Default | Description                                      |
| ----------------- | ------------- | ------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| `searchType`      | enum          | `auto`  | Search strategy: `auto`, `neural`, or `keyword`  |
| `numResults`      | slider (1–10) | `5`     | Number of search results to return               |
| `includeContents` | boolean       | `true`  | Whether to include page text snippets in results |

## How it works

When the LLM decides it needs current information:

1. It calls the `web_search` tool with a query string
2. Exa searches the web and returns results (title, URL, snippet)
3. The results are injected into the LLM's context
4. The agent responds using the search results

The agent publishes `tool_call` and `tool_result` events (visible in step highlighting).

## Search types

* **auto** — Exa automatically selects the best search strategy
* **neural** — Semantic search, best for conceptual queries
* **keyword** — Traditional keyword search, best for specific terms or names

## Use cases

* Answering questions about current events, prices, or availability
* Looking up product documentation or specs in real time
* Fetching information that changes frequently
* Research-oriented voice agents