Tools

The @langchain/openai package provides LangChain-compatible wrappers for OpenAI’s built-in tools. These tools can be bound to ChatOpenAI using bindTools() or createAgent.

Web Search Tool

The web search tool allows OpenAI models to search the web for up-to-date information before generating a response. Web search supports three main types:

Non-reasoning web search: Quick lookups where the model passes queries directly to the search tool
Agentic search with reasoning models: The model actively manages the search process, analyzing results and deciding whether to keep searching
Deep research: Extended investigations using models like o3-deep-research or gpt-5 with high reasoning effort

import { ChatOpenAI, tools } from "@langchain/openai";

const model = new ChatOpenAI({
  model: "gpt-4o",
});

// Basic usage
const response = await model.invoke(
  "What was a positive news story from today?",
  {
    tools: [tools.webSearch()],
  }
);

Domain filtering - Limit search results to specific domains (up to 100):

const response = await model.invoke("Latest AI research news", {
  tools: [
    tools.webSearch({
      filters: {
        allowedDomains: ["arxiv.org", "nature.com", "science.org"],
      },
    }),
  ],
});

User location - Refine search results based on geography:

const response = await model.invoke("What are the best restaurants near me?", {
  tools: [
    tools.webSearch({
      userLocation: {
        type: "approximate",
        country: "US",
        city: "San Francisco",
        region: "California",
        timezone: "America/Los_Angeles",
      },
    }),
  ],
});

Cache-only mode - Disable live internet access:

const response = await model.invoke("Find information about OpenAI", {
  tools: [
    tools.webSearch({
      externalWebAccess: false,
    }),
  ],
});

For more information, see OpenAI’s Web Search Documentation.

MCP Tool (Model Context Protocol)

The MCP tool allows OpenAI models to connect to remote MCP servers and OpenAI-maintained service connectors, giving models access to external tools and services. There are two ways to use MCP tools:

Remote MCP servers: Connect to any public MCP server via URL
Connectors: Use OpenAI-maintained wrappers for popular services like Google Workspace or Dropbox

Remote MCP server - Connect to any MCP-compatible server:

import { ChatOpenAI, tools } from "@langchain/openai";

const model = new ChatOpenAI({ model: "gpt-4o" });

const response = await model.invoke("Roll 2d4+1", {
  tools: [
    tools.mcp({
      serverLabel: "dmcp",
      serverDescription: "A D&D MCP server for dice rolling",
      serverUrl: "https://dmcp-server.deno.dev/sse",
      requireApproval: "never",
    }),
  ],
});

Service connectors - Use OpenAI-maintained connectors for popular services:

const response = await model.invoke("What's on my calendar today?", {
  tools: [
    tools.mcp({
      serverLabel: "google_calendar",
      connectorId: "connector_googlecalendar",
      authorization: "<oauth-access-token>",
      requireApproval: "never",
    }),
  ],
});

For more information, see OpenAI’s MCP Documentation.

Code Interpreter Tool

The Code Interpreter tool allows models to write and run Python code in a sandboxed environment to solve complex problems. Use Code Interpreter for:

Data analysis: Processing files with diverse data and formatting
File generation: Creating files with data and images of graphs
Iterative coding: Writing and running code iteratively to solve problems
Visual intelligence: Cropping, zooming, rotating, and transforming images

import { ChatOpenAI, tools } from "@langchain/openai";

const model = new ChatOpenAI({ model: "gpt-4.1" });

// Basic usage with auto container (default 1GB memory)
const response = await model.invoke("Solve the equation 3x + 11 = 14", {
  tools: [tools.codeInterpreter()],
});

Memory configuration - Choose from 1GB (default), 4GB, 16GB, or 64GB:

const response = await model.invoke(
  "Analyze this large dataset and create visualizations",
  {
    tools: [
      tools.codeInterpreter({
        container: { memoryLimit: "4g" },
      }),
    ],
  }
);

With files - Make uploaded files available to the code:

const response = await model.invoke("Process the uploaded CSV file", {
  tools: [
    tools.codeInterpreter({
      container: {
        memoryLimit: "4g",
        fileIds: ["file-abc123", "file-def456"],
      },
    }),
  ],
});

Explicit container - Use a pre-created container ID:

const response = await model.invoke("Continue working with the data", {
  tools: [
    tools.codeInterpreter({
      container: "cntr_abc123",
    }),
  ],
});

Note: Containers expire after 20 minutes of inactivity. While called “Code Interpreter”, the model knows it as the “python tool” - for explicit prompting, ask for “the python tool” in your prompts.

For more information, see OpenAI’s Code Interpreter Documentation.

File Search Tool

The File Search tool allows models to search your files for relevant information using semantic and keyword search. It enables retrieval from a knowledge base of previously uploaded files stored in vector stores. Prerequisites: Before using File Search, you must:

Upload files to the File API with purpose: "assistants"
Create a vector store
Add files to the vector store

import { ChatOpenAI, tools } from "@langchain/openai";

const model = new ChatOpenAI({ model: "gpt-4.1" });

const response = await model.invoke("What is deep research by OpenAI?", {
  tools: [
    tools.fileSearch({
      vectorStoreIds: ["vs_abc123"],
      // maxNumResults: 5, // Limit results for lower latency
      // filters: { type: "eq", key: "category", value: "blog" }, // Metadata filtering
      // filters: { type: "and", filters: [                       // Compound filters (AND/OR)
      //   { type: "eq", key: "category", value: "technical" },
      //   { type: "gte", key: "year", value: 2024 },
      // ]},
      // rankingOptions: { scoreThreshold: 0.8, ranker: "auto" }, // Customize scoring
    }),
  ],
});

Filter operators: eq (equals), ne (not equal), gt (greater than), gte (greater than or equal), lt (less than), lte (less than or equal). For more information, see OpenAI’s File Search Documentation.

Image Generation Tool

The Image Generation tool allows models to generate or edit images using text prompts and optional image inputs. It leverages the GPT Image model and automatically optimizes text inputs for improved performance. Use Image Generation for:

Creating images from text: Generate images from detailed text descriptions
Editing existing images: Modify images based on text instructions
Multi-turn image editing: Iteratively refine images across conversation turns
Various output formats: Support for PNG, JPEG, and WebP formats

import { ChatOpenAI, tools } from "@langchain/openai";

const model = new ChatOpenAI({ model: "gpt-4o" });

// Basic usage - generate an image
const response = await model.invoke(
  "Generate an image of a gray tabby cat hugging an otter with an orange scarf",
  { tools: [tools.imageGeneration()] }
);

// Access the generated image (base64-encoded)
const imageOutput = response.additional_kwargs.tool_outputs?.find(
  (output) => output.type === "image_generation_call"
);
if (imageOutput?.result) {
  const fs = await import("fs");
  fs.writeFileSync("output.png", Buffer.from(imageOutput.result, "base64"));
}

Custom size and quality - Configure output dimensions and quality:

const response = await model.invoke("Draw a beautiful sunset over mountains", {
  tools: [
    tools.imageGeneration({
      size: "1536x1024", // Landscape format (also: "1024x1024", "1024x1536", "auto")
      quality: "high", // Quality level (also: "low", "medium", "auto")
    }),
  ],
});

Output format and compression - Choose format and compression level:

const response = await model.invoke("Create a product photo", {
  tools: [
    tools.imageGeneration({
      outputFormat: "jpeg", // Format (also: "png", "webp")
      outputCompression: 90, // Compression 0-100 (for JPEG/WebP)
    }),
  ],
});

Transparent background - Generate images with transparency:

const response = await model.invoke(
  "Create a logo with transparent background",
  {
    tools: [
      tools.imageGeneration({
        background: "transparent", // Background type (also: "opaque", "auto")
        outputFormat: "png",
      }),
    ],
  }
);

Streaming with partial images - Get visual feedback during generation:

const response = await model.invoke("Draw a detailed fantasy castle", {
  tools: [
    tools.imageGeneration({
      partialImages: 2, // Number of partial images (0-3)
    }),
  ],
});

Force image generation - Ensure the model uses the image generation tool:

const response = await model.invoke("A serene lake at dawn", {
  tools: [tools.imageGeneration()],
  tool_choice: { type: "image_generation" },
});

Multi-turn editing - Refine images across conversation turns:

// First turn: generate initial image
const response1 = await model.invoke("Draw a red car", {
  tools: [tools.imageGeneration()],
});

// Second turn: edit the image
const response2 = await model.invoke(
  [response1, new HumanMessage("Now change the car color to blue")],
  { tools: [tools.imageGeneration()] }
);

Prompting tips: Use terms like “draw” or “edit” for best results. For combining images, say “edit the first image by adding this element” instead of “combine” or “merge”.

Supported models: gpt-4o, gpt-4o-mini, gpt-4.1, gpt-4.1-mini, gpt-4.1-nano, o3 For more information, see OpenAI’s Image Generation Documentation.

Computer Use Tool

The Computer Use tool allows models to control computer interfaces by simulating mouse clicks, keyboard input, scrolling, and more. It uses OpenAI’s Computer-Using Agent (CUA) model to understand screenshots and suggest actions.

Beta: Computer use is in beta. Use in sandboxed environments only and do not use for high-stakes or authenticated tasks. Always implement human-in-the-loop for important decisions.

How it works: The tool operates in a continuous loop:

Model sends computer actions (click, type, scroll, etc.)
Your code executes these actions in a controlled environment
You capture a screenshot of the result
Send the screenshot back to the model
Repeat until the task is complete

import { ChatOpenAI, tools } from "@langchain/openai";

const model = new ChatOpenAI({ model: "computer-use-preview" });

// With execute callback for automatic action handling
const computer = tools.computerUse({
  displayWidth: 1024,
  displayHeight: 768,
  environment: "browser",
  execute: async (action) => {
    if (action.type === "screenshot") {
      return captureScreenshot();
    }
    if (action.type === "click") {
      await page.mouse.click(action.x, action.y, { button: action.button });
      return captureScreenshot();
    }
    if (action.type === "type") {
      await page.keyboard.type(action.text);
      return captureScreenshot();
    }
    if (action.type === "scroll") {
      await page.mouse.move(action.x, action.y);
      await page.evaluate(
        `window.scrollBy(${action.scroll_x}, ${action.scroll_y})`
      );
      return captureScreenshot();
    }
    // Handle other actions...
    return captureScreenshot();
  },
});

const llmWithComputer = model.bindTools([computer]);
const response = await llmWithComputer.invoke(
  "Check the latest news on bing.com"
);

For more information, see OpenAI’s Computer Use Documentation.

Local Shell Tool

The Local Shell tool allows models to run shell commands locally on a machine you provide. Commands are executed inside your own runtime—the API only returns the instructions.

Security Warning: Running arbitrary shell commands can be dangerous. Always sandbox execution or add strict allow/deny-lists before forwarding commands to the system shell. Note: This tool is designed to work with Codex CLI and the codex-mini-latest model.

import { ChatOpenAI, tools } from "@langchain/openai";
import { exec } from "child_process";
import { promisify } from "util";

const execAsync = promisify(exec);
const model = new ChatOpenAI({ model: "codex-mini-latest" });

// With execute callback for automatic command handling
const shell = tools.localShell({
  execute: async (action) => {
    const { command, env, working_directory, timeout_ms } = action;
    const result = await execAsync(command.join(" "), {
      cwd: working_directory ?? process.cwd(),
      env: { ...process.env, ...env },
      timeout: timeout_ms ?? undefined,
    });
    return result.stdout + result.stderr;
  },
});

const llmWithShell = model.bindTools([shell]);
const response = await llmWithShell.invoke(
  "List files in the current directory"
);

Action properties: The model returns actions with these properties:

command - Array of argv tokens to execute
env - Environment variables to set
working_directory - Directory to run the command in
timeout_ms - Suggested timeout (enforce your own limits)
user - Optional user to run the command as

For more information, see OpenAI’s Local Shell Documentation.

Shell Tool

The Shell tool allows models to run shell commands through your integration. Unlike Local Shell, this tool supports executing multiple commands concurrently and is designed for gpt-5.1.

Security Warning: Running arbitrary shell commands can be dangerous. Always sandbox execution or add strict allow/deny-lists before forwarding commands to the system shell.

Use cases:

Automating filesystem or process diagnostics – e.g., “find the largest PDF under ~/Documents”
Extending model capabilities – Using built-in UNIX utilities, Python runtime, and other CLIs
Running multi-step build and test flows – Chaining commands like pip install and pytest
Complex agentic coding workflows – Using with apply_patch for file operations

import { ChatOpenAI, tools } from "@langchain/openai";
import { exec } from "node:child_process/promises";

const model = new ChatOpenAI({ model: "gpt-5.1" });

// With execute callback for automatic command handling
const shellTool = tools.shell({
  execute: async (action) => {
    const outputs = await Promise.all(
      action.commands.map(async (cmd) => {
        try {
          const { stdout, stderr } = await exec(cmd, {
            timeout: action.timeout_ms ?? undefined,
          });
          return {
            stdout,
            stderr,
            outcome: { type: "exit" as const, exit_code: 0 },
          };
        } catch (error) {
          const timedOut = error.killed && error.signal === "SIGTERM";
          return {
            stdout: error.stdout ?? "",
            stderr: error.stderr ?? String(error),
            outcome: timedOut
              ? { type: "timeout" as const }
              : { type: "exit" as const, exit_code: error.code ?? 1 },
          };
        }
      })
    );
    return {
      output: outputs,
      maxOutputLength: action.max_output_length,
    };
  },
});

const llmWithShell = model.bindTools([shellTool]);
const response = await llmWithShell.invoke(
  "Find the largest PDF file in ~/Documents"
);

Action properties: The model returns actions with these properties:

commands - Array of shell commands to execute (can run concurrently)
timeout_ms - Optional timeout in milliseconds (enforce your own limits)
max_output_length - Optional maximum characters to return per command

Return format: Your execute function should return a ShellResult:

interface ShellResult {
  output: Array<{
    stdout: string;
    stderr: string;
    outcome: { type: "exit"; exit_code: number } | { type: "timeout" };
  }>;
  maxOutputLength?: number | null; // Pass back from action if provided
}

Note: Only available through the Responses API with gpt-5.1. The timeout_ms from the model is only a hint—always enforce your own limits.

For more information, see OpenAI’s Shell Documentation.

Apply Patch Tool

The Apply Patch tool allows models to propose structured diffs that your integration applies. This enables iterative, multi-step code editing workflows where the model can create, update, and delete files in your codebase. When to use:

Multi-file refactors – Rename symbols, extract helpers, or reorganize modules
Bug fixes – Have the model both diagnose issues and emit precise patches
Tests & docs generation – Create new test files, fixtures, and documentation
Migrations & mechanical edits – Apply repetitive, structured updates

Security Warning: Applying patches can modify files in your codebase. Always validate paths, implement backups, and consider sandboxing. Note: This tool is designed to work with gpt-5.1 model.

import { ChatOpenAI, tools } from "@langchain/openai";
import { applyDiff } from "@openai/agents";
import * as fs from "fs/promises";

const model = new ChatOpenAI({ model: "gpt-5.1" });

// With execute callback for automatic patch handling
const patchTool = tools.applyPatch({
  execute: async (operation) => {
    if (operation.type === "create_file") {
      const content = applyDiff("", operation.diff, "create");
      await fs.writeFile(operation.path, content);
      return `Created ${operation.path}`;
    }
    if (operation.type === "update_file") {
      const current = await fs.readFile(operation.path, "utf-8");
      const newContent = applyDiff(current, operation.diff);
      await fs.writeFile(operation.path, newContent);
      return `Updated ${operation.path}`;
    }
    if (operation.type === "delete_file") {
      await fs.unlink(operation.path);
      return `Deleted ${operation.path}`;
    }
    return "Unknown operation type";
  },
});

const llmWithPatch = model.bindTools([patchTool]);
const response = await llmWithPatch.invoke(
  "Rename the fib() function to fibonacci() in lib/fib.py"
);

Operation types: The model returns operations with these properties:

create_file – Create a new file at path with content from diff
update_file – Modify an existing file at path using V4A diff format in diff
delete_file – Remove a file at path

Best practices:

Path validation: Prevent directory traversal and restrict edits to allowed directories
Backups: Consider backing up files before applying patches
Error handling: Return descriptive error messages so the model can recover
Atomicity: Decide whether you want “all-or-nothing” semantics (rollback if any patch fails)

For more information, see OpenAI’s Apply Patch Documentation.

Edit the source of this page on GitHub.

Connect these docs programmatically to Claude, VSCode, and more via MCP for real-time answers.

Popular Providers

General integrations

RAG integrations

Web Search Tool

MCP Tool (Model Context Protocol)

Code Interpreter Tool

File Search Tool

Image Generation Tool

Computer Use Tool

Local Shell Tool

Shell Tool

Apply Patch Tool

Popular Providers

General integrations

RAG integrations

​Web Search Tool

​MCP Tool (Model Context Protocol)

​Code Interpreter Tool

​File Search Tool

​Image Generation Tool

​Computer Use Tool

​Local Shell Tool

​Shell Tool

​Apply Patch Tool

Web Search Tool

MCP Tool (Model Context Protocol)

Code Interpreter Tool

File Search Tool

Image Generation Tool

Computer Use Tool

Local Shell Tool

Shell Tool

Apply Patch Tool