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

# Web Search

> How Manowar agents use provider-backed web search through search_call.

`search_call` gives agents a compact web-search tool. It supports several provider modes but exposes one runtime contract: send a query, receive text plus citations when the provider returns them.

## Modes

| Mode      | Provider path                               | Default model env                           |
| --------- | ------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| `general` | Perplexity Sonar                            | `SEARCH_GENERAL_MODEL` or `sonar`           |
| `openai`  | OpenAI Responses API with `web_search`      | `SEARCH_OPENAI_MODEL` or `gpt-4.1-mini`     |
| `gemini`  | Gemini `generateContent` with Google Search | `SEARCH_GEMINI_MODEL` or `gemini-2.5-flash` |

If `mode` is omitted, Manowar uses `general`.

## Tool Shape

```json theme={null}
{
  "query": "latest filing requirements for Base USDC payments",
  "mode": "general"
}
```

The result is compacted with a larger text budget than ordinary tools because search answers often need citations and source snippets.

## Credentials

| Mode      | Required env                                       |
| --------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| `general` | `PERPLEXITY_API_KEY`                               |
| `openai`  | `OPENAI_API_KEY`                                   |
| `gemini`  | `GOOGLE_GENERATIVE_AI_API_KEY` or `GEMINI_API_KEY` |

Missing credentials return a structured unsuccessful result rather than crashing the agent run.

## When To Use

Use `search_call` for current public information, source-backed research, or quick factual checks. Use `models_call` for pure model generation. Use connectors when the agent needs private account data, authenticated APIs, or a specific MCP/onchain capability.

## Related

* [Deep search](/manowar/tools/search/deep-search)
* [Tools overview](/manowar/tools/overview)
* [Model store](/manowar/tools/model-store)