What is structured output?

Definition

Structured output asks a model or agent to return fields with defined names, types and constraints. Common formats include validated JSON objects, typed tool arguments and records that match an application schema.

A schema makes output easier to validate and route across system boundaries. It reduces parsing ambiguity but does not guarantee that field values are factually correct, so applications still need semantic checks and safe handling for validation failures.

Frequently asked questions

Why use structured output from an AI model?

It gives software predictable fields to validate, store and pass to tools without relying on fragile prose parsing.

Does valid structured output guarantee a correct answer?

No. A response can match its schema while containing unsupported, inconsistent or unsafe values that require further validation.

Videos explaining structured output