LLM Structured Output

Generate JSON following a JSON Schema using an LLM

Node Type

Action

Category

AI & Language

Icon

Brain

Overview

The LLM Structured Output node generates structured JSON responses from Large Language Models using a provided JSON Schema. This powerful AI integration ensures consistent, validated output that can be used as input for downstream nodes, making it perfect for creating structured data, API responses, or any scenario requiring consistent JSON output.

Key Features

  • Schema-Driven Output: Uses JSON Schema to enforce consistent output structure
  • Automatic Validation: Validates LLM responses against the provided schema
  • Zod Integration: Converts JSON Schema to Zod for runtime validation
  • PDF Support: Include PDF files for multimodal processing
  • System Prompts: Optional system-level instructions for better control
  • Cost Tracking: Monitor API usage costs for budget management
  • Structured Data: Perfect for generating consistent data for downstream nodes

Prerequisites

AI Service Access

Must have access to Large Language Model services

LLM service access through NodeServiceRegistry
Valid service credentials and API access
Sufficient API credits for LLM operations

JSON Schema Knowledge

Understanding of JSON Schema structure

JSON Schema Design: Ability to define structured output schemas
Schema Validation: Understanding of JSON Schema validation rules
Data Modeling: Clear definition of expected output structure

Content Requirements

Prompt and system prompt design

Prompt Design: Clear instructions for structured output generation
System Prompt: Optional system-level instructions for behavior control
Context Understanding: Clear communication of desired output format

Technical Requirements

System capabilities needed

LLM Integration: Access to LLM service through NodeServiceRegistry
Schema Validation: JSON Schema validation and Zod conversion capabilities
File Processing: PDF file upload and processing capabilities (optional)
Error Handling: Proper exception handling for schema and API failures

Node Configuration

Required Fields

Prompt

Type:text
Required:Yes
Value Type:string

The main user prompt sent to the LLM. This should clearly describe what structured data you want the AI to generate, following the provided JSON schema.

Schema Fields

Type:json
Required:Yes
Value Type:json

JSON Schema object that defines and enforces the output structure. The LLM will generate JSON that conforms to this schema. Use the JSON Schema standard format.

Optional Fields

Model

Type:dropdown
Required:No
Value Type:string

Which LLM model to use for generation. If not specified, uses the default model.

System Prompt

Type:text
Required:No
Value Type:string

Optional system prompt to steer the LLM's behavior and provide context for structured output generation.

PDF

Type:file_upload_pdf
Required:No
Value Type:number

Optional PDF files to include with the prompt for multimodal processing. The LLM can analyze both text and visual content from the PDF.

Best Practices

Do's

  • Design clear, well-structured JSON schemas for consistent output
  • Use descriptive field names and types in your schema
  • Provide clear prompts that specify the desired output format
  • Include examples in your prompts when helpful for complex schemas
  • Use system prompts to provide context and behavior guidelines
  • Test your schema with sample prompts before production use
  • Monitor API costs and optimize prompts for efficiency
  • Use appropriate model selection based on complexity requirements

Don'ts

  • Don't use overly complex schemas that may confuse the LLM
  • Avoid ambiguous field names or unclear schema definitions
  • Don't forget to validate your JSON schema before use
  • Avoid prompts that don't clearly specify the output format
  • Don't ignore schema validation errors - fix them promptly
  • Avoid overly restrictive schemas that limit useful output
  • Don't assume the LLM will understand complex schema relationships without context
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Pro Tip: When designing JSON schemas, start simple and add complexity gradually. Include clear descriptions in your schema properties and provide examples in your prompts. For complex nested structures, consider breaking them into smaller, more manageable schemas.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Invalid JSON Schema

Symptoms: Node fails with schema validation errors

Solution: Verify that your JSON schema follows the JSON Schema standard. Use online JSON schema validators to check your schema before using it in the node.

Schema Validation Failures

Symptoms: LLM output doesn't match the provided schema

Solution: Improve your prompt to be more specific about the expected output format. Include examples in your prompt and ensure the schema is not overly restrictive.

Poor Output Quality

Symptoms: Generated JSON is irrelevant or doesn't follow the schema

Solution: Enhance your prompt with clear instructions, provide context, and consider using system prompts to guide the LLM's behavior. Test different prompt variations.

PDF Processing Issues

Symptoms: PDF files are not processed correctly

Solution: Ensure PDF files are properly uploaded and accessible. Check that the file format is supported and the content is readable by the LLM.

High API Costs

Symptoms: Unexpectedly high costs from LLM API usage

Solution: Monitor the cost output from the node, optimize prompts to be more concise, and consider using more efficient models for simpler tasks.

Related Resources