By name: web-search description: Search the public web for up-to-date facts. Works out of the box with Jina (default, no API key needed); optionally Serper, Tavily, or Brave Search. Use when workbook context is insufficient and fresh external references are needed. compatibility: Requires Pi for Excel integration "web_search" to be enabled. Works immediately with Jina (default); Serper/Tavily/Brave require an API key. metadata: integration-id: web_search tool-name: web_search docs: docs/agent-skills-interop.md
Web Search
This repository exposes web search as a built-in integration in the Excel add-in.
Mapping
- Agent Skill name:
web-search - Excel integration ID:
web_search - Tools:
web_search,fetch_page
Providers
| Provider | API key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jina (default) | Optional (for higher limits) | Works out of the box — no signup needed |
| Serper.dev | Required | Google SERP API, free tier available |
| Tavily | Required | AI-native search, free monthly credits |
| Brave Search | Required | Direct Brave Search API |
If a keyed provider fails (auth/rate-limit/server error), search automatically retries with Jina and surfaces a warning.
Usage notes
- Prefer workbook data first.
- Use web search only when external facts are required.
- Cite sources from tool results (
[1],[2], ...).
Excel-specific setup
- Open
/tools(or/extensions→ Connections tab). - Enable external tools.
- Enable Web Search for session and/or workbook scope.
- (Optional) Choose a different provider and set its API key — Jina works by default with no configuration.