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

# OpenAI Assistant

This document explains the OpenAI Assistant node, which lets you interact with custom OpenAI assistants in your workflow.

## Node Functionality

The OpenAI Assistant node connects to OpenAI's Assistants API to:

* Run conversations with your assistants
* Process instructions and queries
* Access assistant capabilities
* Maintain conversation context

## Required Setup

1. OpenAI account with API access
2. Configure assistant in OpenAI platform
3. Add API key to [Connectors page](https://www.gumloop.com/personal/connectors)

## Node Output

* **Response**: Assistant's reply to your prompt

## Common Use Cases

1. **Customer Support**:

```text theme={"dark"}
- Use support-focused assistant
- Handle common questions
- Provide consistent responses
```

2. **Data Analysis**:

```text theme={"dark"}
- Connect to analysis assistant
- Process data insights
- Generate reports
```

3. **Content Creation**:

```text theme={"dark"}
- Use writing assistant
- Generate content
- Edit and refine text
```

## Important Considerations

1. Assistant must be configured in OpenAI first
2. Uses only 1 credit per request with own API key
3. Requires OpenAI API key - [https://www.gumloop.com/personal/connectors](https://www.gumloop.com/personal/connectors)
4. Learn more about assistants [here](https://platform.openai.com/docs/assistants/overview)

In summary, the OpenAI Assistant node connects your workflow to custom OpenAI assistants, enabling powerful automation of conversations and tasks.