## Why use structured output
 
- Predictable responses that can be processed by other systems
- Easier automation and system integration
- Reduced ambiguity in free-form responses
 
## Use cases
 
- **Hybrid chatbots**: Detect when to transition from AI agent to chatbot control. Use parameters such as *response* (message to end user) and *isLeaving: true/false*.
- **Multimodal responses**: Send more than plain text, such as lists, buttons, images, or locations.
 
  Structured output supports these message formats by separating the text message (*response*) from the format (*next_answer_type*) and the extra content (*suggested_answers*).
- **Escalation management**: Use the *escalate_to_human: true* parameter to route to live agents.
 
## Example schema
 
```json
{
  "response": "string - Message to display",
  "sentiment": "positive|neutral|negative",
  "escalate_to_human": "boolean",
  "next_answer_type": "text|list|buttons|image",
  "suggested_answers": ["array", "of", "options"]
}
```
 
## Using structured output in Answers
 
When you use structured output, the AI agent returns a JSON object instead of plain text.
 
To use structured output in Answers, do the following:
 
1. In the **Agent connector** element, extract the full response by using the JSON path `$.content`.
2. Use a **Code** element to parse the JSON and extract individual fields into separate attributes.
3. Use the extracted values to do the following:
   - Display the response text to the end user
   - Route based on `escalate_to_human` or `isLeaving` flags
   - Determine message format using `next_answer_type`
   - Populate buttons or lists with `suggested_answers`
 
For detailed configuration of the Agent connector element, refer to [Use AI agents in Answers](https://www.infobip.com/docs/ai-agents/integrate).
 
For agent configuration steps, refer to [Configure your agent](https://www.infobip.com/docs/ai-agents/build/configure-agent#agent-structured-output).