> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.waterflai.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.waterflai.ai/studio/studio-builders/flow-components-nodes/output-node.md).

# Output Node

### Overview

The Output Node is the final node in a flow, responsible for formatting and returning the flow's response. It allows you to template your response using variables from previous nodes, making it flexible for various use cases from simple text responses to complex formatted outputs.

Usage cost: 0 credit

### Configuration

#### Settings

* **Response Template** (Required):
  * A text field that supports variable interpolation
  * Can access any variable defined by previous nodes in the flow
* **Output as JSON** (`boolean`, Toggle):
  * **Off (Default):** The node outputs the final result generated from the 'Response Template' as a plain string.
  * **On:** Attempts to parse the final text generated from the 'Response Template' (after variable interpolation) as JSON. If parsing succeeds, the `response` output will contain a JSON object or array. If parsing fails, `response` will contain the raw interpolated string.
    * *Note:* Ensure the template produces valid JSON after variable interpolation when this is enabled.

#### Output

* **response** (string): The final interpolated response string

### Best Practices

1. **Variable Usage**
   * Always validate that required variables exist in the flow