Format file citations in OpenAI Assistant responses for

This automation solves the issue of unformatted citations in OpenAI Assistant responses when using file retrieval (RAG). It processes raw citation annotations and rewrites the output with properly linked source references in Markdown or HTML—ensuring transparency and traceability. Designed for developers and analysts integrating AI assistants into n8n-based chat interfaces.

## Who it´s for
- Developers integrating OpenAI Assistant with knowledge sources
- RAG system specialists requiring accurate citation formatting
- Teams building chatbots with verifiable answer sources
- Analysts using n8n to process AI-generated responses

## What the automation does
- Receives responses from OpenAI Assistant with file retrieval enabled
- Fetches full thread data via HTTP API, including messages and citation metadata
- Retrieves actual filenames for cited documents through OpenAI API
- Rewrites assistant’s text by replacing citation numbers with hyperlinks
- Supports both Markdown output and optional conversion to HTML
- Integrates with n8n Chat Interface to deliver formatted results to users

## What´s included
- Ready-to-use n8n workflow
- Trigger logic: chat message input or manual execution
- Integrations with OpenAI API and n8n Chat Interface
- Citation processing using LangChain and direct HTTP requests
- Basic setup and adaptation guide

## Requirements for setup
- n8n instance with access to HTTP nodes and Chat Interface
- OpenAI account with Assistants API enabled
- Files uploaded and indexed in OpenAI’s vector store
- Valid API keys for both platforms

## Benefits and outcomes
- Responses become transparent and source-verifiable
- Increased trust in AI answers due to visible references
- Time saved on manual citation formatting
- Seamless integration of RAG outputs into UIs without custom coding
- Dual format support (Markdown/HTML) for flexible deployment
- Automatic handling of all file types supported by OpenAI

## Important: template only
Important: you are purchasing a ready-made automation workflow template only. Rollout into your infrastructure, connecting specific accounts and services, 1:1 setup help, custom adjustments for non-standard stacks and any consulting support are provided as a separate paid service at an individual rate. To discuss custom work or 1:1 help, contact via в чате.