Claude doesn't rely on training data alone — when useful, it searches the live web, grounds its answer in that content, and shows sources (citations). But "web search" and "Research" are different features. This guide explains the difference, and when to use all three modes including extended thinking, per the official help docs. (Official help: support.claude.com · re-checked September 2026)
🟢 Model references match the current lineup · model notice · Fable subscription
Fable 5 and 5.1 subscription (updated September 7, 2026): Claude Fable 5.1, released September 1, 2026, is the current Fable model and Fable 5 is now legacy. Plan terms are the same for both — Max and Team Premium plans include Fable at up to 50% of the weekly usage limit; Pro and Team Standard use usage credits (
What web search is
When you ask something that benefits from current information, Claude invokes a search tool and grounds its response in live web content. Every response includes citations so you can verify sources yourself. With web search on, if you provide a specific URL, Claude reads and analyzes that full page (this is called web fetch).
Web search fits factual queries answerable in one or two searches — today's weather, a company's latest news, recent headlines.
What Research is
Research is a fuller mode. Claude runs multiple searches in sequence, decides what to investigate next, and systematically explores angles of your question. It breaks a complex request into smaller parts, investigates each, and synthesizes a report with source links. Important: Research only works with web search turned on.
Web search vs extended thinking vs research
The official help docs boil it down:
- Web search = facts — current-fact checks finished in one or two searches
- Extended thinking = deliberation — think longer before answering a hard reasoning task (extended thinking explained)
- Research = reports — synthesize many sources into a long, cited report
Combining extended thinking with research lets Claude plan thoughtfully while gathering broadly.
How to turn it on
Toggle it in the chat input. Typically you enable web search from the search icon (or the "+" menu), and Research from the "Research" item in the same menu; an indicator appears when on. The same toggle is available in the mobile apps. Exact button placement and naming may change with updates, so follow the on-screen cues.
Using it well
- Check citations — open the source links Claude attaches to verify facts yourself.
- Pick the mode deliberately — web search for quick facts, Research for synthesized reports.
- Availability varies — scope can differ by plan, and research time/scope changes. Verify exact conditions in the official help.
Related guides
For long material see summarizing long documents, for features overall see the Claude features guide, and for how search grounds answers see reducing hallucinations.
Button placement/naming, research time/scope, and per-plan availability may change; verify the latest in the official help (support.claude.com). This site is not an official Anthropic site.
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