OpenAI API JSON Request Example

A compact request-body example for debugging OpenAI API calls. Use it as a starting point, then validate parameters against the target model family.

Minimal JSON body 
{
  "model": "gpt-4.1",
  "input": "Summarize this deployment checklist in three bullets.",
  "metadata": {
    "source": "howprog-example"
  }
}

How to use this example

  1. Paste the JSON into the OpenAI API Request Checker.
  2. Select the model family you intend to call.
  3. Remove fields you do not need before adding advanced options.

Notes

  • Do not paste API keys into shared examples.
  • Keep one minimal request for debugging SDK or agent changes.

Related tools and fixes

OpenAI OpenAI API Request Checker

Statically inspect an OpenAI API request body for common JSON and parameter mistakes before sending it to the API.

 JSON JSON Validator and Formatter

Validate JSON, format it for reading, or minify it for compact API payloads without sending data to an external API.

 cURL cURL Command Builder

Build readable cURL commands for API requests with method, headers, JSON body and safe auth placeholders.

 OpenAI OpenAI max_tokens vs max_completion_tokens Error

This error usually appears when a request body mixes parameters from different OpenAI model families. Validate JSON first, then align token fields with the target model.

 JSON JSON Trailing Comma Error Fix

JSON is stricter than JavaScript object literals. Trailing commas, comments and single-quoted strings can break API requests and config files.

Last updated: May 18, 2026