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What Are Retrievers?

Concept

Retrievers are your AI search engine for large text collections or knowledge bases. They let you find the most relevant information based on a query—using either advanced embeddings (semantic search) or classic keyword matching.
Want a deep dive? Check out the RAG Cookbook for advanced agent + retrieval use cases.

Types of Retrievers

Vector Retriever

Converts documents into vectors using an embedding model, stores them, and retrieves by semantic similarity. Best for “meaning-based” search, RAG, and LLM workflows.
  • Chunks data, embeds with OpenAI or custom model
  • Stores in vector DB (like Qdrant)
  • Finds the most relevant info even with different wording

Keyword Retriever

Classic keyword search! Breaks documents and queries into tokens/keywords, and matches on those.
  • Tokenizes documents
  • Indexes by keyword
  • Fast, transparent, great for exact matches

How To Use

Semantic Retrieval with VectorRetriever

This example uses OpenAI embeddings and Qdrant vector storage for semantic search.

AutoRetriever: Quick RAG with One Call

AutoRetriever simplifies everything: just specify storage and content, and it handles embedding, storage, and querying.
Use AutoRetriever for fast experiments and RAG workflows; for advanced control, use VectorRetriever directly.

KeywordRetriever (Classic Search)

For simple, blazing-fast search by keyword—use KeywordRetriever. Great for small data, transparency, or keyword-driven tasks. (API and code example coming soon—see RAG Cookbook for details.)

See RAG Agents in Action

Build retrieval-augmented agents using these retrievers.

Reference API

Full configuration and options for all retriever classes.