# Response options

## Introduction

If the data returned from a source system is not in a standard text-based format (e.g. JSON or XML) but is instead binary (e.g. the raw contents of a PDF or image file), you can encode the raw response so it gets treated as a string:

<figure><img src="/files/TZtZ1V3lIe0WMrJNhrDB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If you encode the response for an endpoint that sends data (e.g., a PUT or POST request), the response received from the target system will be encoded.
{% endhint %}

## Response encoding

Responses can be Base64 encoded - click in the `response encoding` field to select this option:

<figure><img src="/files/TOOPlKr0dUX36Qi4jm9m" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://doc.wearepatchworks.com/product-documentation/developer-hub/connector-builder/building-your-own-connector/4-endpoints/endpoint-options/response-options.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.