Question
Why is the Output format setting locked to Text and unable to be changed to JSON when editing a Custom Operator in Twilio Conversational Intelligence (classic)?
Product
Twilio Conversational Intelligence
Environment
Twilio Console
Answer
The Output format setting (Text vs. JSON) cannot be modified on a Language Operator once it has been created. This behavior is by design to protect active downstream integrations such as webhooks, CRMs, or analytics pipelines which depend on a fixed payload schema once an operator is active.
To output operator results in JSON format, you must create a new Custom Operator and select JSON during initial creation:
In the Twilio Console, navigate to Conversational Intelligence (classic) > Intelligence Services.
Select your service and click the Language Operators tab.
Click Create custom operator.
Expand Advanced Settings.
Select JSON under Output format before saving the operator.
Additional Information
While structural parameters like Output format and Operator Type are immutable once saved, you can still update other operator settings at any time, including the operator name, prompt instructions, and training examples.