# Ask File {% embed url="" %} The **Ask File** action allows the chatbot to request and collect **file uploads from users** during a conversation. This action is useful when businesses need users to upload documents, images, videos, or audio files as part of a process such as applications, verification, or support requests. The uploaded file is captured and stored in a variable, allowing the system to process or reference the file later in the workflow. ### **When to Use Ask File** Use the **Ask File** action when the chatbot needs to collect a **file or document from the user**. **Common Use Cases** * Resume submission for job applications * Identity verification documents * Invoice or receipt uploads * Image uploads for support requests * Audio or video submissions Example interaction: Bot: Please upload your updated resume in PDF format for the internship application.\ \ User: Uploads file The chatbot captures the uploaded file and stores it for further processing. ### **How to Add Ask File** Follow these steps to add the Ask File action to your bot workflow. * Open **Bot Builder** * Click **Add Node** * Select the **Ask** tab * Choose **Ask File** * Configure the required fields * Click **Create** Once added, the chatbot pauses at this step until the user uploads the required file. ### **Ask File Configuration** When creating an Ask File action, several configuration fields must be completed. #### **Action Name** The **Action Name** identifies the file upload step in the workflow. This name is visible only within the bot builder. Example: Resume Collection\ Upload Verification Document\ Submit Invoice File In the walkthrough example, the action name is **"Resume Collection for Job Application."** #### **Message** The **Message** field contains the prompt shown to the user. Example: Hi,\ \ Please upload your updated resume in PDF format for the internship application. This message informs users what type of file they need to upload. The message supports: * Dynamic variables * Text formatting * Emojis Variables can be inserted using the **Add Variable** option. #### **File Type** The **File Type** field specifies what type of file the user must upload. Available file types include: * **Image** * **Video** * **Audio** * **Document** Only one file type can be selected for each Ask File action. Example: File Type: Document This ensures the chatbot only accepts the required file format. #### **Error Attempt** The **Error Attempt** field defines how many invalid attempts are allowed. Example: Error Attempt: 2 If the user uploads an incorrect file type multiple times, the chatbot triggers the configured **Action on Invalid** behavior. #### **Error Message** The **Error Message** appears when the user uploads an invalid file type. Example: Invalid file format. Please upload your resume in PDF format only to continue. This helps guide users to upload the correct file type. #### **Action on Invalid** This setting defines how the chatbot responds when the user exceeds the allowed number of invalid attempts. Available options include: **End the Flow** Stops the chatbot conversation. **Skip the Question** Continues the workflow without collecting the file. **Fall Back Flow** Redirects the user to another predefined flow. ### **Store Response in Variable** The **Store Response in Variable** option saves the uploaded file reference. Example variable: user\_upload\_pdf The walkthrough shows creating a variable such as **user\_upload\_pdf** to store the uploaded document. #### **Creating a New Variable** If a variable does not already exist: * Click **Create New Variable**. * Enter a variable name. Example: user\_upload\_pdf * Select the variable in the **Store Response** field. * Click **Create** to save the configuration. ### **Example Ask File Interaction** Example chatbot conversation: Bot: Please upload your updated resume in PDF format for the internship application.\ \ User: Uploads resume.pdf The chatbot stores the uploaded file reference in the variable: user\_upload\_pdf and continues the workflow. ### **Best Practices** Follow these recommendations when using Ask File. **Clearly specify the file type** Tell users exactly what file format they should upload. **Limit file types** Select the correct file type to avoid incorrect uploads. **Provide helpful error messages** Explain why a file upload failed and what format is required. **Store uploaded files properly** Save file references in variables for later processing. **Use uploads for workflow automation** Use the uploaded files for verification, processing, or review. ### **Summary** The **Ask File** action allows chatbots to collect **file uploads from users during conversations**. With Ask File, you can: * Request documents or media files from users * Restrict uploads to specific file types * Handle invalid file uploads with error messages * Store uploaded files in variables * Use uploaded files in automated workflows This feature enables businesses to **collect documents and media efficiently through chatbot automation**. --- # 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://docs.ownchat.app/bot/ask-action/ask-file.md?ask= ``` 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.