Ask File
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.
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