# Ask Flow {% embed url="" %} The **Ask Flow** action allows the chatbot to redirect users to a **predefined WhatsApp Flow** to collect structured information during a conversation. Instead of collecting individual inputs step-by-step, Ask Flow launches a **WhatsApp Flow form** where users can complete multiple fields in a single interface. The submitted form responses are captured and stored in a variable, allowing the chatbot to process the collected data and continue the workflow. The diagram shown in the final screen demonstrates how the Ask Flow node appears in the bot workflow after configuration. ### **When to Use Ask Flow** Use the **Ask Flow** action when the chatbot needs to collect **multiple pieces of information through a structured form**. **Common Use Cases** * Lead generation forms * Appointment booking forms * Feedback forms * Customer onboarding forms * Registration forms Example interaction: Bot: Please complete the quick form to continue.\ \ User: Opens the form and submits the required details. The chatbot collects the submitted form data and continues the workflow. ### **How to Add Ask Flow** Follow these steps to add the Ask Flow action to your bot workflow. * Open **Bot Builder** * Click **Add Node** * Select the **Ask** tab * Choose **Ask Flow** * Configure the required fields * Click **Create** Once added, the chatbot will prompt the user to open and complete the selected WhatsApp Flow. ### **Ask Flow Configuration** When creating an Ask Flow action, several configuration fields must be completed. #### **Action Name** The **Action Name** identifies the flow step inside the chatbot workflow. Example: Collect data using flow\ Customer Registration Flow\ Lead Capture Form In the walkthrough example, the action name used is **"Collect data using flow."** #### **Message** The **Message** field contains the prompt displayed to the user before launching the flow. Example: Hi 👋 Welcome to OwnChat!\ \ You've unlocked our Year-End WhatsApp Automation Offer 🎉\ \ Let's get you started - please fill this quick form.\ Once done, we'll activate your setup right away. This message informs the user about the form they are about to complete. The message supports: * Dynamic variables * Text formatting * Emojis Variables can be inserted using the **Add Variable** option. ### **WhatsApp Flow** The **WhatsApp Flow** field allows you to select the flow that will be triggered. To configure this: * First create the flow in the **Flow Builder**. * Return to the Ask Flow configuration. * Select the required flow from the **WhatsApp Flow dropdown**. Example: Demo booking flow year end sale This flow will open when the user interacts with the Ask Flow action. #### **Has Media** The **Has Media** option allows you to attach media to the flow message. When enabled, you can upload a media file such as: * Image * Video * Document Example: Media Type: Image Media helps provide additional context before users open the form. #### **Header Text** The **Header Text** field allows you to add a title for the Ask Flow form. Example: Quick Registration Form This text appears at the top of the flow dialog. #### **Footer Text** The **Footer Text** field allows you to add additional context or instructions. Example: This form takes less than 2 minutes to complete. #### **Button Text** The **Button Text** field defines the button label used to open the form. Example: Tap to fill details This button appears in the chatbot message and launches the WhatsApp Flow form. #### **Error Attempt** The **Error Attempt** field defines the maximum number of invalid attempts allowed. Example: Error Attempt: 3 If the user fails to submit the form correctly, the chatbot will trigger the configured fallback behavior. #### **Error Message** The **Error Message** appears when the form submission fails or is incomplete. Example: Please fill the form to continue. This message prompts users to complete the required fields. #### **Action on Invalid** This setting defines how the chatbot responds when the maximum number of invalid attempts is exceeded. Available options include: **End the Flow** Stops the chatbot conversation. **Skip the Question** Allows the chatbot to continue without collecting the form response. **Fall Back Flow** Redirects the user to another predefined flow. ### **Store Response in Variable** The **Store Response in Variable** option saves the submitted form data. Example variable: Form\_response The walkthrough shows creating a variable such as **Form\_response** to store the collected flow data. #### **Creating a New Variable** If a variable does not already exist: * Click **Create New Variable**. * Enter a variable name. Example: Form\_response * Select the variable in the **Store Response** field. * Click **Create** to save the configuration. ### **Example Ask Flow Interaction** Example chatbot conversation: Bot: Please complete the quick registration form.\ \ User: Clicks "Tap to fill details"\ User: Submits the form The chatbot stores the collected form data in the variable: Form\_response and continues the workflow. ### **Best Practices** Follow these recommendations when using Ask Flow. **Use flows for complex data collection** Forms are ideal for collecting multiple inputs efficiently. **Provide clear instructions** Explain why the user needs to fill the form. **Use clear button labels** Make the button action obvious. **Store form responses properly** Save responses in variables for later automation. **Test flows before publishing** Ensure the form fields and validations work correctly. ### **Summary** The **Ask Flow** action allows chatbots to **redirect users to a structured WhatsApp Flow form** to collect detailed information. With Ask Flow, you can: * Launch WhatsApp Flow forms inside chatbot conversations * Collect structured data through forms * Attach media and customize form prompts * Store submitted responses in variables * Automate workflows based on form submissions This feature helps businesses **collect structured information efficiently and streamline complex chatbot workflows**. --- # 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-flow.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. 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