# Ask Text {% embed url="" %} The **Ask Text** action allows the chatbot to collect **free-text responses** from users during a conversation. This action prompts users to type a response and stores the entered text in a variable. The stored data can then be used later in the chatbot workflow for personalization, automation, or conditional logic. Ask Text is commonly used when collecting information such as **names, feedback, comments, or any open-ended input**. ### **When to Use Ask Text** Use the **Ask Text** action when you want users to provide **custom text input** instead of selecting from predefined options. **Common Use Cases** * Collecting customer feedback * Asking for user names * Gathering comments or suggestions * Capturing user queries * Collecting form responses Example interaction: Bot: We'd love to hear your feedback.\ Please type your comments below.\ \ User: Your service was excellent! The response is stored and can be used later in the chatbot flow. ### **How to Add Ask Text** Follow these steps to add the Ask Text action to your bot workflow. * Open **Bot Builder** * Click **Add Node** * Select the **Ask** tab * Choose **Ask Text** * Configure the required fields * Click **Create** Once created, the Ask Text node appears in the workflow and waits for the user's response before continuing the conversation. ### **Ask Text Configuration** When creating an Ask Text action, several configuration fields must be completed. #### **Action Name** The **Action Name** identifies the Ask Text action within the bot workflow. This name is visible only inside the bot builder. Example: Collecting Feedback\ User Name Input\ Customer Comments #### **Message** The **Message** field contains the question or prompt shown to the user. Example: Hi {{customer.name}} 👋\ \ We'd love to hear your feedback.\ Please type your comments below. The message field supports: * Dynamic variables * Text formatting * Emojis You can insert dynamic fields using the **Add Variable** option. #### **Adding Variables** The **Add Variable** option allows you to insert dynamic values into the message. Examples include: * Customer name * Phone number * Email address * Contact status Example: Hi {{customer.name}} This personalizes the message for each user. #### **Error Attempt** The **Error Attempt** field defines the number of invalid responses allowed. Example: Error Attempt: 2 If the user exceeds the allowed attempts, the chatbot will follow the selected **Action on Invalid**. #### **Error Message** The **Error Message** is displayed when the user sends an invalid response. Example: Please provide your feedback in text format only. This helps guide users to enter the correct input. #### **Action on Invalid** This setting determines what happens when the user exceeds the allowed error attempts. Available options include: **End the Flow** Stops the chatbot conversation. **Skip the Question** Allows the chatbot to continue without collecting the answer. **Fall Back Flow** Redirects the conversation to another predefined action. #### **Validation Settings** The **Validation Setting** ensures the user's response meets the required conditions. When enabled, you can define: **Minimum Characters** The minimum number of characters allowed. Example: Min Characters: 50 **Maximum Characters** The maximum number of characters allowed. Example: Max Characters: 400 These limits help ensure meaningful responses from users. ### **Store Response in Variable** The **Store Response in Variable** option saves the user's input for later use. Example variable: user\_feedback This stored data can be used for: * Customer records * Personalized messages * CRM integration * Conditional chatbot logic #### **Example Ask Text Interaction** Example chatbot conversation: Bot: Hi John 👋\ We'd love to hear your feedback.\ Please type your comments below.\ \ User: The ordering process was very smooth and easy. The chatbot stores the response in the variable: user\_feedback and continues the workflow. ### **Best Practices** Follow these recommendations when using Ask Text. **Ask clear questions** Ensure users understand what type of response is expected. **Use validation settings** Set minimum characters to encourage meaningful responses. **Personalize messages** Use variables like the customer name. **Provide helpful error messages** Guide users when incorrect input is entered. **Store responses properly** Save user responses in variables for future use. ### **Summary** The **Ask Text** action enables chatbots to collect **free-text responses from users**. With Ask Text, you can: * Collect open-ended responses * Personalize conversations using variables * Validate input with character limits * Handle invalid responses automatically * Store user responses for automation and analytics This feature helps create **interactive chatbot conversations that gather valuable user insights**. --- # 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-text.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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