> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ownchat.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ownchat.app/bot/ask-action/ask-text.md).

# Ask Text

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**.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmm8vprb05du8dtfhj7pbluof?utm_source=link>" %}

### **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**

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6f6a9700s33x0jtln5it49?utm_source=link>" %}

* Select the **Ask** tab
* Choose **Ask Text**

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6f7c1y00rk1q0joagp58qt?utm_source=link>" %}

* 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.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6f8vl000rm1q0jlr8tscfg?utm_source=link>" %}

Example:

Collecting Feedback\
User Name Input\
Customer Comments

#### **Message**

The **Message** field contains the question or prompt shown to the user.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6fa5jl00rp1q0jcowzdqhu?utm_source=link>" %}

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.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6fbnq000s63x0j9jr4jfc7?utm_source=link>" %}

Examples include:

* Customer name
* Phone number
* Email address
* Contact status

Example:

Hi {{customer.name}}

This personalizes the message for each user.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6fgwjk00rs1q0j3y505lk9?utm_source=link>" %}

#### **Error Attempt**

The **Error Attempt** field defines the number of invalid responses allowed.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6fkaes00sb3x0jde7fht4h?utm_source=link>" %}

Example:

Error Attempt: 2

If the user exceeds the allowed attempts, the chatbot will follow the selected **Action on Invalid**.

#### **Error Message**

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6flp1700ru1q0jlhs0cz8r?utm_source=link>" %}

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.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6fng7i00ry1q0j1zxxitbv?utm_source=link>" %}

**Fall Back Flow**

Redirects the conversation to another predefined action.

#### **Validation Settings**

The **Validation Setting** ensures the user's response meets the required conditions.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6fqucl00sw3x0j08c8qzg8?utm_source=link>" %}

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.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6fsglp00sz3x0jxuu5twf8?utm_source=link>" %}

### **Store Response in Variable**

The **Store Response in Variable** option saves the user's input for later use.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6ftsz000s11q0jfosxqizs?utm_source=link>" %}

Example variable:

user\_feedback

This stored data can be used for:

* Customer records
* Personalized messages
* CRM integration
* Conditional chatbot logic

### Save and Deploy &#x20;

After configuring the action:

1. Click **Create** to add the action to the flow

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6fvrot00jozx0j4txcmwnf?utm_source=link>" %}

2. Connect the node appropriately
3. Click **Publish** to deploy the configuration

#### **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**.

{% embed url="<https://app.supademo.com/demo/cmp6g1lf700kazx0joh3fjb3h?utm_source=link>" %}

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**.