Chat

Chat actions are canvas actions that trigger a chat interface during workflow execution. Unlike App triggers that start with chat, Chat actions can be placed anywhere in your workflow to create conversational moments when needed. They're perfect for multi-step workflows where you need user interaction or clarification at specific points.

How Chat Actions Work

Chat actions create a pause in your workflow where:

  1. The workflow reaches the Chat action

  2. A chat interface appears to the user

  3. The user can type messages and interact conversationally

  4. The chat conversation creates variables that can be passed to subsequent actions

  5. The workflow continues with the next action using the chat data

How to Add a Chat Action

  1. In your workflow canvas, click "Add Action" or use a connection circle

  2. Search for "Chat" in the actions menu

  3. Click on "Chat" to add it to your workflow

  4. Position it where you want the conversational interaction to occur

  5. Connect it to your previous and next actions

Chat Action Configuration

Chat actions are simple to configure:

  • No complex setup required

  • Automatically creates a chat interface when triggered

  • Generates chat variables for use in subsequent actions

  • Maintains conversation context during the interaction

Multi-Step Workflow Integration

Chat actions excel in multi-step workflows where you might:

Example Workflow Sequence:

  1. Integration Trigger - Workflow starts from an external event (e.g., new email received)

  2. Processing Actions - Initial data processing or analysis

  3. Chat Action - User interaction to gather additional information or provide updates

  4. Agent Action - AI processes the chat conversation and previous workflow data

  5. Output Actions - Final results or automated responses

Chat Variables

When a chat interaction completes:

  • Chat responses are captured in variables

  • These variables can be passed to subsequent actions

  • Variables contain the full conversation context

  • Can be used in Agents, Prompts, or any other workflow actions

Use Cases for Chat Actions

Mid-Workflow Clarification:

  • Integration triggers a workflow

  • Processing reveals missing information

  • Chat action requests clarification from user

  • Workflow continues with complete data

Human-in-the-Loop Processes:

  • Automated analysis runs first

  • Chat action presents findings to user

  • User provides feedback or decisions

  • Agent processes the combined information

Progressive Information Gathering:

  • Form collects initial data

  • Chat action allows natural follow-up questions

  • Multiple interaction points in single workflow

Combining with Other Actions

Chat + Agent Integration

  1. Chat action collects user conversation

  2. Agent action receives chat variables as input

  3. Agent can process both chat context and other workflow data

  4. Creates powerful AI-human collaboration

Chat + Form Integration

  • Forms for structured data collection

  • Chat for flexible, conversational follow-ups

  • Combine structured and unstructured input in one workflow

Chat + External Integrations

  • Integration triggers workflow

  • Chat action provides human oversight

  • Automated actions complete the process

When to Use Chat Actions

Use Chat Actions when:

  • You need user interaction mid-workflow

  • Clarification or human input is required at specific points

  • You want to combine automated processing with conversational elements

  • Multiple interaction types are needed in one workflow

  • You're building human-in-the-loop automations

Don't use Chat Actions when:

  • You want to start a workflow with chat (use App trigger with Chat instead)

  • You need purely automated workflows without user interaction

  • Simple form input is sufficient

Chat Action vs App Trigger with Chat

Chat Action (Mid-Workflow):

  • Appears during workflow execution

  • Part of a larger automation sequence

  • Triggered by preceding workflow actions

  • Creates variables for subsequent actions

App Trigger with Chat:

  • Starts the entire workflow

  • Primary interface for user interaction

  • Published as standalone chat application

  • User initiates the workflow through chat

💡 Chat actions are perfect for creating interactive, multi-step workflows where human input enhances automated processing at key decision points.

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