How to use the Text Input block
Collect text-based responses from users with support for short text, long-form answers, and additional input types like password, file attachments, and audio recordings. This guide covers configuration options and use cases for effective user input collection.
The Text User Input Block enables you to collect text-based responses from your users. It offers flexibility to handle different types of text inputs and additional functionalities like file attachments and audio recordings.
Key Features
Short Text Input
- Default Behavior: The block is configured to expect short text answers by default.
- Use Case: Suitable for concise responses, such as names, email addresses, or brief feedback.
Long Text Input
- Configuration: Enable long text input in the block’s settings.
- Use Case: Ideal for detailed responses, such as descriptions, opinions, or open-ended questions.
Password Type Input
- Purpose: Allows users to enter sensitive information securely, such as passwords. The text entered is masked (e.g., shown as dots) to protect user privacy.
- Configuration: Set the input type to “password” in the block settings.
- Use Case: Useful for scenarios where users need to provide confidential information, like account credentials or secure notes.
Note: When using the password input type (or any other input types), you can define the variable in a way that it will not be stored in the results table, ensuring that sensitive information is not exposed. In order to do this just start the variable name with secure_. Any variables that start with this prefix will not be stored in the results table. For example
secure_password
will not be stored in the results table, but you can still use it in your flow logic.
Allow Attachments
- Purpose: Lets users attach files (e.g., documents, images) to their responses.
- How It Works:
- Attachments are uploaded, and a URL is generated for each file.
- The URL is stored in the variable defined in the block configuration.
- Use Case: Useful for collecting supporting documents or images.
Note: For this method to work make sure you add a variable in the Save the URLs in a variable option.
Allow Audio Clips
- Purpose: Adds a microphone button to the input field for users to record and send voice messages.
- File Format:
- The recorded file is a WebM file if supported.
- If not (e.g., Safari), the file is in MP4 format.
- Use Case: Perfect for scenarios where users prefer or need to respond via audio.
Example Use Cases
-
Short Text Input:
- “What is your name?”
- “Enter your email address.”
-
Long Text Input:
- “Describe your experience with our product.”
- “Provide any additional details about your request.”
-
Password Input:
- “Please enter your account password.”
- “Set a new password for your account.”
-
Attachments:
- “Please upload a copy of your resume.”
- “Attach a photo of the issue.”
-
Audio Clips:
- “Record and send us your feedback.”
- “Describe the problem using voice notes.”
Considerations
- Testing: Ensure the block is configured correctly for the desired input type.
- Compatibility: Confirm that attachment uploads and audio recordings are supported across user devices and browsers.
- Variable Storage: Define and verify the variable for storing URLs of attachments or audio files.
By configuring the Text User Input Block appropriately, you can gather a wide variety of responses from your users effectively.