This guide describes how to implement dialogs for your Chat app.
Dialogs are windowed, card-based interfaces that Chat apps open to interact with users. To help users complete multi-step processes, apps can open sequential dialogs.
Dialogs are useful for many types of user interactions, including:
- Collecting information from users
- Authenticating users with web services
- Configuring Chat app settings
Prerequisites
Node.js
- A Google Workspace account with access to Google Chat.
- A Chat app. To build a Chat app, follow this quickstart.
- If opening a dialog in response to a slash command, a slash command configured for the Chat app.
Apps Script
- A Google Workspace account with access to Google Chat.
- A Chat app. To build a Chat app, follow this quickstart.
- Use the Rhino runtime. Don't use the V8 runtime.
- If opening a dialog in response to a slash command, a slash command configured for the Chat app.
Python
- A Google Workspace account with access to Google Chat.
- A Chat app. To build a Chat app, follow this quickstart.
- If opening a dialog in response to a slash command, a slash command configured for the Chat app.
How dialogs work
When a user clicks a button on a card or issues a slash command, the Chat app can open a dialog to interact with the user.
The dialog facilitates user interaction by letting users enter information with widgets, like text-input fields. When collecting a lot of information from users, Chat apps can open sequential dialogs.
When finished, the Chat app receives the values users entered in the dialog as JSON. Inform users that their interaction succeeded by responding with a text message or a card.
Open a dialog
Your Chat app can open a dialog in response to a user:
- Clicking a button on a card.
- Issuing a slash command.
When a user requests a dialog, your Chat app receives a
Google Chat Event in which:
isDialogEventistrue.DialogEventTypespecifies whether a user is opening a dialog (REQUEST_DIALOG), clicking a button in a dialog (SUBMIT_DIALOG), or canceling a dialog (CANCEL_DIALOG).
For example, when a user opens a dialog, your Chat app
receives an Event like this from
Google Chat:
JSON
{
"type": enum (EventType),
"eventTime": string,
"threadKey": string,
"message": {
object (Message)
},
"user": {
object (User)
},
"space": {
object (Space)
},
"action": {
object (FormAction)
},
"configCompleteRedirectUrl": string,
"isDialogEvent": true,
"dialogEventType": "REQUEST_DIALOG",
"common": {
object (CommonEventObject)
}
}
Your Chat app can open a dialog by returning an
ActionResponse
of "type": "DIALOG" with a
DialogAction that
includes a JSON description of the dialog:
JSON
{
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Name",
"type": "SINGLE_LINE",
"name": "contactName"
}
},
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Address",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "address"
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Add to favorites",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "saveFavorite"
}
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Merge with existing contacts",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "mergeContact",
"selected": true
}
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Next",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openSequentialDialog"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
}
Open a dialog in response to a button click on a card
When a user clicks a button on a card, your app receives an
Event where:
EventTypeisCARD_CLICKED.DialogEventTypeisREQUEST_DIALOG.
To open a dialog, specify:
onClick.action.functionas the name of a function that opens a dialog. That function must return:- An
ActionResponseof"type": "DIALOG". - A
DialogActionthat includes a JSON description of the dialog.
- An
onClick.action.interactionasOPEN_DIALOG. This property tells Google Chat that the app wants to open a dialog.
In this example, a Chat app responds to a MESSAGE
Event with a
card that has a button that opens a dialog:
Node.js
/**
* Responds to messages that have links whose URLs
* match URL patterns configured for link previews.
*
* @param {Object} event The event object from Chat
* API.
*
* @return {Object} Response from the Chat app
* attached to the message with the previewed link.
*/
exports.onMessage = function onMessage(req, res) {
// Store the Google Chat event as a variable.
var event = req.body;
if (req.method === "GET" || !event.message) {
res.send("Hello! This function is meant to be used in a Google Chat " +
"Space.");
}
// Responds with a card that prompts the user to add a contact
else {
res.json({
"cardsV2": [{
"cardId": "addContact",
"card": {
"header": {
"title": "Rolodex",
"subtitle": "Manage your contacts!",
"imageUrl": "https://www.gstatic.com/images/branding/product/2x/contacts_48dp.png",
"imageType": "CIRCLE"
},
"sections": [
{
"widgets": [
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Add Contact",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openDialog",
"interaction": "OPEN_DIALOG"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}]
});
}
// Respond to button clicks on attached cards
if(event.type === "CARD_CLICKED") {
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "openDialog") {
res.openDialog(event);
};
/**
* Opens and starts a dialog that allows users to add details about a contact.
*
* @param {object} event the event object from Google Chat.
*
* @return {object} open a dialog.
*/
function openDialog(event) {
res.json({
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Name",
"type": "SINGLE_LINE",
"name": "name"
}
},
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Address",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "address"
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Add to favorites",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "saveFavorite"
}
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Merge with existing contacts",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "mergeContact",
"selected": true
}
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Next",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openSequentialDialog"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
});
};
Apps Script
/**
* Responds to a MESSAGE event in Google Chat with a card with a button
* that opens a dialog.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Chat API.
*
* @return {object} open a Dialog in response to a card's button click.
*/
function onMessage(event) {
return {
"cardsV2": [{
"cardId": "addContact",
"card": {
"header": {
"title": "Rolodex",
"subtitle": "Manage your contacts!",
"imageUrl": "https://www.gstatic.com/images/branding/product/2x/contacts_48dp.png",
"imageType": "CIRCLE"
},
"sections": [
{
"widgets": [
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Add Contact",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openDialog",
"interaction": "OPEN_DIALOG"
}
}
}
]
},
"horizontalAlignment": "CENTER"
}
]
}
]
}
}]
};
}
/**
* Responds to a CARD_CLICKED event in Google Chat.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Google Chat
*/
function onCardClick(event) {
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "openDialog") {
return openDialog(event);
}
}
/**
* Opens a dialog in Google Chat.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Chat API.
*
* @return {object} open a Dialog in Google Chat.
*/
function openDialog(event) {
return {
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Name",
"type": "SINGLE_LINE",
"name": "contactName"
}
},
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Address",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "address"
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Add to favorites",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "saveFavorite"
}
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Merge with existing contacts",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "mergeContact",
"selected": true
}
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Next",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openSequentialDialog"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
};
}
Python
from typing import Any, Mapping
import flask
import functions_framework
@functions_framework.http
def main(req: flask.Request) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Responds to a MESSAGE event in Google Chat that includes the /createContact
slash command by opening a dialog.
Args:
req (flask.Request): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: open a Dialog in response to a card's button click.
"""
if req.method == 'GET':
return 'Sorry, this function must be called from a Google Chat.'
request = req.get_json(silent=True)
if request.get('type') == 'CARD_CLICKED':
if request.get('common', dict()).get('invokedFunction') == 'open_dialog':
return open_dialog(request)
else:
return {
'cardsV2': [{
'cardId': 'addContact',
'card': {
'header': {
'title': 'Rolodex',
'subtitle': 'Manage your contacts!',
'imageUrl': 'https://www.gstatic.com/images/branding/product/2x/contacts_48dp.png',
'imageType': 'CIRCLE'
},
'sections': [
{
'widgets': [
{
'buttonList': {
'buttons': [
{
'text': 'Add Contact',
'onClick': {
'action': {
'function': 'open_dialog',
'interaction': 'OPEN_DIALOG'
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}]
}
def open_dialog(request: Mapping[str, Any]) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Opens a dialog in Google Chat.
Args:
request (Mapping[str, Any]): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: open a Dialog in response to a card's button click.
"""
return {
'action_response': {
'type': 'DIALOG',
'dialog_action': {
'dialog': {
'body': {
'sections': [
{
'header': 'Add new contact',
'widgets': [
{
'textInput': {
'label': 'Name',
'type': 'SINGLE_LINE',
'name': 'name'
}
},
{
'textInput': {
'label': 'Address',
'type': 'MULTIPLE_LINE',
'name': 'address'
}
},
{
'decoratedText': {
'text': 'Add to favorites',
'switchControl': {
'controlType': 'SWITCH',
'name': 'saveFavorite'
}
}
},
{
'decoratedText': {
'text': 'Merge with existing contacts',
'switchControl': {
'controlType': 'SWITCH',
'name': 'mergeContact',
'selected': True
}
}
},
{
'buttonList': {
'buttons': [
{
'text': 'Next',
'onClick': {
'action': {
'function': 'open_sequential_dialog'
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
}
Open a dialog in response to a slash command
When a user opens a dialog with a slash command,
your app receives an Event where:
EventTypeisMESSAGE.DialogEventTypeisREQUEST_DIALOG.
To open a dialog, respond with:
- An
ActionResponseof"type": "DIALOG". - A
DialogActionthat includes a JSON description of the dialog.
In this example, a Chat app responds to the
/createContact slash command by opening a
dialog:
Node.js
/**
* Responds to messages that have links whose URLs
* match URL patterns configured for link previews.
*
* @param {Object} event The event object from Chat
* API.
*
* @return {Object} Response from the Chat app
* attached to the message with the previewed link.
*/
exports.onMessage = function onMessage(req, res) {
// Store the Google Chat event as a variable.
var event = req.body;
if (req.method === "GET" || !event.message) {
res.send("Hello! This function is meant to be used in a Google Chat " +
"Space.");
}
// Checks for the presence of event.message.slashCommand.
// If the slash command is "/help", responds with a text message.
// If the slash command is "/createContact", opens a dialog.
if (event.message.slashCommand) {
switch (event.message.slashCommand.commandId) {
case 1: // /help
res.json({"text": "Contact bot helps you update your address book!"});
case 2: // /createContact
res.openDialog(event);
}
}
};
/**
* Opens and starts a dialog that allows users to add details about a contact.
*
* @param {object} event the event object from Google Chat.
*
* @return {object} open a dialog.
*/
function openDialog(event) {
res.json({
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Name",
"type": "SINGLE_LINE",
"name": "name"
}
},
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Address",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "address"
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Add to favorites",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "saveFavorite"
}
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Merge with existing contacts",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "mergeContact",
"selected": true
}
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Next",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openSequentialDialog"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
});
};
Apps Script
/**
* Responds to a MESSAGE event in Google Chat that includes the /createContact
* slash command by opening a dialog.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Chat API.
*
* @return {object} open a Dialog in response to a slash command.
*/
function onMessage(event) {
// Checks for the presence of event.message.slashCommand.
// If the slash command is "/help", responds with a text message.
// If the slash command is "/createContact", opens a dialog.
if (event.message.slashCommand) {
switch (event.message.slashCommand.commandId) {
case 1: // /help
return {"text": "Contact bot helps you update your address book!"}
case 2: // /createContact
return openDialog(event);
}
}
}
/**
* Opens a dialog in Google Chat.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Chat API.
*
* @return {object} open a Dialog in Google Chat.
*/
function openDialog(event) {
return {
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Name",
"type": "SINGLE_LINE",
"name": "contactName"
}
},
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Address",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "address"
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Add to favorites",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "saveFavorite"
}
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Merge with existing contacts",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "mergeContact",
"selected": true
}
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Next",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openSequentialDialog"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
};
}
Python
from typing import Any, Mapping
import flask
import functions_framework
@functions_framework.http
def main(req: flask.Request) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Responds to a MESSAGE event in Google Chat that includes the /createContact
slash command by opening a dialog.
Args:
req (flask.Request): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: open a Dialog in response to a slash command.
"""
if req.method == 'GET':
return 'Sorry, this function must be called from a Google Chat.'
request = req.get_json(silent=True)
if slash_command := request.get('message', dict()).get('slashCommand'):
command_id = slash_command['commandId']
if command_id == 1:
return {'text': 'Contact bot helps you update your address book!'}
elif command_id == 2:
return open_dialog(request)
def open_dialog(request: Mapping[str, Any]) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Opens a dialog in Google Chat.
Args:
request (Mapping[str, Any]): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: open a Dialog in response to a slash command.
"""
return {
'action_response': {
'type': 'DIALOG',
'dialog_action': {
'dialog': {
'body': {
'sections': [
{
'header': 'Add new contact',
'widgets': [
{
'textInput': {
'label': 'Name',
'type': 'SINGLE_LINE',
'name': 'name'
}
},
{
'textInput': {
'label': 'Address',
'type': 'MULTIPLE_LINE',
'name': 'address'
}
},
{
'decoratedText': {
'text': 'Add to favorites',
'switchControl': {
'controlType': 'SWITCH',
'name': 'saveFavorite'
}
}
},
{
'decoratedText': {
'text': 'Merge with existing contacts',
'switchControl': {
'controlType': 'SWITCH',
'name': 'mergeContact',
'selected': True
}
}
},
{
'buttonList': {
'buttons': [
{
'text': 'Next',
'onClick': {
'action': {
'function': 'open_sequential_dialog'
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
}
String together multiple card interfaces
When user interactions require more than one card, you can open a new card from the same dialog by returning another dialog.
When users click a button in a dialog, your app receives an
Event where:
EventTypeisCARD_CLICKED.DialogEventTypeisSUBMIT_DIALOG.
Since a dialog is already open, don't specify
onClick.action.interaction like
you do when opening a dialog from an in-conversation card. Instead, return only
onClick.action.function as the
name of a function that opens a dialog.
In this example, a Chat app responds to a
CARD_CLICKED Event from a dialog button
click by opening another dialog:
Node.js
// Respond to button clicks on attached cards
if(event.type === "CARD_CLICKED") {
// Open the first dialog.
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "openDialog") {
res.openDialog(event);
}
// Open the second dialog.
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "openSequentialDialog") {
res.openSequentialDialog(event);
}
}
/**
* Opens and starts a dialog that allows users to add details about a contact.
*
* @param {object} event the event object from Google Chat.
*
* @return {object} open a dialog.
*/
function openDialog(event) {
res.json({
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Name",
"type": "SINGLE_LINE",
"name": "name"
}
},
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Address",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "address"
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Add to favorites",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "saveFavorite"
}
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Merge with existing contacts",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "mergeContact",
"selected": true
}
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Next",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openSequentialDialog"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
});
};
/**
* Opens a second dialog that allows users to add more contact details.
*
* @param {object} event the event object from Google Chat.
*
* @return {object} open a dialog.
*/
function openSequentialDialog(event) {
res.json({
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Notes",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "notes"
}
},
{
"selectionInput": {
"type": "RADIO_BUTTON",
"label": "Contact type",
"name": "contactType",
"items": [
{
"text": "Work",
"value": "Work",
"selected": false
},
{
"text": "Personal",
"value": "Personal",
"selected": false
}
]
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Submit",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "confirmDialogSuccess",
"parameters": [
{
"key": "confirmDialogSuccess",
"value": "confirmDialogSuccess"
}
]
}
}
}
]
},
"horizontalAlignment": "END"
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
});
Apps Script
/**
* Responds to a CARD_CLICKED event in Google Chat.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Google Chat
*/
function onCardClick(event) {
// When a user clicks a card, the app checks to see which function to run.
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "openDialog") {
return openDialog(event);
}
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "openSequentialDialog") {
return openSequentialDialog(event);
}
}
/**
* Opens and starts a dialog that allows users to add details about a contact.
*
* @param {object} event the event object from Google Chat.
*
* @return {object} open a dialog.
*/
function openDialog(event) {
return {
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Name",
"type": "SINGLE_LINE",
"name": "contactName"
}
},
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Address",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "address"
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Add to favorites",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "saveFavorite"
}
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Merge with existing contacts",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "mergeContact",
"selected": true
}
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Next",
"onClick": {
"action": {
// Specifies which function to run
// in response to the card click.
"function": "openSequentialDialog"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
};
}
/**
* Opens a second dialog that allows users to add more contact details.
*
* @param {object} event the event object from Google Chat.
*
* @return {object} open a dialog.
*/
function openSequentialDialog(event) {
return {
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Notes",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "notes"
}
},
{
"selectionInput": {
"type": "RADIO_BUTTON",
"label": "Contact type",
"name": "contactType",
"items": [
{
"text": "Work",
"value": "Work",
"selected": false
},
{
"text": "Personal",
"value": "Personal",
"selected": false
}
]
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Submit",
"onClick": {
"action": {
// Specifies which function to run
// in response to the card click.
"function": "receiveDialog",
"parameters": [
{
"key": "receiveDialog",
"value": "receiveDialog"
}
]
}
}
}
]
},
"horizontalAlignment": "END"
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
};
}
Python
from typing import Any, Mapping
import flask
import functions_framework
@functions_framework.http
def main(req: flask.Request) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Responds to a MESSAGE event in Google Chat that includes the /createContact
slash command by opening a dialog.
Args:
req (flask.Request): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: open a Dialog in response to a card's button click.
"""
if req.method == 'GET':
return 'Sorry, this function must be called from a Google Chat.'
request = req.get_json(silent=True)
if request.get('type') == 'CARD_CLICKED':
if invoked_function := request.get('common', dict()).get('invokedFunction'):
if invoked_function == 'open_dialog':
return open_dialog(request)
elif invoked_function == 'open_sequential_dialog':
return open_dialog(request)
def open_dialog(request: Mapping[str, Any]) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Opens a dialog in Google Chat.
Args:
request (Mapping[str, Any]): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: open a Dialog in response to a card's button click.
"""
return {
'action_response': {
'type': 'DIALOG',
'dialog_action': {
'dialog': {
'body': {
'sections': [
{
'header': 'Add new contact',
'widgets': [
{
'textInput': {
'label': 'Name',
'type': 'SINGLE_LINE',
'name': 'name'
}
},
{
'textInput': {
'label': 'Address',
'type': 'MULTIPLE_LINE',
'name': 'address'
}
},
{
'decoratedText': {
'text': 'Add to favorites',
'switchControl': {
'controlType': 'SWITCH',
'name': 'saveFavorite'
}
}
},
{
'decoratedText': {
'text': 'Merge with existing contacts',
'switchControl': {
'controlType': 'SWITCH',
'name': 'mergeContact',
'selected': True
}
}
},
{
'buttonList': {
'buttons': [
{
'text': 'Next',
'onClick': {
'action': {
'function': 'open_sequential_dialog'
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
}
def open_sequential_dialog(request: Mapping[str, Any]) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Opens a second dialog that allows users to add more contact details.
Args:
request (Mapping[str, Any]): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: open a Dialog in response to a card's button click.
"""
return {
'action_response': {
'type': 'DIALOG',
'dialog_action': {
'dialog': {
'body': {
'sections': [
{
'header': 'Add new contact',
'widgets': [
{
'textInput': {
'label': 'Notes',
'type': 'MULTIPLE_LINE',
'name': 'notes'
}
},
{
'selectionInput': {
'type': 'RADIO_BUTTON',
'label': 'Contact type',
'name': 'contactType',
'items': [
{
'text': 'Work',
'value': 'Work',
'selected': False
},
{
'text': 'Personal',
'value': 'Personal',
'selected': False
}
]
}
},
{
'buttonList': {
'buttons': [
{
'text': 'Submit',
'onClick': {
'action': {
'function': 'receiveDialog',
'parameters': [
{
'key': 'receiveDialog',
'value': 'receiveDialog'
}
]
}
}
}
]
},
'horizontalAlignment': 'END'
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
}
Receive form data from dialogs
When users click a button on a dialog, the data they entered gets submitted to
the Chat app, and the app receives an
Event where:
EventTypeisCARD_CLICKED.DialogEventTypeisSUBMIT_DIALOG.
The data users enter in the dialog are available on the
Event as
Event.common.formInputs,
a map where keys are string IDs assigned to each dialog widget and values
represent user input for each widget. Different objects represent different
input data types. For example,
Event.common.formInputs.stringInputs
represent string inputs.
When a user submits a dialog, your Chat app receives an
Event like this from Google Chat:
JSON
{
"type": enum (EventType),
"eventTime": string,
"threadKey": string,
"message": {
object (Message)
},
"user": {
object (User)
},
"space": {
object (Space)
},
"action": {
object (FormAction)
},
"configCompleteRedirectUrl": string,
// Indicates that this event is dialog-related.
"isDialogEvent": true,
// Indicates that a user clicked a button, and all data
// they entered in the dialog is included in Event.common.formInputs.
"dialogEventType": "SUBMIT_DIALOG",
"common": {
"userLocale": string,
"hostApp": enum (HostApp),
"platform": enum (Platform),
"timeZone": {
object (TimeZone)
},
// Represents user data entered in a dialog
"formInputs": {
// Represents string data entered in a dialog, like text input fields
// and check boxes
"stringInputs": {
// An array of strings entered by the user in a dialog.
"value": [
string
]
}
},
"parameters": {
string: string,
...
},
"invokedFunction": string
}
}
Your app can access the first user-entered value at event.common.formInputs.NAME.stringInputs.value[0], where NAME is the name field of a TextInput widget.
After receiving the dialog form data, the Chat app should respond by either acknowledging receipt, by replying with a text message or a card,
or by returning an error, all of which are done with by returning an ActionResponse:
- To acknowledge successful receipt, respond with an
ActionResponsethat has"actionStatus": "OK". - To reply with a text message or a card, respond with an
ActionResponsethat has aResponseTypeofNEW_MESSAGE,UPDATE_MESSAGE, orUPDATE_USER_MESSAGE_CARDS. For more information, see Respond to a dialog. - To return an error, respond with an
ActionResponsethat has"actionStatus": "ERROR MESSAGE".
The following example checks for the presence of a "name" value. If it's absent, the app returns an error. If it's present, the app acknowledges receipt of the form data and closes the dialog.
Node.js
/**
* Checks for a form input error, the absence of
* a "name" value, and returns an error if absent.
* Otherwise, confirms successful receipt of a dialog.
*
* Confirms successful receipt of a dialog.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Chat API.
*
* @return {object} open a Dialog in Google Chat.
*/
function receiveDialog(event) {
// Checks to make sure the user entered a name
// in a dialog. If no name value detected, returns
// an error message.
if (event.common.formInputs.WIDGET_NAME.stringInputs.value[0] == "") {
return {
"actionResponse": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialogAction": {
"actionStatus": {
"statusCode": "OK",
"userFacingMessage": "Don't forget to name your new contact!"
}
}
};
// Otherwise the app indicates that it received
// form data from the dialog. Any value other than "OK"
// gets returned as an error. "OK" is interpreted as
// code 200, and the dialog closes.
} else {
res.json({
"actionResponse": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialogAction": {
"actionStatus": "OK"
}
}
});
}
}
Apps Script
/**
* Checks for a form input error, the absence of
* a "name" value, and returns an error if absent.
* Otherwise, confirms successful receipt of a dialog.
*
* Confirms successful receipt of a dialog.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Chat API.
*
* @return {object} open a Dialog in Google Chat.
*/
function receiveDialog(event) {
// Checks to make sure the user entered a name
// in a dialog. If no name value detected, returns
// an error message.
if (event.common.formInputs.WIDGET_NAME[""].stringInputs.value[0]) {
return {
"actionResponse": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialogAction": {
"actionStatus": "Don't forget to name your new contact!"
}
}
};
// Otherwise the app indicates that it received
// form data from the dialog. Any value other than "OK"
// gets returned as an error. "OK" is interpreted as
// code 200, and the dialog closes.
} else {
return {
"actionResponse": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialogAction": {
"actionStatus": "OK"
}
}
};
}
}
Python
def receive_dialog(event: Mapping[str, Any]) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Checks for a form input error, the absence of a "name" value, and returns
an error if absent. Otherwise, confirms successful receipt of a dialog.
Args:
event (Mapping[str, Any]): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: the response.
"""
if common := event.get('common'):
if form_inputs := common.get('formInputs'):
if contact_name := form_inputs.get('WIDGET_NAME'):
if string_inputs := contact_name.get('stringInputs'):
if name := string_inputs.get('value')[0]:
return {
'actionResponse': {
'type': 'DIALOG',
'dialogAction': {
'actionStatus': 'OK'
}
}
}
else:
return {
'actionResponse': {
'type': 'DIALOG',
'dialogAction': {
'actionStatus': 'Don\'t forget to name your new contact!'
}
}
}
Respond to a dialog
You can respond to a dialog with either a new message or an update to an existing message.
Respond to a dialog with a new message
To respond to a dialog form submission with a new message, the Chat app returns an ActionResponse of type NEW_MESSAGE,
along with markup indicating the contents of the new message. Upon receiving this response, the dialog closes and the new message is posted.
The following code is an example of a JSON response to a dialog that is sent by a Chat app to create a new reply message:
JSON
{
"actionResponse": "NEW_MESSAGE",
"text": "This message is a reply to a dialog form submission.",
"cardsV2": [
{
"cardId" : "reply-card-id",
"card" : {
"header": {
"title": "Reply card title"
},
"sections": [
{
"widgets" : [
{
"textParagraph": {
"text": "Reply card message"
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
]
}
The Chat app can also reply asynchronously with a simple text message or card. To do so, authenticate with a service account, then send an asynchronous reply by calling spaces.messages.create using the Google Chat API.
Respond to a dialog with a message update
When you respond to a dialog with an updated message, you can update an existing app message or update a link preview.
App messages
To respond to a dialog form submission with an update to an existing message sent by the Chat app, it returns an ActionResponse of type UPDATE_MESSAGE.
The response includes markup that indicates the contents of the updated message. Upon receiving this response, the dialog closes and the message is
updated with the new content.
The following code is an example of a JSON response to a dialog that is sent by a Chat app to update an existing app message:
JSON
{
"actionResponse": "UPDATE_MESSAGE",
"text": "This message has been updated with new content in response to a dialog form submission.",
"cardsV2": [
{
"cardId" : "updated-card-id",
"card" : {
"header": {
"title": "Updated card title"
},
"sections": [
{
"widgets" : [
{
"textParagraph": {
"text": "Updated card message"
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
]
}
The Chat app can also asynchronously update an app message by using the Google Chat API.
Link previews
To update link previews with new content in
response to dialog form submissions, the Chat app
returns an
ActionResponse
of type UPDATE_USER_MESSAGE_CARDS. The response includes
markup for
the new cards that the link previews are updated with. Upon receiving this
response, the dialog closes and the link previews are updated with the new
cards.
The following code is an example of a JSON response to a dialog that is sent by a Chat app. It is used to update a link preview with a new card:
JSON
{
"actionResponse": "UPDATE_USER_MESSAGE_CARDS",
"cardsV2": [
{
"cardId" : "updated-card-id",
"card" : {
"header": {
"title": "Updated card title"
},
"sections": [
{
"widgets" : [
{
"textParagraph": {
"text": "Updated card message"
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
]
}
Complete example: Rolodex the contact managing Chat app
In this example, a Chat app opens a dialog so the user can add details about a contact, such as name, email, and address:
Node.js
/**
* Responds to messages that have links whose URLs
* match URL patterns configured for link previews.
*
* @param {Object} event The event object from Chat
* API.
*
* @return {Object} Response from the Chat app
* attached to the message with the previewed link.
*/
exports.onMessage = function onMessage(req, res) {
// Store the Google Chat event as a variable.
var event = req.body;
if (req.method === "GET" || !event.message) {
res.send("Hello! This function is meant to be used in a Google Chat " +
"Space.");
}
// Checks for the presence of event.message.slashCommand.
// If the slash command is "/help", responds with a text message.
// If the slash command is "/createContact", opens a dialog.
if (event.message.slashCommand) {
switch (event.message.slashCommand.commandId) {
case 1: // /help
res.json({"text": "Contact bot helps you update your address book!"});
case 2: // /createContact
res.openDialog(event);
}
}
// If the Chat app doesn"t detect a slash command, it responds
// with a card that prompts the user to add a contact
else {
res.json({
"cardsV2": [{
"cardId": "addContact",
"card": {
"header": {
"title": "Rolodex",
"subtitle": "Manage your contacts!",
"imageUrl": "https://www.gstatic.com/images/branding/product/2x/contacts_48dp.png",
"imageType": "CIRCLE"
},
"sections": [
{
"widgets": [
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Add Contact",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openDialog",
"interaction": "OPEN_DIALOG"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}]
});
}
// Respond to button clicks on attached cards
if(event.type === "CARD_CLICKED") {
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "openDialog") {
res.openDialog(event);
}
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "openSequentialDialog") {
res.openSequentialDialog(event);
}
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "confirmDialogSuccess") {
res.confirmDialogSuccess(event);
}
}
};
/**
* Opens and starts a dialog that allows users to add details about a contact.
*
* @param {object} event the event object from Google Chat.
*
* @return {object} open a dialog.
*/
function openDialog(event) {
res.json({
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Name",
"type": "SINGLE_LINE",
"name": "name"
}
},
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Address",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "address"
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Add to favorites",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "saveFavorite"
}
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Merge with existing contacts",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "mergeContact",
"selected": true
}
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Next",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openSequentialDialog"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
});
};
/**
* Opens a second dialog that allows users to add more contact details.
*
* @param {object} event the event object from Google Chat.
*
* @return {object} open a dialog.
*/
function openSequentialDialog(event) {
res.json({
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Notes",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "notes"
}
},
{
"selectionInput": {
"type": "RADIO_BUTTON",
"label": "Contact type",
"name": "contactType",
"items": [
{
"text": "Work",
"value": "Work",
"selected": false
},
{
"text": "Personal",
"value": "Personal",
"selected": false
}
]
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Submit",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "confirmDialogSuccess",
"parameters": [
{
"key": "confirmDialogSuccess",
"value": "confirmDialogSuccess"
}
]
}
}
}
]
},
"horizontalAlignment": "END"
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
});
}
/**
* Checks for a form input error, the absence of
* a "name" value, and returns an error if absent.
* Otherwise, confirms successful receipt of a dialog.
*
* Confirms successful receipt of a dialog.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Chat API.
*
* @return {object} open a Dialog in Google Chat.
*/
function receiveDialog(event) {
// Checks to make sure the user entered a name
// in a dialog. If no name value detected, returns
// an error message.
if (event.common.formInputs.contactName.stringInputs.value[0] == "") {
return {
"actionResponse": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialogAction": {
"actionStatus": {
"statusCode": "OK",
"userFacingMessage": "Don't forget to name your new contact!"
}
}
};
// Otherwise the app indicates that it received
// form data from the dialog. Any value other than "OK"
// gets returned as an error. "OK" is interpreted as
// code 200, and the dialog closes.
} else {
res.json({
"actionResponse": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialogAction": {
"actionStatus": "OK"
}
}
});
}
}
Apps Script
/**
* Responds to a MESSAGE event in Google Chat.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Chat API.
*
* @return {object} open a Dialog in response to a slash command
* or a card"s button click.
*/
function onMessage(event) {
// Checks for the presence of event.message.slashCommand.
// If the slash command is "/help", responds with a text message.
// If the slash command is "/createContact", opens a dialog.
if (event.message.slashCommand) {
switch (event.message.slashCommand.commandId) {
case 1: // /help
return {"text": "Contact bot helps you update your address book!"}
case 2: // /createContact
return openDialog(event);
}
}
// If the Chat app doesn"t detect a slash command, it responds
// with a card that prompts the user to add a contact
else {
return {
"cardsV2": [{
"cardId": "addContact",
"card": {
"header": {
"title": "Rolodex",
"subtitle": "Manage your contacts!",
"imageUrl": "https://www.gstatic.com/images/branding/product/2x/contacts_48dp.png",
"imageType": "CIRCLE"
},
"sections": [
{
"widgets": [
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Add Contact",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openDialog",
"interaction": "OPEN_DIALOG"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}]
};
}
}
/**
* Responds to a CARD_CLICKED event in Google Chat.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Google Chat
*/
function onCardClick(event) {
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "openDialog") {
return openDialog(event);
}
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "openSequentialDialog") {
return openSequentialDialog(event);
}
if (event.common.invokedFunction == "receiveDialog") {
return receiveDialog(event);
}
}
/**
* Opens and starts a dialog that allows users to add details about a contact.
*
*
* @return {object} open a dialog.
*/
function openDialog(event) {
return {
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Name",
"type": "SINGLE_LINE",
"name": "contactName"
}
},
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Address",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "address"
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Add to favorites",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "saveFavorite"
}
}
},
{
"decoratedText": {
"text": "Merge with existing contacts",
"switchControl": {
"controlType": "SWITCH",
"name": "mergeContact",
"selected": true
}
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Next",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "openSequentialDialog"
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
};
}
/**
* Opens a second dialog that allows users to add more contact details.
*
* @param {object} event the event object from Google Chat.
*
* @return {object} open a dialog.
*/
function openSequentialDialog(event) {
return {
"action_response": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialog_action": {
"dialog": {
"body": {
"sections": [
{
"header": "Add new contact",
"widgets": [
{
"textInput": {
"label": "Notes",
"type": "MULTIPLE_LINE",
"name": "notes"
}
},
{
"selectionInput": {
"type": "RADIO_BUTTON",
"label": "Contact type",
"name": "contactType",
"items": [
{
"text": "Work",
"value": "Work",
"selected": false
},
{
"text": "Personal",
"value": "Personal",
"selected": false
}
]
}
},
{
"buttonList": {
"buttons": [
{
"text": "Submit",
"onClick": {
"action": {
"function": "receiveDialog",
"parameters": [
{
"key": "receiveDialog",
"value": "receiveDialog"
}
]
}
}
}
]
},
"horizontalAlignment": "END"
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
};
}
/**
* Checks for a form input error, the absence of
* a "name" value, and returns an error if absent.
* Otherwise, confirms successful receipt of a dialog.
*
* Confirms successful receipt of a dialog.
*
* @param {Object} event the event object from Chat API.
*
* @return {object} open a Dialog in Google Chat.
*/
function receiveDialog(event) {
// Checks to make sure the user entered a name
// in a dialog. If no name value detected, returns
// an error message.
if (event.common.formInputs.contactName.stringInputs.value[0] == "") {
return {
"actionResponse": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialogAction": {
"actionStatus": "Don't forget to name your new contact!"
}
}
};
// Otherwise the app indicates that it received
// form data from the dialog. Any value other than "OK"
// gets returned as an error. "OK" is interpreted as
// code 200, and the dialog closes.
} else {
return {
"actionResponse": {
"type": "DIALOG",
"dialogAction": {
"actionStatus": "OK"
}
}
};
}
}
Python
from typing import Any, Mapping
import flask
import functions_framework
@functions_framework.http
def main(req: flask.Request) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Responds to a MESSAGE event in Google Chat that includes the /createContact
slash command by opening a dialog.
Args:
req (flask.Request): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: open a Dialog in response to a card's button click.
"""
if req.method == 'GET':
return 'Sorry, this function must be called from a Google Chat.'
request = req.get_json(silent=True)
if request.get('type') == 'CARD_CLICKED':
invoked_function = request.get('common', dict()).get('invokedFunction')
if invoked_function == 'open_dialog':
return open_dialog(request)
elif invoked_function == 'open_sequential_dialog':
return open_dialog(request)
elif invoked_function == "receive_dialog":
return receive_dialog(request)
else:
return {
'cardsV2': [{
'cardId': 'addContact',
'card': {
'header': {
'title': 'Rolodex',
'subtitle': 'Manage your contacts!',
'imageUrl': 'https://www.gstatic.com/images/branding/product/2x/contacts_48dp.png',
'imageType': 'CIRCLE'
},
'sections': [
{
'widgets': [
{
'buttonList': {
'buttons': [
{
'text': 'Add Contact',
'onClick': {
'action': {
'function': 'open_dialog',
'interaction': 'OPEN_DIALOG'
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}]
}
def open_dialog(request: Mapping[str, Any]) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Opens a dialog in Google Chat.
Args:
request (Mapping[str, Any]): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: open a Dialog in response to a card's button click.
"""
return {
'action_response': {
'type': 'DIALOG',
'dialog_action': {
'dialog': {
'body': {
'sections': [
{
'header': 'Add new contact',
'widgets': [
{
'textInput': {
'label': 'Name',
'type': 'SINGLE_LINE',
'name': 'name'
}
},
{
'textInput': {
'label': 'Address',
'type': 'MULTIPLE_LINE',
'name': 'address'
}
},
{
'decoratedText': {
'text': 'Add to favorites',
'switchControl': {
'controlType': 'SWITCH',
'name': 'saveFavorite'
}
}
},
{
'decoratedText': {
'text': 'Merge with existing contacts',
'switchControl': {
'controlType': 'SWITCH',
'name': 'mergeContact',
'selected': True
}
}
},
{
'buttonList': {
'buttons': [
{
'text': 'Next',
'onClick': {
'action': {
'function': 'open_sequential_dialog'
}
}
}
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
}
def open_sequential_dialog(request: Mapping[str, Any]) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Opens a second dialog that allows users to add more contact details.
Args:
request (Mapping[str, Any]): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: open a Dialog in response to a card's button click.
"""
return {
'action_response': {
'type': 'DIALOG',
'dialog_action': {
'dialog': {
'body': {
'sections': [
{
'header': 'Add new contact',
'widgets': [
{
'textInput': {
'label': 'Notes',
'type': 'MULTIPLE_LINE',
'name': 'notes'
}
},
{
'selectionInput': {
'type': 'RADIO_BUTTON',
'label': 'Contact type',
'name': 'contactType',
'items': [
{
'text': 'Work',
'value': 'Work',
'selected': False
},
{
'text': 'Personal',
'value': 'Personal',
'selected': False
}
]
}
},
{
'buttonList': {
'buttons': [
{
'text': 'Submit',
'onClick': {
'action': {
'function': 'receive_dialog',
'parameters': [
{
'key': 'receiveDialog',
'value': 'receiveDialog'
}
]
}
}
}
]
},
'horizontalAlignment': 'END'
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
}
}
def receive_dialog(event: Mapping[str, Any]) -> Mapping[str, Any]:
"""Checks for a form input error, the absence of a "name" value, and returns
an error if absent. Otherwise, confirms successful receipt of a dialog.
Args:
event (Mapping[str, Any]): the event object from Chat API.
Returns:
Mapping[str, Any]: the response.
"""
if event.get('common', dict()) \
.get('formInputs', dict()).get('contactName', dict()) \
.get('stringInputs').get('value', list()):
return {
'actionResponse': {
'type': 'DIALOG',
'dialogAction': {
'actionStatus': 'OK'
}
}
}
else:
return {
'actionResponse': {
'type': 'DIALOG',
'dialogAction': {
'actionStatus': "Don't forget to name your new contact!"
}
}
}
Limits and considerations
Take note of these dialog limits and considerations:
- Cards v1, which are deprecated, aren't supported by dialogs. Use cards v2 instead.
- Server-generated autocomplete suggestions aren't supported, but suggestions returned with the dialog response are.
onChangeAction- a property of some card widgets, likeSwitchControl, that specifies anActionto perform when the widget is changed, like flipping a switch - is not supported.
Debug dialogs
As you implement dialogs, you might need to debug your Chat app by reading the app's logs. To read the logs, visit the Logs Explorer on the Google Cloud console.