Open interactive dialogs

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

Apps Script

Python

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.

Clicking a button on a card to open a dialog.
Figure 1: Clicking a button on a card to open a dialog.
Clicking a button on a card to open a dialog.
Figure 2: Issuing a slash command to open a dialog.

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.

A dialog featuring a variety of different widgets.
Figure 3: An open dialog prompting a user to add a contact.
A dialog featuring a variety of different widgets.
Figure 4: A second dialog prompts the user for more information.

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:

When a user requests a dialog, your Chat app receives an interaction event in which:

  • isDialogEvent is true.
  • DialogEventType specifies 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 interaction event similar to the following:

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 card button click

To make a card button open a dialog, specify:

When a user clicks a button on a card, your Chat app receives an interaction event where:

To open a dialog, respond with:

In this example, a Chat app responds to a MESSAGE interaction 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.
  const 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") {
      openDialog(event);
    };

    /**
    * Opens and starts a dialog that lets users 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 Chat app receives an interaction event where:

To open a dialog, respond with:

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.
  const 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
        openDialog(event);
    }
  }
};

/**
* Opens and starts a dialog that lets users 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'
                            }
                          }
                        }
                      ]
                    }
                  }
                ]
              }
            ]
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }

Open sequential dialogs

When user interactions require more than one dialog, you can open another dialog by returning the next dialog in the sequence in response to a SUBMIT_DIALOG DialogEventType.

In the card button that updates the 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 the next dialog.

When users click a button in a dialog, your Chat app receives an interaction event where:

Respond with a new dialog to replace the contents of the open dialog.

In this example, a Chat app responds to a CARD_CLICKED interaction 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") {
    openDialog(event);
  }

  // Open the second dialog.
  if (event.common.invokedFunction === "openSequentialDialog") {
    openSequentialDialog(event);
  }
}

/**
* Opens and starts a dialog that lets users 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 lets users 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 Chat 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 lets users 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 lets users 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 lets users 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 your Chat app receives an interaction event where:

The data users enter in the dialog are available on the interaction 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 interaction 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 user data entered for a specific field in a dialog.
      "NAME": {

        // 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 Chat 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 ActionResponse that has "actionStatus": "OK". This closes the dialog without posting a response.
  • To reply with a text message or a card, respond with an ActionResponse that has a ResponseType of NEW_MESSAGE, UPDATE_MESSAGE, or UPDATE_USER_MESSAGE_CARDS. For more information, see Respond to a dialog.
  • To return an error, respond with an ActionResponse that has "actionStatus": "ERROR MESSAGE".

The following example checks for the presence of a "name" value. If it's absent, the Chat app returns an error. If it's present, the Chat 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. Any "actionStatus" value other than "OK"
  // gets returned as an error.
  if (event.common.formInputs.WIDGET_NAME.stringInputs.value[0] === "") {
    res.json({
      "actionResponse": {
        "type": "DIALOG",
        "dialogAction": {
          "actionStatus": "Don't forget to name your new contact!"
        }
      }
    });

    // Otherwise the Chat app indicates that it received
    // form data from the dialog. An "actionStatus" of "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. Any "actionStatus" value other than "OK"
  // gets returned as an error.
  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 Chat app indicates that it received
    // form data from the dialog. An "actionStatus" of "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.

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.
  const 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
        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") {
      openDialog(event);
    }

    if (event.common.invokedFunction === "openSequentialDialog") {
      openSequentialDialog(event);
    }

    if (event.common.invokedFunction === "confirmDialogSuccess") {
      confirmDialogSuccess(event);
    }

  }
};

/**
* Opens and starts a dialog that lets users 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 lets users 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. Any "actionStatus" value other than "OK"
  // gets returned as an error.
  if (event.common.formInputs.contactName.stringInputs.value[0] === "") {
    res.json({
      "actionResponse": {
        "type": "DIALOG",
        "dialogAction": {
          "actionStatus": "Don't forget to name your new contact!"
        }
      }
    });

    // Otherwise the Chat app indicates that it received
    // form data from the dialog. An "actionStatus" of "OK" is
    // interpreted as code 200, and the dialog closes.
  } else {
    res.json({
      "actionResponse": {
        "type": "DIALOG",
        "dialogAction": {
          "actionStatus": "OK"
        }
      }
    });
  }
}

Apps Script

apps-script/dialogs/rolodex.gs
/**
* 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") {
    const contactName = fetchFormValue(event, "contactName");
    const address = fetchFormValue(event, "address");
    return openSequentialDialog(contactName, address);
  }

  if (event.common.invokedFunction === "receiveDialog") {
    const parameters = event.common.parameters;
    parameters["contactType"] = fetchFormValue(event, "contactType");
    parameters["notes"] = fetchFormValue(event, "notes");
    return receiveDialog(parameters);
  }
}

/**
 * Extracts form input value for a given widget
 * 
 * @param {Object} event the event object from Google Chat
 * @param {String} widgetName the widget name
 * @returns the form input value for the widget
 */
function fetchFormValue(event, widgetName) {
  const widget = event.common.formInputs[widgetName];
  if (widget) {
    return widget[""]["stringInputs"]["value"][0];
  }
}

/**
* Opens and starts a dialog that lets users 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 lets users add more contact details.
*
* @param {String} contactName the contact name from the previous dialog.
* @param {String} address the address from the previous dialog.
*
* @return {Object} open a dialog.
*/
function openSequentialDialog(contactName, address) {
  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": "contactName",
                                  "value": contactName
                                },
                                {
                                  "key": "address",
                                  "value": address
                                }
                              ]
                            }
                          }
                        }
                      ]
                    },
                    "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} parameters the form input values.
*
* @return {Object} open a Dialog in Google Chat.
*/
function receiveDialog(parameters) {

  // Checks to make sure the user entered a name
  // in a dialog. If no name value detected, returns
  // an error message.
  if (!parameters.contactName) {
    return {
      "actionResponse": {
        "type": "DIALOG",
        "dialogAction": {
          "actionStatus": {
            "statusCode": "INVALID_ARGUMENT",
            "userFacingMessage": "Don't forget to name your new contact!"
          }
        }
      }
    };

    // Otherwise the Chat 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": {
            "statusCode": "OK",
            "userFacingMessage": "Success " + JSON.stringify(parameters)
          }
        }
      }
    };
  }
}

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 lets users 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.
  • onChangeAction - a property of some card widgets, like SwitchControl, that specifies an Action to perform when the widget is changed, like flipping a switch - is not supported.
  • Opening, submitting, or canceling a dialog requires a synchronous response from a Chat app with a DialogEventType. Accordingly, dialogs aren't supported by Chat apps built with an asynchronous architecture, like Cloud Pub/Sub or the Create Message API method. If your app uses an asynchronous architecture, consider using a card message instead of a dialog.

Troubleshoot

When a Google Chat app or card returns an error, the Chat interface surfaces a message saying "Something went wrong." or "Unable to process your request." Sometimes the Chat UI doesn't display any error message, but the Chat app or card produces an unexpected result; for example, a card message might not appear.

Although an error message might not display in the Chat UI, descriptive error messages and log data are available to help you fix errors when error logging for Chat apps is turned on. For help viewing, debugging, and fixing errors, see Troubleshoot and fix Google Chat errors.