File Picker user input control
Summarize
Summary of File Picker user input control
The File Picker user input control in ServiceNow Virtual Agent enables users to upload images or any file type during a chat interaction. Uploaded images are immediately displayed in the Virtual Agent client, scaled to fit the chat window while preserving aspect ratio. This control supports all file types except SVG images and includes virus scanning and validation for uploaded files. It is compatible with multiple client interfaces and communication channels, facilitating seamless file sharing within a conversational experience.
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Key Features
- File Support: All file types accepted except SVG for images.
- Image Display: Uploaded images show instantly in the chat, scaled appropriately.
- Virus Scanning and Validation: Ensures uploaded files are safe before processing.
- Integration with Cases: Uploaded files can be linked to cases using the Record Action utility.
- Flexible Prompting: Customize prompts and confirmation messages with static text or scripts, including dot-walking.
- Conditional Logic: Nodes can be conditionally shown, skipped, or reprompting avoided based on no-code or low-code conditions.
- Platform-Specific Upload Methods: Supports file selection via click, drag-and-drop, copy-paste (images only), or platform-specific UI elements (e.g., paperclip icon in Microsoft Teams).
Usage in Different Client Interfaces
The file selection process adapts based on the Virtual Agent client:
- Web UI: Click to upload files from local computer.
- Slack: Use Green + icon to select files.
- Microsoft Teams: Upload via paperclip icon, drag-and-drop, or paste images.
- Workplace: Use image icon to upload files.
- ServiceNow Mobile: Upload from photo library; supports all file types if enabled.
Channel Support and Constraints
| Channel | Support | Constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Web UI | Supported | None |
| Mobile UI | Supported | Users may be prompted for camera or file system permissions. |
| Now Assist Panel | Supported | None |
| Microsoft Teams | Supported | None |
| Google Chat | Supported | None |
| Slack | Supported | None |
| Workplace | Supported | Supported file types: JPG, PNG, BMP, MP4; image max size 10 MB, video max size 200 MB |
| Facebook Messenger | Supported | Supported file types: JPG, PNG, BMP, MP4; same size limits as Workplace |
| SMS Twilio | Partial support | Image files only |
| LINE | Supported | Supported file types and size limits same as Workplace |
| Supported | None | |
| Apple Messages for Business | Supported | None |
| Alexa (Voice) | Not supported | Not applicable |
Practical Considerations for ServiceNow Customers
- Use the File Picker control to enable users to conveniently upload various file types during Virtual Agent conversations, enhancing interaction quality.
- Customize prompts and confirmation messages to align with your organization's tone and use case using static text or dynamic scripts.
- Leverage conditional logic to control when and how file uploads are requested or skipped, improving user experience.
- Ensure appropriate permissions are configured, especially for mobile clients, to allow file access.
- Be aware of channel-specific constraints such as supported file types and size limits,
Use the File Picker user input control in a Virtual Agent topic to prompt a user to upload an image or any file type. After the user uploads an image file, the image appears immediately in the Virtual Agent client.
File Picker user input control properties
All file types are supported by the file picker, except the SVG format for image files. Although the image can be high resolution, the image displayed in the Virtual Agent client is scaled based on the aspect ratio. Images scale to fit within the chat window.
In Microsoft Teams, a file can be uploaded through the paper clip (attachment) icon, or using drag-and-drop. Copying and pasting only works for image files. Users can share attachments on Microsoft Teams through the Virtual Agent file picker user input control, and by sending attachments while chatting with a live agent.
- Doesn't support the SVG format for image files.
- Supports a combination of text, files, and emojis. However, orders may show up differently between how a user sends these items versus how an agent views these items.
- Doesn't support formatted text.
When a file upload is in progress, you can't upload or enter text for the file picker control. The uploaded files go through a virus scan and validation.
You can link an uploaded file to a case you create using the Record Action utility. For more information, see Record Action utility.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Node name | Name that identifies the File Picker user input control node in the topic flow. |
| Variable name | Name of the variable that stores the user response to this prompt. The variable name is automatically created from the Node name property. |
| Prompt | Prompt or question asking the user to upload the item. The prompt can be a text string that includes variables or a script that returns text. |
| Allow user to upload | Type of file to upload. All file types are supported, except the SVG format for image files. |
| Advanced | |
| Confirmation messages | |
| Input completion confirmation |
Bot response shown to the user when the node interaction is complete. The message can be either a text string or a script that returns text. For example, if you're using dot-walking: Thanks, (Input Variables > Username)! Or if you're using a script, the acknowledgement might be: Thanks, {{vaInputs.username}}! |
| Default value confirmation |
Message that asks the user to verify that the value in the Default value field is correct. This message is used instead of a value in the Prompt field. It can contain either a text string or a script that returns text. For example, if you're using dot-walking: Are you (Input Variables > Username)? Or if you're using a script, the confirmation message might be: Are you {{vaScripts.lastUsername}}?. |
| Hide or skip this node | |
| Conditionally show this node if |
No-code condition statement or low-code script that specifies a condition for presenting this node in the conversation. The condition must evaluate to true. |
| Allow user to skip this node if |
No-code condition statement or low-code script that specifies a condition for letting users skip this node in the conversation. The condition must evaluate to true. You can set this field using either the condition builder or a script. |
| Skip reprompting if | No-code condition statement or low-code script that specifies a condition for letting users skip reprompting in the conversation. When a preceding node is revisited through a topic loopback or Dialog Act, the Virtual Agent bypasses this node and automatically retain its original value. |
Using the File Picker control in different client interfaces
The process to select an image differs based on the Virtual Agent client interface. Use the following steps to select an image in the client interface of your choice.
| Platform | Steps to select an image or file |
|---|---|
| Web UI |
|
|
Slack |
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Microsoft Teams |
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Workplace |
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|
ServiceNow mobile |
Note:
The Upload a file button is only available when you enable the All file types file picker property. |
Example of a File Picker user input control
| File Picker properties | File Picker prompt |
|---|---|
Channel support
| Channel | Support | Constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Web UI | Supported | None |
| Mobile UI | Supported | Prompt that users see asking for permission for the app to access a camera or file system if the user has not already given the permission. |
| Now Assist panel | Supported | None |
| Microsoft Teams | Supported | None |
| Google Chat | Supported | None |
| Slack | Supported | None |
| Workplace | Supported | None |
| Facebook Messenger | Supported | Supported file types are JPG, PNG, BMP, and MP4. The files have a maximum size limit based on the file type:
|
| SMS Twilio | Partial support | Image files only |
| LINE | Supported | Supported file types are JPG, PNG, BMP, and MP4. The files have a maximum size limit based on the file type:
|
| Supported | None | |
| Apple Messages for Business | Supported | None |
| Alexa (Voice) | Not supported | Not applicable |