The Text user block allows you to collect text responses from users, supporting both short and long text inputs, file attachments, and audio recordings. This versatile block is essential for gathering detailed user feedback, collecting documents, and enabling multimedia communication.

Configuration Options

Input Types

  • Short Text: Single-line input for brief responses (names, emails, short answers)
  • Long Text: Multi-line textarea for detailed responses (feedback, descriptions, stories)
  • Toggle Option: Switch between short and long text modes easily

Label Customization

  • Placeholder Text: Guide users with helpful input hints (supports variables)
  • Button Text: Customize the submit button label (supports variables)
  • Dynamic Labels: Use variables to personalize placeholder and button text

File Attachments

  • Enable Attachments: Allow users to upload files with their text responses
  • File URL Storage: Save attachment URLs to a separate variable
  • Visibility Control: Set attachment visibility to Public or Private
  • Multiple Files: Support for multiple file uploads per response

Audio Recording

  • Enable Audio Clips: Add voice message capability to text inputs
  • Audio URL Storage: Save audio file URLs to dedicated variables
  • File Format: Automatic WebM/MP4 format selection based on browser support
  • Visibility Control: Manage audio file access permissions

Variable Integration

  • Save Text: Store text responses in designated variables
  • Save Files: Store file URLs in separate variables for attachments
  • Save Audio: Store audio URLs in dedicated variables for voice messages

Short Text Input

By default, the text input expects short, single-line responses:
Text input
Perfect for:
  • Names and contact information
  • Brief answers and responses
  • Single-word or phrase inputs
  • Form field completion
  • Quick feedback collection

Long Text Input

Enable long text mode for detailed responses and multi-line input:
Long text input flow
Ideal for:
  • Detailed feedback and reviews
  • Story or experience sharing
  • Problem descriptions
  • Open-ended survey responses
  • Support ticket details

Advanced Features

File Attachment System

Enable file attachments to collect documents, images, and other files:
  • Upload Interface: Intuitive drag-and-drop or click-to-upload
  • Multiple Files: Users can attach multiple files to one response
  • URL Storage: Each attachment URL is saved to your specified variable
  • File Types: Support for common file formats (images, documents, videos)
  • Size Management: Automatic file size optimization and limits
Visibility Options:
  • Public: Anyone with the link can access files
  • Private: Only workspace members can access files
This feature is useful when you want to:
  • Collect documentation or certificates
  • Receive image submissions or screenshots
  • Allow users to upload supporting materials
  • Gather file-based evidence or examples

Audio Recording Capability

Enable voice message recording for enhanced user interaction:
  • Microphone Interface: Appears when text input is empty
  • Recording Controls: Start, stop, and review recording functionality
  • Format Selection: Automatic WebM/MP4 format based on browser capability
  • URL Storage: Audio file URLs saved to designated variables
Audio files are recorded as WebM format when supported by the browser, or MP4 format (Safari and other browsers with limited WebM support).
Audio Features:
  • Quality Optimization: Automatic audio compression for faster upload
  • Duration Limits: Configurable maximum recording length
  • Playback Preview: Users can review recordings before sending
  • Mobile Support: Full functionality on mobile devices
Perfect for:
  • Voice feedback and testimonials
  • Pronunciation or language learning
  • Audio diary entries
  • Accessibility for users who prefer speaking
  • Personal message collection

Variable Integration Strategies

Text Response Storage:
  • Store user text in a primary variable
  • Use descriptive names like userFeedback or customerStory
  • Text supports full Unicode including emojis and special characters
Attachment Management:
  • Store attachment URLs in separate variables
  • Array format for multiple files: ["url1.jpg", "url2.pdf"]
  • Integrate with external storage systems via webhooks
Audio File Handling:
  • Dedicated variables for audio URLs
  • Format metadata available for processing
  • Duration and size information accessible

Best Practices

User Experience

  • Use appropriate input type (short vs. long) based on expected response length
  • Provide clear, helpful placeholder text to guide users
  • Enable attachments only when necessary to avoid interface clutter
  • Consider mobile users when enabling audio recording features

Content Management

  • Use descriptive variable names for different types of content
  • Plan storage strategy for uploaded files and audio
  • Consider file retention policies and privacy requirements
  • Test upload limits and file size restrictions

Accessibility

  • Provide alternative input methods (text + audio) for inclusive design
  • Use clear labels and instructions for all features
  • Test voice recording functionality across different devices
  • Ensure file upload interfaces work with assistive technologies

Performance Considerations

  • Monitor file upload sizes and implement reasonable limits
  • Consider bandwidth usage for audio recording features
  • Test performance on mobile devices and slower connections
  • Implement progressive enhancement for advanced features

Integration Examples

Customer Support Workflow

{
  "support_ticket": {
    "description": "{{userProblem}}",
    "attachments": "{{supportFiles}}",
    "audio_description": "{{voiceMessage}}",
    "priority": "determined by content analysis"
  }
}

Content Collection System

  1. Collect text content with Text Input block
  2. Allow file attachments for supporting materials
  3. Enable audio for personal testimonials
  4. Process all content types in downstream integrations
  5. Store in content management system via webhook

Survey and Feedback

  • Use short text for demographic information
  • Enable long text for detailed feedback
  • Allow attachments for evidence or examples
  • Record audio for emotional context and tone

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

File uploads not working
  • Check file size limits and format restrictions
  • Verify browser support for file upload APIs
  • Test upload functionality across different devices
  • Ensure proper network connectivity for large files
Audio recording issues
  • Verify microphone permissions are granted
  • Check browser support for MediaRecorder API
  • Test audio recording on different devices and browsers
  • Ensure users understand how to start/stop recording
Variable not saving content
  • Confirm variables are properly selected for each content type
  • Check that text, file, and audio use separate variables
  • Verify variable names don’t contain special characters
  • Test variable integration with subsequent blocks
Long text display problems
  • Verify long text toggle is enabled correctly
  • Check text area sizing on mobile devices
  • Test with various text lengths and formatting
  • Ensure proper responsive behavior

File Management Issues

Attachment visibility problems
  • Verify visibility settings match intended access level
  • Check workspace permissions for private files
  • Test file access from different user contexts
  • Ensure proper authentication for private content
Audio format compatibility
  • Test audio playback across different browsers
  • Verify WebM vs MP4 format selection logic
  • Check audio quality and compression settings
  • Test file size and duration limits

Integration Considerations

  • File URLs may change over time; plan for link management
  • Audio files require transcription for text-based processing
  • Multiple attachments create array data that needs proper parsing
  • Consider storage costs for uploaded content

Performance Optimization

  • Implement file size limits appropriate for your use case
  • Consider content delivery network (CDN) for file distribution
  • Monitor storage usage and implement cleanup policies
  • Test upload performance under various network conditions