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Release: Australia · Updated: 2026-04-29 · Official documentation · View source

File Picker user input control

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.

The live agent picker scenario:

  • 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.

The following table lists the details about the properties of the File Picker.

PropertyDescription
Node nameName that identifies the File Picker user input control node in the topic flow.
Variable nameName of the variable that stores the user response to this prompt. The variable name is automatically created from the Node name property.
PromptPrompt 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 uploadType of file to upload. All file types are supported, except the SVG format for image files.
Advanced
Confirmation messages
Input completion confirmationBot 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 confirmationMessage 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 ifNo-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 ifNo-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 ifNo-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.

The following table lists details about the File Picker control in different client interfaces.

PlatformSteps to select an image or file
Web UI
  1. Select Click here to upload an image. or Click here to upload a file.
  2. Select a file from your local computer. All file types are supported.
Slack
  1. Select the Green + icon.
  2. Select Your computer.
  3. Select an image file from your local computer.

All file types are supported.

Microsoft Teams1. On your local computer, copy an image file. 2. Paste the image file into the text input field in Microsoft Teams.
Workplace1. Select the Workplace image icon
Image omitted: FB-image-icon.png
Workplace image icon..
2. Select an image file from your local computer. All file types are supported.
ServiceNow mobile
  1. Touch Upload an image.
  2. Select an image file from the photo library on your mobile device.

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

Note: Virtual Agent Designer controls may display and function differently in other channels.

File Picker propertiesFile Picker prompt
Image omitted: va-file-picker-properties.png
Basic properties include the node name, prompt, and file type, either Image or All file types.
Image omitted: va-file-picker-image.png
In a chat window, the prompt reads, "Please upload your image." The button reads, "Click here to upload an image."
Image omitted: va-image-picker-mobile.png
Prompt that reads, "Please upload a file for the detailed description of the case." There are three options: Upload an Image, Take Photo, or Upload a File.

Channel support

The following table lists the details about the channel support for the File Picker user input control.

ChannelSupportConstraints
Web UISupportedNone
Mobile UISupportedPrompt 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.
Image omitted: camera-access-prompt.png
Prompt that reads, "Mobile" Would Like to Access the Camera. The choices are "Don't Allow" and "OK."
Now Assist panelSupportedNone
Microsoft TeamsSupportedNone
Google ChatSupportedNone
SlackSupportedNone
WorkplaceSupportedNone
Facebook MessengerSupportedSupported file types are JPG, PNG, BMP, and MP4. The files have a maximum size limit based on the file type: - For images, the maximum size limit is 10 MB. - For videos, the maximum size limit is 200 MB.
SMS TwilioPartial supportImage files only
LINESupportedSupported file types are JPG, PNG, BMP, and MP4. The files have a maximum size limit based on the file type: - For images, the maximum size limit is 10 MB. - For videos, the maximum size limit is 200 MB.
WhatsAppSupportedNone
Apple Messages for BusinessSupportedNone
Alexa \(Voice\)Not supportedNot applicable

Parent Topic:Assistant Designer user input controls