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Starter inputs let you collect information from users before they begin interacting with your app. They make conversations more focused, structured, and personalized.
Preview requiredAlways preview your app to test how starter inputs behave. Confirm they collect the right information and that required fields appear as intended before sharing.
Why this mattersWell-designed starter inputs streamline interactions, collect what you need upfront, and make your app more useful. They are often essential for purposeful, structured conversations.

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Watch how to add starter inputs

A short walkthrough of building with starter inputs in a Playlab app.

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How to add starter inputs

1

Open the Inputs menu

On the right-hand navigation in your app editor, click the Inputs button. The starter inputs configuration panel opens.
2

Add and configure inputs

Click Add Starter Input to begin.
Starter input button in the app editor
Pick from the available input types:
Starter input types: Short Text, Long Text, Dropdown, Checkbox, File Upload
  • Short Text: brief responses like names or short answers
  • Long Text: longer responses like descriptions or feedback
  • Dropdown: select a single option from predefined choices
  • Checkbox: select multiple options from predefined choices
  • File Upload: accept files up to 5MB (images, PDFs, CSVs, and more)
For each input, set:
  • A clear, descriptive label
  • Whether the input is required or optional
  • Helpful placeholder text to guide users
  • At least two options for dropdowns
  • Multiple options for checkboxes (users can pick any combination)
Arrange inputs in a logical order, then preview your app to test them.
3

Use input data in your app

Reference the collected information in your app’s instructions and prompts. Update prompts to incorporate user-provided data, test how the inputs change the conversation, and refine based on what you see.

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Best practices

A few patterns that have worked: Keep it focused. Only ask for information that is essential for your app to work. Match the input type to the data. Short text for names; long text for detailed feedback; dropdowns for single-choice; checkboxes for multi-select; file upload for documents or images. Make labels clear and specific so users know exactly what to provide. Use placeholder text to give examples or clarification. Arrange inputs in a logical sequence that matches the flow you want. Balance required and optional fields. Too many required fields can feel overwhelming. Test with different inputs to make sure your app handles every response gracefully. Preview before publishing so you experience your app from the user’s side.

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FAQ

Five types: Short Text for brief responses, Long Text for extended responses, Dropdown for single-choice from predefined options, Checkbox for multi-select from predefined options, and File Upload for files up to 5MB (images, PDFs, CSVs, and more).
There is no strict limit, but keep them focused. Too many inputs creates friction and overwhelm. Ask only for what your app actually needs to function.
Yes. Be aware that removing inputs returning users have relied on can create confusion, and adding new required inputs can break the experience for them. For significant changes, consider a new version of your app.
Reference specific inputs in your app’s instructions and prompts, customize the conversation flow, process uploaded files for relevant data, and use checkbox selections to personalize responses.
Yes, every user who opens your app sees the configured starter inputs. If you need different inputs for different audiences, create separate versions of the app.
Your app proceeds without that data. Make sure your app’s logic handles missing optional inputs gracefully.
Yes. Files uploaded through starter inputs can be processed in your app: analyzing CSV data, extracting text from PDFs, or using images as reference material. Include instructions in your app for how to handle uploads.
Dropdown when users should pick exactly one option from a limited set. Checkbox when users might pick multiple options that aren’t mutually exclusive. Both ensure consistent, predictable responses and prevent typos compared to free text.

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Need support?

Email [email protected] if you run into any issues with starter inputs.
Last updated: 05-13-2026