> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.diaflow.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.diaflow.io/workflow-builder/nodes/trigger/manual-trigger/chat.md).

# Chat

**Chat** is a **Manual trigger**.

It starts the workflow when a user sends a message in the chat interface.

When you choose **Chat**, you can build it in 2 modes:

* **Simple mode**
* **Expert mode**

<figure><img src="/files/6mfjgytuPsRceFA2ghhr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## When to use it

Use **Chat** when you want people to ask questions and get answers in a conversational UI.

It works well for AI assistants, support bots, internal copilots, and knowledge assistants.

## Simple mode

**Simple mode** is the fastest way to build a chatbot.

You do not need to design the full flow manually.

Instead, you configure the chatbot from built-in settings such as:

* **Response settings**
* **Suggested Questions**
* **Opening text & questions**
* **AI Engine**
* **Attachment**
* **Suggest follow-up questions**
* **Knowledge Sources**

This mode is best when you want to launch a chatbot quickly with standard behavior and fewer setup steps.

<figure><img src="/files/cmzV51NC4lIBmHdfqwIF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Expert mode

**Expert mode** gives you full workflow control.

When you switch to **Expert mode**, the chat is built as a normal workflow.

You can add and connect nodes just like any other workflow.

This mode is more flexible. It lets you control the logic inside the chatbot in more detail.

For example, you can decide how messages are processed, which nodes run, and how outputs are generated.

<figure><img src="/files/zHfKGZPZzGEP9XQNC4Bp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Simple mode vs Expert mode

* Use **Simple mode** for faster setup and basic chatbot configuration.
* Use **Expert mode** when you need custom logic and more control.
* You can use **Expert mode** to build more advanced chat behavior with multiple nodes.

## How it works

1. Add a **Trigger** node.
2. Choose **Chat** as the type.
3. Select **Simple mode** or **Expert mode**.
4. Configure the chatbot.
5. Test the chat before publishing.

## Good to know

* **Chat** belongs to **Manual trigger**.
* **Simple mode** is easier to set up.
* **Expert mode** is more flexible and supports more advanced flows.
* You can allow file attachments in chat when that option is enabled.

### Next steps

* Learn how **Trigger** works in [Trigger](/workflow-builder/nodes/trigger.md).
* Compare it with [Click a button](/workflow-builder/nodes/trigger/manual-trigger/click-a-button.md).
* Compare it with [Submit a form](/workflow-builder/nodes/trigger/manual-trigger/submit-a-form.md).