> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shieldbase.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Chatbots

> Build intelligent chatbots for automated interactions with users

## Overview

Automate interaction with users with natural language by responding to questions, performing tasks, and providing information.

## Types of Chatbots

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Basic Chatbot">
    **Simple, Single-Source Chatbot**

    A basic chatbot that uses:

    * One source of information as Context
    * One-step Workflow
    * Unlimited open-ended conversations

    Perfect for:

    * FAQ bots
    * Simple customer support
    * Information retrieval
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Advanced Chatbot">
    **Multi-Source, Multi-Step Chatbot**

    An advanced chatbot with:

    * Multiple sources of information as Context
    * Multiple steps specified in Workflow
    * Controlled conversation flow

    Perfect for:

    * Complex customer journeys
    * Lead qualification
    * Technical support
    * E-commerce assistance
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Build a Basic Chatbot

Build a basic chatbot that uses only one source of information as **Context**, and one-step **Workflow**. This chatbot is capable of interacting with users in unlimited open-ended conversations.

### Video Tutorial

<Note>
  💡 **Tip**: Adjust video playback speed using the gear icon (⚙️) in the video player. We recommend 0.5x speed for detailed tutorials.
</Note>

<iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12S16YinSmWB1NME1icglWn1mkBZ_bMGm/preview" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowFullScreen />

### Step-by-Step Instructions

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Workflow">
    1. Navigate to **Workflows**
    2. Click **New Workflow**
    3. You'll be in Build mode automatically
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Node">
    1. Click on the node to reveal details
    2. In the **Description** field, specify what will be shown to the user
    3. Click **Save Changes**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Chatbot">
    1. Click **Chatbot** in the sidebar
    2. A new chatbot setup will be automatically created
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Chatbot">
    1. Specify the **Name** of the chatbot
    2. Enter the **Title** that will appear at the top
    3. Select data from the **Context**
    4. Enable **Guardrails** to ensure responses come from selected data
    5. Click **Save**
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Build an Advanced Chatbot

Build an advanced chatbot with controlled conversation based on multiple sources of information as **Context**, and multiple steps specified in the **Workflow**.

### Video Tutorial

<Info>
  Advanced chatbots allow for complex, multi-step conversations with decision trees and conditional logic.
</Info>

### Step-by-Step Instructions

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Workflow">
    1. Navigate to **Workflows**
    2. Click **New Workflow**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure First Node">
    1. Click on the node to reveal details
    2. Specify the initial user interaction in **Description**
    3. Click **Save Changes**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Multiple Steps">
    1. Click **Add Action** to add new steps
    2. Configure each step with specific actions
    3. Consider using the **Handle Conversation** action node to allow dynamic conversation routing
    4. Connect steps to create conversation flow
    5. Save changes for each step
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Chatbot">
    1. Click **Chatbot** in the sidebar
    2. Configure name and title
    3. Select multiple data sources from **Context**
    4. Enable **Guardrails** for accuracy
    5. Click **Save**
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Share the Chatbot

Once your chatbot is configured, you can share it externally so users can interact with it without logging into Shieldbase. There are two primary ways to publish and share a chatbot:

### Method 1: Embed in a Website

Turn on public access to generate an embed code, then paste the code snippet into your website's HTML (typically in the `<head>` section or where your widget scripts are loaded). The chatbot will appear as an embedded widget on your site, allowing visitors to start a conversation directly from the page.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Public Access">
    Turn on public access in the chatbot settings to generate an embed code.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy Embed Code">
    Copy the generated code snippet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Your Website">
    Paste the code snippet into your website's HTML (typically in the `<head>` section or where your widget scripts are loaded).
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Method 2: Share as a Standalone Experience

Enable public access by clicking **Make Chatbot Public**. Shieldbase will generate a shareable URL that you can send to anyone. Users can open this link in their browser to interact with the chatbot in a dedicated page, without requiring additional setup, embedding, or login.

<iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Up_izIT6mfWyR9wjB_19zKmONvHe1CtZ/preview" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowFullScreen />

<Steps>
  <Step title="Make Chatbot Public">
    Click **Make Chatbot Public** to enable public access.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy Shareable URL">
    Shieldbase generates a shareable URL.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Share the Link">
    Send the URL to anyone — they can interact with the chatbot in a dedicated page without logging in.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Chatbot Configuration Options

### Context Settings

<Accordion title="Data Sources">
  Select one or more data sources that the chatbot will use:

  * Library documents
  * Integrated databases
  * API connections
  * Web resources
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Guardrails">
  <Warning>
    **Always enable Guardrails** to ensure that the AI only sources information from the Context and avoids hallucination.
  </Warning>

  Guardrails ensure:

  * Accurate responses from selected sources
  * No fabricated information
  * Consistent answers
  * Data privacy compliance
</Accordion>

### Deployment Options

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Internal Use">
    Deploy chatbots for internal team use:

    * Employee assistance
    * IT helpdesk
    * HR support
    * Knowledge management
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Public Deployment">
    Make chatbots publicly accessible:

    1. Click the **Public** checkbox
    2. Copy the generated code snippet
    3. Embed on your website
    4. Customize appearance to match your brand

    ```html theme={null}
    <!-- Embed code example -->
    <script src="https://shieldbase.ai/embed/..."></script>
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Pro Tips

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Define Purpose" icon="target">
    Clearly define what problem your chatbot will solve before building
  </Card>

  <Card title="Test Thoroughly" icon="flask">
    Test both expected and unexpected conversation flows
  </Card>

  <Card title="Brand Personality" icon="palette">
    Give your chatbot a personality that extends your brand
  </Card>

  <Card title="Regular Updates" icon="sync">
    Update context data regularly to keep responses current
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Use Case Examples

### Customer Support Bot

<Accordion title="Configuration">
  **Context**: Product documentation, FAQ database, support tickets

  **Workflow**:

  1. Greet customer
  2. Identify issue category
  3. Provide solution or escalate
  4. Collect feedback

  **Guardrails**: Enabled to ensure accurate product information
</Accordion>

### Lead Generation Bot

<Accordion title="Configuration">
  **Context**: Product catalog, pricing information, case studies

  **Workflow**:

  1. Welcome visitor
  2. Qualify interest
  3. Collect contact information
  4. Schedule demo or send resources

  **Guardrails**: Enabled for consistent pricing and features
</Accordion>

### HR Assistant Bot

<Accordion title="Configuration">
  **Context**: Employee handbook, benefits information, policies

  **Workflow**:

  1. Verify employee identity
  2. Categorize query
  3. Provide information or forms
  4. Log interaction for HR team

  **Guardrails**: Enabled for policy compliance
</Accordion>

## Best Practices

<Warning>
  **Never disable Guardrails** in production chatbots handling sensitive or critical information.
</Warning>

<Tip>
  **Start Simple**: Begin with a basic chatbot and add complexity as you understand user needs better.
</Tip>

<Info>
  **Monitor Performance**: Regularly review chat logs to identify areas for improvement and common user queries.
</Info>

## Troubleshooting

<Accordion title="Chatbot not responding correctly">
  * Check that Context data is properly indexed
  * Verify Guardrails are enabled
  * Review workflow configuration
  * Test with simpler prompts
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Slow response times">
  * Reduce the amount of Context data
  * Optimize workflow steps
  * Check integration connections
  * Contact support if issue persists
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Embedding issues">
  * Verify the Public checkbox is enabled
  * Check that embed code is properly formatted
  * Ensure your website allows external scripts
  * Test in different browsers
</Accordion>