Introduction

In this guide, We will shares a simple yet powerful trick to enhance user experience with web chat interfaces.

The technique allows web chat widgets or URLs to open in full-page mode instead of the default floating icon.

This method is particularly useful for developers and website owners who want their chat interactions to be more prominent and immediately accessible.

The following summary provides a detailed explanation of the trick, its implementation, and practical applications, ensuring clarity for users seeking to optimize their web chat integrations.

The Web Chat Full Page Mode Trick

What is the Default Behavior?

• Typically, web chat widgets are configured to appear as floating icons at the bottom right corner of a website.

• This floating icon can be clicked to open the chat window, which then overlays the webpage.

• While convenient, this setup may not always be ideal, especially when a full-page chat experience is desired.

The Core Solution: URL Parameter style=full

• By appending a specific parameter to the chat URL, users can force the chat to open in full-page mode.

• The key parameter is:

  style=full

• When added to the URL, this parameter instructs the chat interface to expand to occupy the entire page, bypassing the floating icon.

How to Implement the Trick

1. Identify the Chat URL:

   • For example, a demo bot URL might look like:

     https://yourdomain.com/chat?channel=demo

2. Add the style=full Parameter:

   • Append &style=full at the end of the URL if other parameters exist, or ?style=full if it's the first parameter.

   • Example:

     https://yourdomain.com/chat?channel=demo&style=full

3. Open the Modified URL:

   • When users visit this URL, the chat interface will load in full-page mode.

   • This allows users to start conversations immediately without clicking a floating icon.

Practical Demonstration

• Matthew demonstrates this by previewing a demo bot.

• When clicking "Open in Web Browser", the URL is shown with the appended parameter.

• Adding &style=full to the URL causes the chat to open full-screen.

• The same method applies to ref URLs (referring to specific chat flows or channels).

Application with Widgets and Ref URLs

• Widgets:
  Users can generate a ref URL that already includes the style=full parameter.

• Usage:
  Copy the ref URL, append &style=full, and open it in a browser.

• Result:
  The chat flow opens directly in full-page mode, providing a seamless experience.

Summary Table: Key Points

Additional Tips and Considerations

• URL Construction:
  Ensure correct syntax when appending parameters:

  • Use ? if no other parameters exist.

  • Use & to add additional parameters.

• Testing:
  Always test the URL in different browsers to confirm the full-page behavior.

• Documentation:
  The trick will be added to official Hub documentation for easy reference.

• Limitations:
  This method relies on the chat system supporting the style=full parameter; verify compatibility.

Final Thoughts and Practical Benefits

This simple URL modification unlocks a more engaging and accessible web chat experience. It is especially useful for scenarios where immediate user interaction is critical, such as customer support, lead generation, or onboarding flows. By leveraging this trick, developers can enhance usability without complex coding or configuration changes.

In summary:

• Add &style=full to your chat URLs.

• Open the URL in a browser.

• Enjoy a full-page chat experience that starts right away.

This technique is a powerful yet straightforward way to improve user engagement and streamline communication channels on your website.