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

# Pre-chat questions

> Ask visitors for structured information before starting a chat.

Pre-chat questions create a conversation gate before the visitor can start chatting. Use them to collect the information your team or agent needs to respond well.

## Add a question

1. Open the inbox.
2. Go to **Channels**.
3. Find the **Chat widget** section.
4. Open **Conversation gate**.
5. Add a question.

Each question includes:

* **Name** shown to the visitor.
* **Type**: text, email, or phone.
* **Placeholder** text.
* **Required** toggle.
* **Hidden** toggle.
* **Property** mapping to a contact field.

## Map questions to contact fields

Map each question to a data model property so Clearline can store the answer on the contact. Built-in fields such as name, email, and phone number are available through the data model.

## Recommended questions

Use only the questions required to route or qualify the conversation.

| Question                     | Type  | Property     |
| ---------------------------- | ----- | ------------ |
| `What is your name?`         | Text  | Name         |
| `What is your email?`        | Email | Email        |
| `What is your phone number?` | Phone | Phone number |

<Tip>
  Shorter gates get more conversations. Ask for details later in the conversation when they are not required to start.
</Tip>

<Info>
  Screenshot placeholder: add the conversation gate question editor.
</Info>