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

# Floating Initial Messages

> Create eye-catching floating messages that appear above your chat widget to welcome visitors and boost engagement

### Prerequisites

> [!NOTE]
>
> A website with the Chatbase embed script already installed and working.
> New to Chatbase? Check out [Your First AI Agent](https://chatbase.co/docs/user-guides/quick-start/your-first-agent.md) to get started with the embed script first.

## Setting Up Floating Initial Messages

This feature takes the initial messages you've configured in your Chatbase dashboard and displays them in an attention-grabbing floating format to welcome visitors and encourage interaction.

### Configuration

Set up floating initial messages using the JavaScript configuration object:

```javascript theme={null}
window.chatbaseConfig = {
  showFloatingInitialMessages: true,  // Enable floating messages
  floatingInitialMessagesDelay: 2,    // Show after 2 seconds
  floatingMessagesOncePerSession: true // Show once per session (default) or on every page load
};
```

## Configuration Reference

### chatbaseConfig Properties

Configure floating initial messages using these parameters in your `chatbaseConfig` object:

**showFloatingInitialMessages** `boolean` (default: false)

Controls whether initial messages appear in a floating window above the chat widget

**Requirements:**

* Must be set before the Chatbase script loads
* Displays the initial messages configured in your Chatbase dashboard as floating bubbles

**floatingInitialMessagesDelay** `number` (default: 2)

Delay in seconds before displaying floating initial messages

**Requirements:**

* Minimum value: 0 (immediate display)
* Maximum recommended: 10 seconds

**floatingMessagesOncePerSession** `boolean` (default: true)

Controls whether floating messages appear once per session or on every page load

**Behavior:**

* `true` (default): Messages appear only once per session. They won't reappear if users refresh the page or navigate to other pages during the same session.
* `false`: Messages appear on every page load/refresh.

> [!WARNING]
>
> By default, floating initial messages are displayed only once per user session to maintain a non-intrusive experience. Set `floatingMessagesOncePerSession` to `false` if you want messages to appear on every page load.

## Best Practices

> **Timing Strategy**
>
> **Optimize when floating messages appear**
>
> * **User attention span**: Show messages within 2-4 seconds for best engagement
> * **Page context**: Use longer delays on content-heavy pages, shorter on simple pages
> * **Mobile considerations**: Account for slower loading on mobile devices

> **Message Design**
>
> **Create effective floating experiences**
>
> * **Keep messages concise**: Floating messages should be brief and attention-grabbing
> * **Maintain brand voice**: Ensure floating messages match your overall messaging tone
> * **Test across devices**: Verify messages display well on different screen sizes


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