Send To Chat is the second Reaction available to Roll20 subscribers. When enabled, this feature allows a token to automatically send text or chat commands whenever the target token is overlapped by a player or GM-controlled token. This is useful for providing descriptive text, creating thematic in-world responses to actions, triggering automated reminders, and more!
How to Enable Send To Chat
There are two ways to access Reactions on the virtual tabletop:
- Right-clicking a token > Reactions Section
- From the “Advanced” Tab in Token Settings (double-click a token to access)
Note: If accessing Send to Chat within the right-click context menu, you can drag the corner of the text field to make it larger.
Command Examples
You can use standard Roll20 chat commands such as /desc, /as, /emas, or /roll, or even trigger Macros or Mod Scripts. For a full list of chat commands, refer to the Text Chat article. Below are a range of examples demonstrating how Send To Chat can be used at your table.
Environmental Description (/desc)
Perfect for reading signs, describing scenery, etc.
/desc Faintly glowing runes are etched into the stone pillars positioned evenly around the room.Speak As a Character or NPC (/as)
Great for speaking as guards, shopkeepers, familiars, or creatures.
/as "cat" YOOOOOWLEmote As an Object, Character, or NPC (/emas)
When performing a virtual action or gesture is more appropriate than speaking.
/emas The chamber echoes a sharp *click* followed by the grinding sound of a hidden mechanism shifting somewhere in the room.Dice Roll (/roll)
Useful for quick checks or when taking damage.
/roll 1d4+11 Poison Gas DCTrigger a Macro
You can call any Macro the GM or player has permission to use. The following case-sensitive Macro commands work with Reactions:
@{instigator_id}
@{selected|character_name}
@{instigator_name}
@{token_name}
@{token_id}Example: If you want the GM or Player-controlled token to trigger an explosion and a Dexterity Save, configure the following Macro and enter #[Macro Name] in your Reaction text field.
@{selected|character_name} stepped on a trap!
Dex save: /roll 1d20 + @{@{instigator_id}|dexterity_save_roll}
/fx explode-fire @{token_id}Mod Scripts (API)
And we know you’re wondering… yes! Send to Chat Reactions work with existing Mod Scripts! We’ll provide more written guidance on implementing these soon, but for now, feel free to reach out to the awesome community on the Roll20 Forums or Discord.
Automatic Reset
Automatic Reset applies to all reactions configured on a given token.
When toggled on (token-specific), Reactions will automatically reset after triggering, allowing them to re-trigger whenever a GM or player-controlled token overlaps the Reaction token. (For example, if you want a trap to trigger every time a token enters its space, like a lava pit).
When Automatic Reset is turned off, the Reaction triggers only once and will not trigger again until manually reset by the GM. (For example, a crate lid disappears once the player’s token overlaps it to simulate opening it, or a hidden message reveals only once.)
A “Reaction Ready” message will display once a manual reset is performed and Automatic Reset is off.
Notes for GMs
The GM must be present for Send to Chat reactions to trigger for players.
- Previewing your Send to Chat Reactions by using the “Re-Join as Player” function in Game Settings will display an Unrecognized command error message.
Read more about Roll20 Reactions, including Conditional Fade, here.
Let us know what you’d like to use Reactions for on our Forums, Discord, or your social media platform of choice, and keep your eyes peeled for more updates in the coming months!
Assets used in our demo videos are from our awesome Marketplace Partners and include: The Rune Chamber, Runes of Ruin, Pulp Era Tokens, Universal RPG Assets and Items, Lava Caves, 80 Mushrooms, PC Token Grab Bag, Animated Space Station, Space Station Crew, and Animated Bio Hazards