Message Composer - CometChat Docs

Overview

MessageComposer is a Component that enables users to write and send a variety of messages, including text, image, video, and custom messages. Features such as Live Reaction, Attachments, and Message Editing are also supported by it.

MessageComposer is comprised of the following Base Components:

Base Components	Description
MessageInput	This provides a basic layout for the contents of this component, such as the TextField and buttons
ActionSheet	The ActionSheet component presents a list of options in either a list or grid mode, depending on the user’s preference

Usage

Integration

The following code snippet illustrates how you can directly incorporate the MessageComposer component into your file.

// syntax for set(user: User)
let messageComposer = CometChatMessageComposer()
    messageComposer.set(user: user)
    messageComposer.set(parentMessageId: 20)

Actions

Actions dictate how a component functions. They are divided into two types: Predefined and User-defined. You can override either type, allowing you to tailor the behavior of the component to fit your specific needs.

1. OnSendButtonClick

The OnSendButtonClick event gets activated when the send message button is clicked. The following code snippet Overrides the action of the send button in CometChatMessageComposer.

Swift

// syntax for set(sendIcon: UIImage) 
messageComposer.setOnSendButtonClick { message in
// return custom action here
}

Filters

MessageComposer component does not have any available filters.

Events

Events are emitted by a Component. By using event you can extend existing functionality. Being global events, they can be applied in Multiple Locations and are capable of being Added or Removed. The MessageComposer Component does not emit any events of its own.

Customization

To fit your app’s design requirements, you can customize the appearance of the MessageComposer component. We provide exposed methods that allow you to modify the experience and behavior according to your specific needs.

Style

Using Style you can customize the look and feel of the component in your app, These parameters typically control elements such as the color, size, shape, and fonts used within the component.

1. MessageComposer Style

To customize the styling, you can apply the MessageComposerStyle to the MessageComposer component.

Swift

let messageComposerStyle  = MessageComposerStyle()
let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .set(messageComposerStyle: messageComposerStyle)

The following properties are exposed by MessageComposerStyle:

Property	Description	Method
Set BorderWidth	Sets the border width for message composer	`.set(borderWidth: CGFloat)`
Set BorderColor	Sets the border color for message composer	`.set(borderColor: UIColor)`
Set CornerRadius	Sets the corner radius for message composer	`.set(cornerRadius: CometChatCornerStyle)`
Set Background	Sets the background color for message composer	`.set(background: UIColor)`
Set InputBackgroundColor	Sets the input background color of message composer	`.set(inputBackground: UIColor)`
Set TextFont	Sets the input text font of message composer	`.set(textFont: UIFont)`
Set InputBoxPlaceholderFont	Sets the placeholder text font for message composer input field	`.set(inputBoxPlaceholderFont: UIFont)`
Set PlaceHolderTextColor	Sets the placeholder text color for message composer input field	`.set(placeHolderTextColor: UIColor)`
Set AttachIconTint	Sets the attachment icon tint color	`.set(attachmentIconTint: UIColor)`
Set SendIconTint	Sets send button icon tint color	`.set(sendIconTint: UIColor)`
Set SeparatorTint	Sets the separator color for message composer	`.set(separatorTint: UIColor)`
Set InputBorderWidth	Sets the border width for message composer input view	`.set(inputBorderWidth: CGFloat)`
Set InputBorderColor	Sets the border color for message composer input view	`.set(inputBorderColor: UIColor)`
Set ActionSheetTitleColor	Sets the title color for action sheet of message composer	`.set(actionSheetTitleColor: UIColor)`
Set ActionSheetTitleFont	Sets the title font for action sheet of message composer	`.set(actionSheetTitleFont: UIFont)`
Set ActionSheetLayoutModelIconTint	Sets action sheet layout mode icon tint color for message composer	`.set(actionSheetLayoutModelIconTint: UIColor)`
Set ActionSheetCancelButtonIconTint	Sets action sheet cancel button icon tint color for message composer	`.set(actionSheetCancelButtonIconTint: UIColor)`
Set ActionSheetCancelButtonIconFont	Sets the action sheet cancel button icon font color for message composer	`.set(actionSheetCancelButtonIconFont: UIFont)`
Set ActionSheetSeparatorTint	Sets the separator color for action sheet items	`.set(actionSheetSeparatorTint: UIColor)`
Set ActionSheetBackground	Sets the background color of action sheet	`.set(actionSheetBackground: UIColor)`
Set VoiceRecordingIconTint	Sets the voice recorder icon tint color	`.set(voiceRecordingIconTint: UIColor)`
Set AiIconTint	Sets the ai icon tint color	`.set(aiIconTint: UIColor)`
Set InfoTextColor	Sets the text color for info message displayed	`.set(infoTextColor: UIColor)`
Set InfoIconTintColor	Sets the tint color for info icon	`.set(infoIconTintColor: UIColor)`
Set InfoBackgroundColor	Sets the background color for info message view	`.set(infoBackgroundColor: UIColor)`
Set InfoSeparatorColor	Sets the separator color for info view	`.set(infoSeparatorColor: UIColor)`

2. MediaRecorder Style

To customize the styles of the MediaRecorder component within the MessageComposer Component, use the .set(mediaRecorderStyle:) method. For more details, please refer to MediaRecorder styles.

Swift

let mediaRecorderStyle = MediaRecorderStyle()
    .set(borderColor: .orange)
    .set(borderWidth: 10)

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .set(mediaRecorderStyle: mediaRecorderStyle)

The following properties are exposed by MessageComposerStyle:

Property	Description	Code
Set PlayIconTint	Sets play voice button tint color	`.set(playIconTint: UIColor)`
Set StopIconTint	Sets stop voice button tint color	`.set(stopIconTint: UIColor)`
Set PauseIconTint	Sets pause voice button tint color	`.set(pauseIconTint: UIColor)`
Set SubmitIconTint	Sets submit voice button tint color	`.set(submitIconTint: UIColor)`
Set TimerTextColor	Sets text color for voice record timer	`.set(timerTextColor: UIColor)`
Set TimerTextFont	Sets text font for voice record timer	`.set(timerTextFont: UIFont)`
Set DeleteIconTint	Sets delete voice button tint color	`.set(deleteIconTint: UIColor)`

3. AI Options Style

To customize the styles of the MediaRecorder component within the MessageComposer Component, use the .set(aiOptionsStyle:) method. For more details, please refer to MediaRecorder styles.

Swift

let aiOptionsStyle = AIOptionsStyle()
    .set(aiIconTint: .orange)
    .set(buttonBorder: 2)

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .set(aiOptionsStyle: aiOptionsStyle)

The following properties are exposed by MessageComposerStyle:

Property	Description	Code
Set AIIconTint	Sets ai button tint color	`.set(aiIconTint: UIColor)`
Set ButtonBorder	Sets border for ai options button	`.set(buttonBorder: CGFloat)`
Set ButtonBackground	Sets background color for ai options button	`.set(buttonBackground: UIColor)`
Set ButtonTextFont	Sets ai options button text font	`.set(buttonTextFont: UIColor)`
Set ButtonTextColor	Sets ai options button text color	`.set(buttonTextColor: UIColor)`
Set ButtonBorderColor	Sets border color for ai options button	`.set(buttonBorderColor: UIColor)`
Set ButtonBorderRadius	Sets border radius for ai options button	`.set(buttonBorderRadius: CGFloat)`
Set CancelBackground	Sets cancel button background color	`.set(cancelBackground: UIColor)`
Set CancelButtonFont	Sets cancel button text font	`.set(cancelButtonFont: UIFont)`
Set CancelButtonColor	Sets cancel button text color	`.set(cancelButtonColor: UIColor)`
Set CancelButtonBorder	Sets border for cancel button	`.set(cancelButtonBorder: CGFloat)`
Set CancelButtonBorderColor	Sets cancel button border color	`.set(cancelButtonBorderColor: UIColor)`
Set CancelButtonBorderRadius	Sets border radius for cancel button	`.set(cancelButtonBorderRadius: CGFloat)`
Set Background	Sets background color for ai options action sheet	`.set(background: UIColor)`
Set BorderWidth	Sets border width for ai options action sheet	`.set(borderWidth: CGFloat)`
Set BorderColor	Sets border color for ai options action sheet	`.set(borderColor: UIColor)`
Set CornerRadius	Sets corner radius for ai options action sheet	`.set(background: CGFloat)`

Functionality

These are a set of small functional customizations that allow you to fine-tune the overall experience of the component. With these, you can change text, set custom icons, and toggle the visibility of UI elements.

Swift

let messageComposer  = CometChatMessageComposer()
    .disable(disableTypingEvents: true)
    .hide(liveReaction: true)

Below is a list of customizations along with corresponding code snippets

Property	Description	Code
User	Used to pass user object of which header specific details will be shown	`.set(user: User)`
Group	Used to pass group object of which header specific details will be shown	`.set(group: Group)`
Set Background	Sets background color for message composer	`.set(background: UIColor)`
Set PlaceHolderText	Sets message composer’s placeholder text	`.set(placeholderText: String)`
Set MaxLine	Sets limit for lines of text to be displayed in input field	`.set(maxLines: Int)`
Set AuxiliaryButtonAlignment	Sets position for auxiliary buttons view , can be left or right . default is right	`.set(auxiliaryButtonAlignment: AuxiliaryButtonAlignment)`
Set CustomSoundForMessages	Sets custom sounds for outgoing messages.	`.set(customSoundForMessage: URL)`
Set LiveReactionIcon	Sets custom live reaction icon.	`.set(LiveReactionIconURL: UIImage)`
Set Parent MessageId	Sets the parentMessageId used in the CometChatMessageComposer for all sub-components. It is used to send messages to the particular thread.	`.set(parentMessageId: Int)`
Set DisableMentions	Enables/Disables user mentions in message composer input field.	`.set(disableMentions: Bool)`
Set InfoIcon	Sets image for info icon.	`.set(infoIcon: UIImage)`
Set AttachmentIcon	Sets image for attachment button on message composer.	`.set(attachmentIcon: UIImage)`
Set AIAuxiliaryIcon	Sets image for ai auxillary button.	`.set(aiAuxiliaryIcon: UIImage)`
Set OnSendButtonClick	Sets custom actions for send button click.	`.setOnSendButtonClick()`
Hide LiveReaction	Toggles visibility for live reaction component	`.hide(liveReaction: Bool)`
Hide FooterView	Toggles visibility for footer view of message composer	`.hide(footerView: Bool)`
Hide HeaderView	Toggles visibility for header view of message composer	`.hide(headerView: Bool)`
Hide SendButton	Toggles visibility for send button	`.hide(sendButton: Bool)`
Hide VoiceRecording	Toggles visibility for voice recorder button	`.hide(voiceRecording: Bool)`
Disable TypingEvents	Used to disable/enable typing events , default value is false	`.disable(disableTypingEvents: Bool)`
Disable SoundForMessages	Toggles sound for outgoing messages	`.disable(disableSoundForMessages: Bool)`

Advanced

For advanced-level customization, you can set custom views to the component. This lets you tailor each aspect of the component to fit your exact needs and application aesthetics. You can create and define your views, layouts, and UI elements and then incorporate those into the component.

SetTextFormatters

Assigns the list of text formatters. If the provided list is not null, it sets the list. Otherwise, it assigns the default text formatters retrieved from the data source. To configure the existing Mentions look and feel check out CometChatMentionsFormatter Example

Swift

let composerTextStyle = MentionTextStyle()
.set(textBackgroundColor: .white)
.set(textColor: UIColor.black)
.set(textFont: UIFont.systemFont(ofSize: 18, weight: .heavy))
.set(loggedInUserTextColor: UIColor.systemTeal)
.set(loggedInUserTextFont: UIFont.systemFont(ofSize: 18, weight: .bold))

let customMentionFormatter = CometChatMentionsFormatter()
.set(composerTextStyle: composerTextStyle)

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
.set(textFormatter: [customMentionFormatter])

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
.set(user: user)
.set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)

AttachmentOptions

By using setAttachmentOptions(), you can set a list of custom MessageComposerActions for the MessageComposer Component. This will override the existing list of MessageComposerActions.

Swift

 let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .setAttachmentOptions { user, group, controller in
    }

Example

In this example, we are overriding the existing MessageComposerActions List with Capture Photo actions.

Swift

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
            .setAttachmentOptions { user, group, controller in

let customComposerAction1 = CometChatMessageComposerAction(
                    id: "customAction1",
                    text: "Capture",
                    startIcon: UIImage(systemName: "camera"),
                    endIcon: nil,
                    startIconTint: .blue,
                    endIconTint: nil,
                    textColor: .purple,
                    textFont: .italicSystemFont(ofSize: 15),
                    backgroundColour: .white,
                    borderWidth: 1,
                    borderColor: .gray,
                    onActionClick: {
                        print("Custom Action 1 clicked!")
                    }
                )

return [customComposerAction1 , customComposerAction1, customComposerAction1, customComposerAction1 ]
            }

let cometChatMessages  = CometChatMessages()
            .set(user: user)
            .set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)

AuxiliaryButtonView

You can insert a custom view into the MessageComposer component to add additional functionality using the following method.

Swift

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
            .setAuxilaryButtonView { user, group in

     }

Please note that the MessageComposer Component utilizes the AuxiliaryButton to provide sticker functionality. Overriding the AuxiliaryButton will subsequently replace the sticker functionality. Example In this example, we’ll be adding a custom button with click functionality. You’ll first need to create a custom UIView file and then inflate it inside the .setAuxiliaryButtonView() function.

Swift

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .setAuxilaryButtonView { user, group in
        let customView = UIView()
        customView.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false

        let customButton = UIButton()
        customButton.setImage(UIImage(systemName: "bell"), for: .normal)
        customButton.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
        customButton.addTarget(self, action: #selector(self.customButtonClicked), for: .touchUpInside)

        customView.addSubview(customButton)

        NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
        customButton.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: customView.trailingAnchor, constant: -8),
        customButton.centerYAnchor.constraint(equalTo: customView.centerYAnchor),
        customButton.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 30),
        customButton.widthAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 80)
    ])

    return customView

 }

let cometChatMessages  = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)

SecondaryButtonView

You can add a custom view into the SecondaryButton component for additional functionality using the below method.

Swift

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .setSecondaryButtonView { user, group in
    }

Please note that the MessageComposer Component uses the SecondaryButton to open the ComposerActionsList. Overriding the SecondaryButton will replace the ComposerActionsList functionality. Example

In this example, we’ll be adding a custom button with click functionality. You’ll first need to create a custom UIView file and then inflate it inside the .setSecondaryButtonView() function.

Swift

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .setSecondaryButtonView { user, group in
        let customView = UIView()
        customView.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false

        let customButton = UIButton()
        customButton.setImage(UIImage(systemName: "bell"), for: .normal)
        customButton.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
        customButton.addTarget(self, action: #selector(self.customButtonClicked), for: .touchUpInside)

        customView.addSubview(customButton)

        NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
        customButton.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: customView.leadingAnchor, constant: -20),
        customButton.centerYAnchor.constraint(equalTo: customView.centerYAnchor),
        customButton.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 30),
        customButton.widthAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 80)
    ])

        return customView
}
 let cometChatMessages  = CometChatMessages()
            .set(user: user)
            .set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)

Set SendButtonView

You can set a custom view in place of the already existing send button view. Using the following method.

Swift

 let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
            .setSendButtonView { user, group in
     }

Example

Swift

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .setSendButtonView { user, group in
    let customButton = UIButton()
    customButton.setImage(UIImage(systemName: "bell"), for: .normal)
    customButton.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
    customButton.addTarget(self, action: #selector(self.customButtonClicked), for: .touchUpInside)
    return customButton
}
let cometChatMessages  = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)

HeaderView

You can set custom headerView to the MessageComposer component using the following method

Swift

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .set(headerView: UIView())

Example

In the following example, we’re going to apply a mock smart reply view to the MessageComposer Component using the .set(headerView: UIView?) method.

Custom_View_file

import UIKit

class CustomActionView: UIView {

let actionButton: UIButton

    override init(frame: CGRect) {
        actionButton = UIButton(type: .system)
        actionButton.backgroundColor? = .purple
        actionButton.tintColor = .init(red: 0.41, green: 0.32, blue: 0.84, alpha: 1.00)

        actionButton.setTitle("Smart Replies", for: .normal)
        let image = UIImage(systemName: "arrowshape.turn.up.left.2.fill")
        actionButton.setImage(image, for: .normal)
        actionButton.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false

        super.init(frame: frame)

        addSubview(actionButton)
        setupButtonConstraints()

        actionButton.addTarget(self, action: #selector(buttonTapped), for: .touchUpInside)
    }

required init?(coder: NSCoder) {
        fatalError("init(coder:) has not been implemented")
    }

private func setupButtonConstraints() {
        NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
            actionButton.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: self.leadingAnchor, constant: 8),
            actionButton.centerYAnchor.constraint(equalTo: self.centerYAnchor)
        ])
    }

@objc private func buttonTapped() {
        print("Button was tapped!")
    }
}

Swift

 let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .set(headerView: CustomActionView())

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)

Ensure to pass and present cometChatMessages. If a navigation controller is already in use, utilize the pushViewController function instead of directly presenting the view controller.

FooterView

You can set a custom footer view to the MessageComposer component using the following method:

Swift

 let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .set(footerView: UIView())

Example

In the following example, we’re going to apply a mock smart reply view to the MessageComposer Component using the .set(footerView: UIView?) method.

Custom_View_file

import UIKit

class CustomActionView: UIView {

let actionButton: UIButton

    override init(frame: CGRect) {
        actionButton = UIButton(type: .system)
        actionButton.backgroundColor? = .purple
        actionButton.tintColor = .init(red: 0.41, green: 0.32, blue: 0.84, alpha: 1.00)

        actionButton.setTitle("Smart Replies", for: .normal)

        let image = UIImage(systemName: "repeat")
        actionButton.setImage(image, for: .normal)
        actionButton.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false

        super.init(frame: frame)

        addSubview(actionButton)
        setupButtonConstraints()

        actionButton.addTarget(self, action: #selector(buttonTapped), for: .touchUpInside)
    }

    required init?(coder: NSCoder) {
        fatalError("init(coder:) has not been implemented")
    }

    private func setupButtonConstraints() {
        NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
            actionButton.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: self.leadingAnchor, constant: 8),
            actionButton.centerYAnchor.constraint(equalTo: self.centerYAnchor)
        ])
    }

    @objc private func buttonTapped() {
        print("Button was tapped!")
    }
}

Swift

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .set(footerView: CustomActionView())

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)

Ensure to pass and present cometChatMessages. If a navigation controller is already in use, utilize the pushViewController function instead of directly presenting the view controller.

​Overview

​Usage

​Integration

​Actions

1. OnSendButtonClick

​Filters

​Events

​Customization

​Style

1. MessageComposer Style

2. MediaRecorder Style

3. AI Options Style

​Functionality

​Advanced

​SetTextFormatters

​AttachmentOptions

​AuxiliaryButtonView

​SecondaryButtonView

​Set SendButtonView

​HeaderView

​FooterView

Overview

Usage

Integration

Actions

Filters

Events

Customization

Style

Functionality

Advanced

SetTextFormatters

AttachmentOptions

AuxiliaryButtonView

SecondaryButtonView

Set SendButtonView

HeaderView

FooterView