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

# Typing indicator

> Show a Thinking… or custom status while your agent handler runs with ctx.typing().

Use `ctx.typing()` to show a **Thinking…** or custom status while your handler runs. It posts immediately, like `ctx.reply()`.

```typescript theme={null}
await ctx.typing('Searching the docs…'); // set or replace the status text
await ctx.typing();                       // reset to the default "Thinking…"
await ctx.typing.stop();                  // clear it for this turn
```

## Platform behavior

* Custom text shows on Slack-like platforms; a generic typing bubble appears on others; it is a no-op where there is no typing channel (for example email).
* The typing status clears automatically when the turn delivers a reply — whether you call `ctx.reply()`, return a string or card from the handler, or return an AI SDK result that Novu maps to a reply. You do not need `ctx.typing.stop()` unless you want to clear the indicator without sending a message.
* When a turn fails, Novu clears the typing indicator even if no reply is sent — including when [`onError`](/agents/custom-code-agent/building-blocks/handle-events#onerror) suppresses the user-visible message.

## Default inbound acknowledgement

Before your handler runs, Novu shows a default liveness signal so users know the agent received their message:

* On typing-capable platforms (Slack, Telegram, and similar), Novu shows a **Thinking…** indicator.
* On platforms without typing support, Novu reacts to the conversation's first message with an **eyes** emoji instead.

This is controlled by **Acknowledge incoming messages** in the agent's **Agent behavior** settings in the dashboard. It is enabled by default.

If you use `ctx.typing()` with custom status text, consider turning this off to avoid a brief flicker when your status replaces the default indicator.

## Example

```typescript theme={null}
import { agent } from '@novu/framework';

export const myAgent = agent('my-agent', {
  onMessage: async (message, ctx) => {
    await ctx.typing('Looking that up…');

    const answer = await lookup(message.text ?? '');

    return answer;
  },
});
```

## Related

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card icon="mouse-pointer-click" href="/agents/custom-code-agent/building-blocks/handle-events" title="Handlers and context">
    Event handlers and the context object.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="layout-grid" href="/agents/custom-code-agent/building-blocks/reply" title="Reply">
    Send plain text, markdown, attachments, and interactive cards.
  </Card>
</Columns>