How to build an HTML VICIdial script

Why HTML scripts work better for complex call flows

Plain text scripts are fine for a short opener, but a multi-step Agent script for an outbound Campaign often needs structure: numbered objection-handling steps, a table of pricing tiers, bold prompts for required fields. HTML gives you that structure directly in the Script Text field.

How to enable HTML in the script

There is no toggle to enable. The Script Text field renders whatever you put in it as HTML in the agent screen. Type HTML tags directly into the field. The VICIdial agent screen script tab displays the rendered output, not the raw markup.

Combining HTML with lead variables

You can mix HTML tags and --A--field--B-- tokens freely. VICIdial substitutes the variable tokens first, then renders the full string as HTML. For example:

<p>Hello, <strong>--A--first_name--B-- --A--last_name--B--</strong>. I'm calling about your account at --A--address1--B--, --A--city--B--.</p>

That renders with the lead's actual name and address in bold. The full list of available field names is in which lead fields you can pull into a VICIdial script.

Useful HTML patterns for agent scripts

• Headings: <h3>Opening</h3> to break the script into clearly labeled sections
• Numbered steps: <ol><li>...</li></ol> for sequential call steps
• Tables: <table> for pricing grids or objection responses
• Color highlights: <span style="background-color:yellow">Required disclosure</span> to flag compliance language
• Links to internal tools: <a href="/" target="_blank">Open calculator</a> to open supporting pages in a new tab

Keeping the script readable

The script panel has a fixed width and height in the agent screen. Long unbroken lines will be cut off unless you use word-wrap: break-word in your CSS or use HTML paragraph tags to break content. Using the Web form approach with an iframe is an alternative for scripts that need to scroll — see the guide on embedding iframes for that path.

Script rendering flow

flowchart TD
  A[Script Text saved with HTML and variables] --> B[Agent connected to call]
  B --> C[VICIdial substitutes --A--field--B-- tokens]
  C --> D[HTML string passed to script tab iframe]
  D --> E[Browser renders HTML]
  E --> F[Agent sees formatted script]

Background color with HTML scripts

The Script Color field still applies to the outer container when you use HTML. Inline styles inside your HTML can override it for specific elements. See how to set the background color of a VICIdial script for details.

Testing your HTML script

Always use the Preview Script link on the modification page to verify HTML renders correctly with sample data before assigning the script to a Campaign. The VICIdial agent screen configuration guide covers the full script lifecycle from creation to campaign assignment.

Need a hosted VICIdial environment to build and test scripts on? See pricing for managed options.