![](https://help.apple.com/assets/5D38A6ED0946225A2D640948/5D38A6F70946225A2D640958/en_AU/c10e8a839dc838a25d0feb0e9e428a0a.png)
Use the Ask for Input action in a shortcut
Ask for Input is a powerful action that lets you enter information at the time your shortcut is run. The action presents a dialog that asks a question. When you enter the answer and tap OK, the data is passed into the next action or is stored as a Magic Variable to be retrieved later.
![Dialog asking the user for input before the shortcut continues.](https://help.apple.com/assets/5D38A6ED0946225A2D640948/5D38A6F70946225A2D640958/en_AU/8e3e42d88ca421bcbd712f0044aaf8c6.png)
Ask for Input supports the entry of words, dates or numbers and the keyboard adapts to each input type. Additionally, Ask for Input allows you to specify a default value that pre-fills the dialog. When you run the shortcut, you can adjust the pre-filled information.
![Dialog asking the user for numerical input opens a numeric keypad instead of a text keyboard.](https://help.apple.com/assets/5D38A6ED0946225A2D640948/5D38A6F70946225A2D640958/en_AU/607100aed1378cf7742c43da6d728cb9.png)
The Ask for Input action works well with “logging” shortcuts such as shortcuts that log health data or create journal entries.
Tip: Use an Ask for Input action that’s set to Number to quickly enter numbers in Today View with the numeric keypad.
For more information, see Set up and run shortcuts in Today View.