Reactions are a Subscriber feature (Plus+) that allow GMs to create more opportunities for exploration and interactivity in their scenes, similar to how the Foreground Layer works. Unlike the Foreground Layer, Reaction functionality has been extended to ALL other VTT Layers: Objects & Tokens, Map & Background, GM Info Overlay, Dynamic Lighting, and Foreground. 

Accessing/Configuring Reactions

There are two ways to access Reactions: 

• Right-clicking a token > Reactions Section
• From the “Advanced” Tab in Token Settings (double-click a token to access) 

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. 

Conditional Fade

The first available Reaction is Conditional Fade. Toggling this on allows you to set an opacity % that will be triggered when the selected token* is overlapped by a player or GM-controlled token. It can be used to make things fade, disappear, or appear out of thin air (when combined with a token’s Base Opacity settings).

*Reminder: on Roll20, a “token” doesn’t always represent a Character or NPC. They are any static or animated asset placed on the VTT, like maps, decor, furnishings, and even weather. 

The "Foreground Only" Toggle found in Reaction Settings gives you more control over your Conditional Fade options. If, for example, you have Conditional Fade settings on a token but only want them to trigger when that token is on the Foreground Layer (some GMs move things between layers throughout the course of a campaign for various reasons), you would toggle that on.  

Send To Chat

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.

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" YOOOOOWL

Emote 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 DC

Trigger 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)

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. 

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.

Where can I report a bug? 

​​Let us know by reporting it within the VTT or here