Chat with your team in channels and direct messages

Chat is for quick conversations with colleagues. You can talk in channels (shared topics) or in direct messages.

Channels

1. Open Chat.
2. Next to Channels in the left list, choose Create a channel.
3. Give it a name, for example product-launch, and a description if you like.
4. Add people, or leave it for others to join.
5. Optionally turn on Make private, so only people you invite can find, read and join it.

To look around, choose Browse channels and search by name. Public channels can be read before you join; choose Join channel to take part. An archived channel can be read and searched, but not posted in.

Direct messages

Choose New message and type a name. You can message one person or up to eight people in a group conversation. You also have a Note to self where only you can see what you write.

Write and share

• Type in the box at the bottom and press Enter to send.
• Use Mention someone (or type @) to notify a person. You can also mention Everyone in this conversation or Everyone here now.
• Use Attach files to share files up to 100 MB.
• Use Emoji to add emoji to a message, and Add reaction on a message to react to it.
• Reply in a Thread to keep a side discussion out of the main flow.

Hover over your own message to edit or delete it. Deleting cannot be undone.

Find things

Choose Search messages (the magnifier) and type at least two characters. Words match from their start. Choose This conversation or Everywhere to set the scope. The Files section lists files that were shared.

Manage a channel

Open Conversation settings to rename the channel, add a topic, make it private, Mute it (no notifications and no highlighting in the sidebar) or archive it. Members lists who is in the channel; owners can make people members or owners and remove them.

Notifications

Unread conversations are highlighted in the list. Mute noisy channels and keep mentions on so you do not miss what matters.

Tips

• Name channels by topic or project, not by person.
• Use threads for answers so the main channel stays readable.
• Make a channel private when the discussion is sensitive, and archive it when the work ends.

Common problems

• A notice that Chat isn't switched on. Ask your administrator.
• I cannot post in a channel. It may be archived, or you have not joined. Choose Join channel.
• A file will not send. Files can be up to 100 MB.