# Messaging Basics

Channels and DMs, composing, replies, mentions, files.

# Channels and DMs

## Room types

- Public channels: discoverable and joinable by anyone in the workspace; great for cross‑team topics.
- Private groups: invite‑only rooms for sensitive or focused work.
- Direct messages (DMs): 1:1 or small ad‑hoc group chats.

## Create or join

- Click + in the sidebar → New Channel or New Group → name it and set privacy.
- Join public channels from the channel browser; request an invite for private groups.

## Room housekeeping

- Topic & description: set context so newcomers understand the purpose.
- Archive vs. delete: archive to keep history read‑only; delete only when certain.
- Member roles: assign moderators for triage and topic curation.

# Composing & Formatting

## Compose efficiently

- Shift+Enter inserts a new line without sending.
- Press Up Arrow to edit your last message quickly.
- Use `Ctrl/Cmd + K` to navigate without leaving the keyboard.

## Formatting (Markdown)

- Headings: `# Title`, `## Section`
- Bold/Italic: `**bold**`, `*italic*`
- Code: backticks for inline, triple backticks for blocks
- Lists: `- item` or `1. item`
- Links: `[text](https://example.com)`

## Useful message tools

- Quote: select text → “Reply in thread” or `>` in composer for blockquote.
- Emoji/reactions: add signal without noise; great for quick polls.
- Edit/delete: hover a message to reveal actions (permissions apply).

# Files & Pins

## Share files

- Drag & drop into the composer or click the paperclip to attach files.
- Add a caption for context; large files may upload in the background.

## Find files later

- Open the room header → Files to see recent uploads.
- Use search filters (type:file, by:user, in:room) to narrow results.

## Pins and stars

- Pin key messages/files to the room so everyone sees them.
- Star messages to bookmark them for yourself (see your Starred).

# Mentions & Reactions

## Mentions

- `@username` notifies a person; `@all` and `@here` are powerful—use sparingly.
- Mention a role (if enabled) to notify a group of people.

## Reactions

- Add emoji reactions to acknowledge or vote without new messages.
- Filter for reacted messages via the room’s search filters.

## Status & availability

- Respect DND and away statuses; use threads instead of broad pings.

# Threads & Replies

## Why threads

- Keep channels tidy by moving side conversations into threads.
- Threads reduce notification noise for people not following the topic.

## Start and follow a thread

- Hover a message → Reply in thread.
- The composer switches to the thread; send your reply.
- Click “Follow” to receive thread‑only notifications without muting the room.

## Best practices

- Use threads for questions, decisions, and sub‑topics.
- Summarize outcomes back in the main channel to close the loop.