Direct Messaging

Private one-on-one conversations with other members

What is Direct Messaging?

Direct Messaging allows you to have private, one-on-one conversations with other platform members. These conversations are completely private and only visible to you and the other person. Think of it like email, but instant and conversational.

Accessing Your Messages

Finding the Messages Section

Click on Messages in the main navigation. You'll see:

  • A list of your conversations in the left sidebar
  • The selected conversation's messages in the main area
  • Unread message indicators (red badges with counts)
  • A search bar to find specific conversations

Conversation List

Each conversation in the sidebar shows:

  • The other person's name and avatar
  • A preview of the most recent message
  • Timestamp of the last message
  • Unread count badge (if there are new messages)

Starting a New Conversation

From the Messages Page

  1. Go to the Messages section
  2. Click "New Conversation"
  3. Search for or select the member you want to message
  4. Type your first message
  5. Click "Send" or press Ctrl+Enter

From a Member's Profile

You can also start a conversation directly from any member's profile:

  1. Visit the member's profile page
  2. Click the "Message" button
  3. A modal window opens with the conversation
  4. Type and send your message

Quick Access Modal

When you start a conversation from a profile, it opens in a modal window that overlays the current page. This allows you to:

  • Send a quick message without leaving the page
  • Close the modal to return to what you were doing
  • View the full conversation by clicking "View Full Conversation"

Sending Messages

Composing a Message

  1. Click on a conversation in the sidebar (or start a new one)
  2. Type your message in the text box at the bottom
  3. Use the formatting toolbar for rich text
  4. Press Ctrl+Enter or click "Send"

Message Formatting

Direct messages support rich text formatting:

  • Bold, italic, and underline text
  • Bulleted and numbered lists
  • Links to external content
  • @mentions (shows profile preview when clicked, does not send notification)
  • Emoji support

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Ctrl+Enter - Send your message quickly
  • Toggle the formatting toolbar as needed

Reading Messages

Message Display

Each message shows:

  • The sender's name and avatar
  • Timestamp of when it was sent
  • The message content
  • Reactions (if any have been added)
  • Edit/delete options (for your own messages)

Unread Messages

Conversations with new messages you haven't read will display:

  • A red badge with the unread count
  • Bold text in the conversation list
  • The unread message appears highlighted

Messages automatically mark as read when you open and view the conversation.

Real-Time Updates

Direct messages use real-time technology to deliver messages instantly:

  • New messages appear immediately without refreshing
  • Edits and deletions update in real-time
  • Reactions appear instantly
  • The conversation list updates with new messages

Interacting with Messages

Adding Reactions

React to messages with emojis:

  1. Hover over a message
  2. Click the reaction icon
  3. Choose an emoji from the picker
  4. Your reaction appears below the message

Both you and the other person can add multiple reactions to the same message. Click an existing reaction to add yours, or click again to remove it.

Editing Your Messages

You can edit messages you've sent:

  1. Find your message in the conversation
  2. Click the Edit button (three dots menu)
  3. Make your changes
  4. Click "Update"

Edited messages show an "(edited)" indicator.

Deleting Your Messages

To remove a message you sent:

  1. Click the Delete option in the three dots menu
  2. Confirm the deletion
  3. The message is removed for both you and the recipient

Managing Conversations

Searching Conversations

Use the search bar in the sidebar to find specific conversations:

  • Type the name of the person you're looking for
  • Search results filter as you type
  • Click on a conversation to open it

Editing Conversations

You can update conversation details:

  1. Open the conversation
  2. Click the Edit button
  3. Update any editable fields
  4. Save your changes

Deleting Conversations

To remove an entire conversation:

  1. Open the conversation
  2. Click the Delete button
  3. Confirm the deletion

Note: Deleting a conversation removes all its messages from your view. This only affects your account - the other person will still see the conversation unless they also delete it.

Privacy and Security

Who Can Message You?

Any member on the platform can send you a direct message. Your conversations are private and secure.

Message Privacy

Direct messages are completely private:

  • Only you and the recipient can see the messages
  • Account admins cannot read your private messages
  • Messages are stored securely in the database

Data Retention

Messages are retained unless:

  • You delete the message
  • You delete the entire conversation
  • Your account is deleted

Best Practices

Professional Communication

  • Be clear and concise in your messages
  • Use proper grammar and spelling
  • Be respectful and professional
  • Respond in a timely manner
  • Use subject-appropriate formatting

When to Use Direct Messages

Use direct messages for:

  • Private, one-on-one conversations
  • Personal or sensitive topics
  • Following up on public discussions privately
  • Coordinating with specific individuals

Consider using channels instead for:

  • Group discussions
  • Topics relevant to multiple people
  • Building shared knowledge
  • Team-wide announcements

Learn more about Channels

Managing Your Inbox

  • Archive or delete old conversations to keep your list clean
  • Respond to unread messages regularly
  • Use the search function to quickly find past conversations
  • Keep important conversations at the top by sending a recent message

Mobile Experience

Messages on Mobile

Direct messaging works seamlessly on mobile devices:

  • Responsive design adapts to small screens
  • Touch-friendly interface
  • Real-time updates work on mobile
  • Modal conversations work smoothly
  • Swipe gestures for navigation

Troubleshooting

Can't Find a Conversation?

Try these steps:

  • Use the search bar to find the person's name
  • Check that you're in the correct account
  • Make sure you haven't deleted the conversation
  • Verify the person is a member of your current account

Messages Not Appearing?

If messages aren't showing up:

  • Check your internet connection
  • Try refreshing the page
  • Make sure you're viewing the correct conversation
  • Check if the message was deleted

Can't Send a Message?

Ensure that:

  • You're logged in
  • You're a member of the current account
  • The recipient is also a member of the same account
  • Your message isn't empty

Unread Count Not Clearing?

Try:

  • Opening the conversation and scrolling through all messages
  • Refreshing the page
  • Clicking "Mark as Read" if that option is available

Tips and Tricks

  • Click on the other person's name to view their full profile
  • Use the modal view for quick messages while browsing the site
  • Reactions are faster than typing short responses like "OK" or "Thanks"
  • The conversation list automatically sorts with the most recent at the top
  • You can have conversations with multiple people - just start separate conversations

Related Features