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Getting started with Zulip | Zulip help center
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Zulip also works great in a browser. | Add a profile picture and edit your profile information to tell others about yourself. | Review your preferences. 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</head> <body> <div class="portico-container help"> <div class="portico-wrap"> <div class="header portico-header"> <div class="header-main" id="top_navbar"> <a id="skip-navigation" href="#main-content">Skip to main content</a> <div class="float-left"> <div class="brand logo"> <a href="https://zulipchat.com/"> <svg class="brand-logo" role="img" aria-label="Zulip" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="68.96 55.62 1742.12 450.43" height="25"> <path fill="hsl(0, 0%, 27%)" d="M473.09 122.97c0 22.69-10.19 42.85-25.72 55.08L296.61 312.69c-2.8 2.4-6.44-1.47-4.42-4.7l55.3-110.72c1.55-3.1-.46-6.91-3.64-6.91H129.36c-33.22 0-60.4-30.32-60.4-67.37 0-37.06 27.18-67.37 60.4-67.37h283.33c33.22-.02 60.4 30.3 60.4 67.35zM129.36 506.05h283.33c33.22 0 60.4-30.32 60.4-67.37 0-37.06-27.18-67.37-60.4-67.37H198.2c-3.18 0-5.19-3.81-3.64-6.91l55.3-110.72c2.02-3.23-1.62-7.1-4.42-4.7L94.68 383.6c-15.53 12.22-25.72 32.39-25.72 55.08 0 37.05 27.18 67.37 60.4 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accounts</a> <a href="https://zulipchat.com/new/">New organization</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="app portico-page"> <div class="app-main portico-page-container"> <div class="app help terms-page inline-block help-center"> <div class="sidebar"> <div class="content"> <h1><a href="https://zulip.com" class="no-underline">Zulip homepage</a></h1> <h1><a class="no-underline" href="/help/">Help center home</a></h1><h2>Guides</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/getting-started-with-zulip" class=" highlighted">Getting started with Zulip</a></li> <li><a href="https://blog.zulip.com/2024/11/04/choosing-a-team-chat-app/">Choosing a team chat app</a></li> <li><a href="https://zulip.com/why-zulip/">Why Zulip</a></li> <li><a href="/help/trying-out-zulip">Trying out Zulip</a></li> <li><a href="/help/zulip-cloud-or-self-hosting">Zulip Cloud or self-hosting?</a></li> <li><a href="/help/moving-to-zulip">Moving to Zulip</a></li> <li><a href="/help/moderating-open-organizations">Moderating open organizations</a></li> <li><a href="/help/setting-up-zulip-for-a-class">Setting up Zulip for a class</a></li> <li><a href="/help/using-zulip-for-a-class">Using Zulip for a class</a></li> <li><a href="/help/using-zulip-via-email">Using Zulip via email</a></li> </ul> <h2>Getting started</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/join-a-zulip-organization">Joining an organization</a></li> <li><a href="/help/set-up-your-account">Set up your account</a></li> <li><a href="/help/introduction-to-topics">Introduction to topics</a></li> <li><a href="/help/introduction-to-topics#how-to-start-a-new-topic">Starting a new topic</a></li> <li><a href="/help/finding-a-conversation-to-read">Finding a conversation to read</a></li> <li><a href="/help/reading-conversations">Reading conversations</a></li> <li><a href="/help/starting-a-new-direct-message">Starting a new direct message</a></li> <li><a href="/help/replying-to-messages">Replying to messages</a></li> <li><a href="/help/messaging-tips">Messaging tips & tricks</a></li> <li><a href="/help/keyboard-shortcuts">Keyboard shortcuts</a></li> </ul> <h2>Setting up your organization</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/migrating-from-other-chat-tools">Migrating from other chat tools</a></li> <li><a href="/help/create-your-organization-profile">Create your organization profile</a></li> <li><a href="/help/create-user-groups">Create user groups</a></li> <li><a href="/help/customize-organization-settings">Customize organization settings</a></li> <li><a href="/help/create-channels">Create channels</a></li> <li><a href="/help/customize-settings-for-new-users">Customize settings for new users</a></li> <li><a href="/help/invite-users-to-join">Invite users to join</a></li> <li><a href="/help/set-up-integrations">Set up integrations</a></li> </ul> <h2>Account basics</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/edit-your-profile">Edit your profile</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-your-name">Change your name</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-your-email-address">Change your email address</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-your-profile-picture">Change your profile picture</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-your-password">Change your password</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-email-visibility">Configure email visibility</a></li> <li><a href="/help/logging-in">Logging in</a></li> <li><a href="/help/logging-out">Logging out</a></li> <li><a href="/help/switching-between-organizations">Switching between organizations</a></li> <li><a href="/help/import-your-settings">Import your settings</a></li> <li><a href="/help/review-your-settings">Review your settings</a></li> <li><a href="/help/deactivate-your-account">Deactivate your account</a></li> </ul> <h2>Preferences</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/dark-theme">Dark theme</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-send-message-keys">Configure send message keys</a></li> <li><a href="/help/font-size">Font size</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-your-language">Change your language</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-your-timezone">Change your time zone</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-the-time-format">Change the time format</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-emoticon-translations">Configure emoticon translations</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-home-view">Configure home view</a></li> <li><a href="/help/enable-full-width-display">Enable full width display</a></li> <li><a href="/help/manage-your-uploaded-files">Manage your uploaded files</a></li> </ul> <h2>Writing messages</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/format-your-message-using-markdown">Message formatting</a></li> <li><a href="/help/mention-a-user-or-group">Mention a user or group</a></li> <li><a href="/help/link-to-a-message-or-conversation">Link to a channel, topic, or message</a></li> <li><a href="/help/format-a-quote">Format a quote</a></li> <li><a href="/help/quote-or-forward-a-message">Quote or forward a message</a></li> <li><a href="/help/emoji-and-emoticons">Emoji and emoticons</a></li> <li><a href="/help/insert-a-link">Insert a link</a></li> <li><a href="/help/share-and-upload-files">Share and upload files</a></li> <li><a href="/help/animated-gifs-from-giphy">Animated GIFs</a></li> <li><a href="/help/text-emphasis">Text emphasis</a></li> <li><a href="/help/paragraph-and-section-formatting">Paragraph and section formatting</a></li> <li><a href="/help/bulleted-lists">Bulleted lists</a></li> <li><a href="/help/numbered-lists">Numbered lists</a></li> <li><a href="/help/tables">Tables</a></li> <li><a href="/help/code-blocks">Code blocks</a></li> <li><a href="/help/latex">LaTeX</a></li> <li><a href="/help/spoilers">Spoilers</a></li> <li><a href="/help/me-action-messages">/me action messages</a></li> <li><a href="/help/create-a-poll">Polls</a></li> <li><a href="/help/collaborative-to-do-lists">Collaborative to-do lists</a></li> <li><a href="/help/global-times">Global times</a></li> <li><a href="/help/start-a-call">Start a call</a></li> </ul> <h2>Sending messages</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/open-the-compose-box">Open the compose box</a></li> <li><a href="/help/mastering-the-compose-box">Mastering the compose box</a></li> <li><a href="/help/resize-the-compose-box">Resize the compose box</a></li> <li><a href="/help/typing-notifications">Typing notifications</a></li> <li><a href="/help/preview-your-message-before-sending">Preview messages before sending</a></li> <li><a href="/help/verify-your-message-was-successfully-sent">Verify a message was sent</a></li> <li><a href="/help/edit-a-message">Edit a message</a></li> <li><a href="/help/delete-a-message">Delete a message</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-and-edit-your-message-drafts">Draft messages</a></li> <li><a href="/help/schedule-a-message">Schedule a message</a></li> <li><a href="/help/message-a-channel-by-email">Message a channel by email</a></li> </ul> <h2>Reading messages</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/reading-strategies">Reading strategies</a></li> <li><a href="/help/inbox">Inbox</a></li> <li><a href="/help/recent-conversations">Recent conversations</a></li> <li><a href="/help/combined-feed">Combined feed</a></li> <li><a href="/help/channel-feed">Channel feed</a></li> <li><a href="/help/left-sidebar">Left sidebar</a></li> <li><a href="/help/message-actions">Message actions</a></li> <li><a href="/help/marking-messages-as-read">Marking messages as read</a></li> <li><a href="/help/marking-messages-as-unread">Marking messages as unread</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-unread-message-counters">Configure unread message counters</a></li> <li><a href="/help/emoji-reactions">Emoji reactions</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-your-mentions">View your mentions</a></li> <li><a href="/help/star-a-message">Star a message</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-images-and-videos">View images and videos</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-messages-sent-by-a-user">View messages sent by a user</a></li> <li><a href="/help/link-to-a-message-or-conversation">Link to a message or conversation</a></li> <li><a href="/help/search-for-messages">Searching for messages</a></li> <li><a href="/help/printing-messages">Printing messages</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-the-markdown-source-of-a-message">View message Markdown source</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-the-exact-time-a-message-was-sent">View when message was sent</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-a-messages-edit-history">View a message's edit history</a></li> <li><a href="/help/collapse-a-message">Collapse a message</a></li> <li><a href="/help/read-receipts">Read receipts</a></li> </ul> <h2>People</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/user-list">User list</a></li> <li><a href="/help/status-and-availability">Status and availability</a></li> <li><a href="/help/user-cards">User cards</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-someones-profile">View someone's profile</a></li> <li><a href="/help/direct-messages">Direct messages</a></li> <li><a href="/help/user-groups">User groups</a></li> <li><a href="/help/find-administrators">Find administrators</a></li> </ul> <h2>Channels</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/introduction-to-channels">Introduction to channels</a></li> <li><a href="/help/create-a-channel">Create a channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/pin-a-channel">Pin a channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-the-color-of-a-channel">Change the color of a channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/unsubscribe-from-a-channel">Unsubscribe from a channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/manage-inactive-channels">Manage inactive channels</a></li> <li><a href="/help/move-content-to-another-channel">Move content to another channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-channel-subscribers">View channel subscribers</a></li> </ul> <h2>Topics</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/introduction-to-topics">Introduction to topics</a></li> <li><a href="/help/rename-a-topic">Rename a topic</a></li> <li><a href="/help/resolve-a-topic">Resolve a topic</a></li> <li><a href="/help/move-content-to-another-topic">Move content to another topic</a></li> <li><a href="/help/delete-a-topic">Delete a topic</a></li> </ul> <h2>Notifications</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/channel-notifications">Channel notifications</a></li> <li><a href="/help/topic-notifications">Topic notifications</a></li> <li><a href="/help/follow-a-topic">Follow a topic</a></li> <li><a href="/help/dm-mention-alert-notifications">DMs, mentions, and alerts</a></li> <li><a href="/help/mute-a-channel">Mute or unmute a channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/mute-a-topic">Mute or unmute a topic</a></li> <li><a href="/help/mute-a-user">Mute a user</a></li> <li><a href="/help/email-notifications">Email notifications</a></li> <li><a href="/help/desktop-notifications">Desktop notifications</a></li> <li><a href="/help/mobile-notifications">Mobile notifications</a></li> <li><a href="/help/do-not-disturb">Do not disturb</a></li> </ul> <h2>Apps</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://zulip.com/apps/">Download apps for every platform</a></li> <li><a href="/help/desktop-app-install-guide">Desktop installation guides</a></li> <li><a href="/help/supported-browsers">Supported browsers</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-how-links-open">Configure how links open</a></li> <li><a href="/help/connect-through-a-proxy">Connect through a proxy</a></li> <li><a href="/help/custom-certificates">Use a custom certificate</a></li> </ul> <h1>Zulip administration</h1> <h2>Organization basics</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/organization-type">Organization type</a></li> <li><a href="/help/communities-directory">Communities directory</a></li> <li><a href="/help/import-from-mattermost">Import from Mattermost</a></li> <li><a href="/help/import-from-slack">Import from Slack</a></li> <li><a href="/help/import-from-rocketchat">Import from Rocket.Chat</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-authentication-methods">Configure authentication methods</a></li> <li><a href="/help/saml-authentication">SAML authentication</a></li> <li><a href="/help/scim">SCIM provisioning</a></li> <li><a href="/help/export-your-organization">Export your organization</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-organization-url">Change organization URL</a></li> <li><a href="/help/deactivate-your-organization">Deactivate your organization</a></li> <li><a href="/help/analytics">Usage statistics</a></li> <li><a href="/help/linking-to-zulip">Linking to your organization</a></li> <li><a href="/help/gdpr-compliance">GDPR compliance</a></li> </ul> <h2>Users</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/manage-permissions">Manage permissions</a></li> <li><a href="/help/invite-new-users">Invite new users</a></li> <li><a href="/help/restrict-account-creation">Restrict account creation</a></li> <li><a href="/help/user-roles">User roles</a></li> <li><a href="/help/guest-users">Guest users</a></li> <li><a href="/help/manage-a-user">Manage a user</a></li> <li><a href="/help/deactivate-or-reactivate-a-user">Deactivate or reactivate a user</a></li> <li><a href="/help/custom-profile-fields">Custom profile fields</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-default-new-user-settings">Configure default new user settings</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-organization-language">Configure organization language</a></li> <li><a href="/help/manage-user-groups">Manage user groups</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-a-users-name">Change a user's name</a></li> <li><a href="/help/manage-user-channel-subscriptions">Manage a user's channel subscriptions</a></li> <li><a href="/help/manage-user-group-membership">Manage a user's group membership</a></li> <li><a href="/help/restrict-name-and-email-changes">Restrict name and email changes</a></li> <li><a href="/help/restrict-profile-picture-changes">Restrict profile picture changes</a></li> <li><a href="/help/restrict-permissions-of-new-members">Restrict permissions of new members</a></li> </ul> <h2>Channel management</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/create-a-channel">Create a channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/channel-permissions#private-channels">Private channels</a></li> <li><a href="/help/channel-permissions#public-channels">Public channels</a></li> <li><a href="/help/public-access-option">Public access option</a></li> <li><a href="/help/channel-permissions">Channel permissions</a></li> <li><a href="/help/channel-posting-policy">Channel posting policy</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-who-can-administer-a-channel">Configure who can administer a channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-who-can-create-channels">Restrict channel creation</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-who-can-invite-to-channels">Restrict who can subscribe others</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-who-can-unsubscribe-others">Configure who can unsubscribe others</a></li> <li><a href="/help/add-or-remove-users-from-a-channel">Add or remove users from a channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/set-default-channels-for-new-users">Set default channels for new users</a></li> <li><a href="/help/rename-a-channel">Rename a channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-the-channel-description">Change a channel's description</a></li> <li><a href="/help/change-the-privacy-of-a-channel">Change the privacy of a channel</a></li> <li><a href="/help/archive-a-channel">Delete or archive a channel</a></li> </ul> <h2>Organization settings</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/custom-emoji">Custom emoji</a></li> <li><a href="/help/add-a-custom-linkifier">Add a custom linkifier</a></li> <li><a href="/help/require-topics">Require topics in channel messages</a></li> <li><a href="/help/restrict-direct-messages">Restrict direct messages</a></li> <li><a href="/help/restrict-wildcard-mentions">Restrict wildcard mentions</a></li> <li><a href="/help/restrict-moving-messages">Restrict moving messages</a></li> <li><a href="/help/restrict-message-editing-and-deletion">Restrict message editing</a></li> <li><a href="/help/disable-message-edit-history">Disable message edit history</a></li> <li><a href="/help/image-video-and-website-previews">Image, video and website previews</a></li> <li><a href="/help/hide-message-content-in-emails">Hide message content in emails</a></li> <li><a href="/help/message-retention-policy">Message retention policy</a></li> <li><a href="/help/digest-emails">Weekly digest emails</a></li> <li><a href="/help/disable-welcome-emails">Disable welcome emails</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-automated-notices">Configure automated notices</a></li> <li><a href="/help/configure-multi-language-search">Configure multi-language search</a></li> </ul> <h2>Bots & integrations</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/bots-overview">Bots overview</a></li> <li><a href="/help/integrations-overview">Integrations overview</a></li> <li><a href="/help/add-a-bot-or-integration">Add a bot or integration</a></li> <li><a href="/help/generate-integration-url">Generate integration URL</a></li> <li><a href="/help/edit-a-bot">Edit a bot</a></li> <li><a href="/help/deactivate-or-reactivate-a-bot">Deactivate or reactivate a bot</a></li> <li><a href="/help/request-an-integration">Request an integration</a></li> <li><a href="/help/restrict-bot-creation">Restrict bot creation</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-your-bots">View your bots</a></li> <li><a href="/help/view-all-bots-in-your-organization">View all bots in your organization</a></li> </ul> <h2>Support</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/view-zulip-version">View Zulip version</a></li> <li><a href="/help/zulip-cloud-billing">Zulip Cloud billing</a></li> <li><a href="/help/self-hosted-billing">Self-hosted billing</a></li> <li><a href="/help/support-zulip-project">Support the Zulip project</a></li> <li><a href="/help/linking-to-zulip-website">Linking to the Zulip website</a></li> <li><a href="/help/contact-support">Contact support</a></li> </ul> <h1 class="home-link"><a href="/" class="no-underline">Back to Zulip</a></h1> </div> </div> <svg height="32px" class="hamburger" style="enable-background:new 0 0 32 32;" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 32 32" width="32px" xml:space="preserve" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <path d="M4,10h24c1.104,0,2-0.896,2-2s-0.896-2-2-2H4C2.896,6,2,6.896,2,8S2.896,10,4,10z M28,14H4c-1.104,0-2,0.896-2,2 s0.896,2,2,2h24c1.104,0,2-0.896,2-2S29.104,14,28,14z M28,22H4c-1.104,0-2,0.896-2,2s0.896,2,2,2h24c1.104,0,2-0.896,2-2 S29.104,22,28,22z"></path> </svg> <div class="markdown"> <div class="content" id="main-content"> <h1 id="getting-started-with-zulip">Getting started with Zulip</h1> <p>Welcome to Zulip! This page guides you through getting started using Zulip. If you are setting up a new organization, you may also want to check out our <a href="/help/moving-to-zulip">guide for moving to Zulip</a>.</p> <p>Mastering Zulip can take a bit of time, but once you get the hang of it, you'll never want to use a different team chat app!</p> <h2 id="set-up-your-account">Set up your account</h2> <div class="admonition tip"> <p>If this is your first time using Zulip, we recommend starting with the web or desktop experience to set up your account and get oriented.</p> </div> <ul> <li> <p>Get the <a href="/apps/">mobile and desktop apps</a>. Zulip also works great in a <a href="/help/supported-browsers">browser</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="/help/change-your-profile-picture">Add a profile picture</a> and <a href="/help/edit-your-profile">edit your profile information</a> to tell others about yourself.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="/help/review-your-settings#review-your-preferences">Review your preferences</a>. You can <a href="/help/dark-theme">switch between light and dark theme</a>, <a href="/help/font-size">customize the font size</a>, <a href="/help/emoji-and-emoticons#change-your-emoji-set">pick your favorite emoji theme</a>, <a href="/help/change-your-language">change your language</a>, and make other tweaks to your Zulip experience.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="/help/introduction-to-channels#browse-and-subscribe-to-channels">Browse and subscribe to channels</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Decide whether you want <kbd>Enter</kbd> <a href="/help/configure-send-message-keys">to send your message or add a new line</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="/#settings/notifications">Configure your notifications</a> to work the way you do. If you're joining a low traffic organization and aren't using the desktop app, consider sending all messages to email.</p> </li> </ul> <h2 id="learn-about-zulip-topics">Learn about Zulip topics</h2> <p>Zulip is designed around conversations that are labeled with <strong>topics</strong>, to make communication organized and efficient. It’s easy to get an overview of what conversations are happening, and to read one conversation at a time.</p> <p>Here is what topics look like in Zulip.</p> <p><img alt="Channels and topics" src="https://static.zulipchat.com/static/images/help/channels-and-topics.png" /></p> <p>Topics are one of the most wonderful aspects of using Zulip:</p> <ul> <li>Lots of conversations can happen in the same channel at the same time, each in its own topic. You never have to worry about interrupting — each conversation has its own space.</li> <li>Conversations can last many hours or days, letting everyone respond in their own time. Don't worry about replying long after a message is sent — everyone will see your reply in context.</li> </ul> <p>Check out <a href="/why-zulip/">Why Zulip</a> to learn more about how Zulip's topic model helps transform how your organization communicates.</p> <h2 id="reading-your-messages">Reading your messages</h2> <p>In Zulip, a <strong>conversation</strong> is a <a href="/help/direct-messages">direct message</a> thread (one-on-one or with a group), or a <a href="/help/introduction-to-topics">topic in a channel</a>.</p> <p>It generally works best to read your messages organized by conversation.</p> <h3 id="finding-a-conversation-to-read">Finding a conversation to read</h3> <h4 id="from-the-inbox-view">From the Inbox view</h4> <p><strong>Inbox</strong> provides an overview of your conversations with unread messages. Conversations are shown in the same order as in the left sidebar in the web app, and you can collapse any channels you are not currently interested in.</p> <p><div class="tabbed-section has-tabs" markdown="1"> <ul class="nav"> <li data-tab-key="desktop-web" tabindex="0">Desktop/Web</li> <li data-tab-key="mobile" tabindex="0">Mobile</li> </ul> <div class="blocks"> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="desktop-web" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p>Click on <i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-inbox"></i> <strong>Inbox</strong> (or <i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-inbox"></i> if the <strong>views</strong> section is collapsed) in the left sidebar, or use the <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>I</kbd> keyboard shortcut.</p> </li> <li> <p>Click on a conversation you're interested in to view it. You can return to <strong>Inbox</strong> when done to select the next conversation.</p> </li> </ol> <div class="admonition tip"> <p>You can collapse or expand the list of topics in a channel by clicking the <strong>collapse</strong> (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-arrow-down"></i>) or <strong>expand</strong> (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-arrow-down icon-collapsed-state"></i>) icon to the left of a channel name.</p> </div> <p></div> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="mobile" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p>Tap the <strong>Inbox</strong> (<img src="/static/images/help/mobile-inbox-icon.svg" alt="inbox" class="help-center-icon"/>) tab in the bottom left corner of the app.</p> </li> <li> <p>Tap on a conversation you're interested in to view it. You can return to <strong>Inbox</strong> when done to select the next conversation.</p> </li> </ol> <div class="admonition tip"> <p>You can collapse or expand the list of topics in a channel by tapping the <strong>collapse</strong> (<img src="/static/images/help/mobile-expand-less-icon.svg" alt="inbox" class="help-center-icon"/>) or <strong>expand</strong> (<img src="/static/images/help/mobile-expand-more-icon.svg" alt="inbox" class="help-center-icon"/>) icon to the left of a channel name.</p> </div> <p></div> </div> </div></p> <h4 id="from-recent-conversations">From Recent conversations</h4> <p>Use the <strong>Recent conversations</strong> view to get an overview of all the ongoing conversations. This view is particularly useful for catching up on messages sent while you were away.</p> <p><div class="tabbed-section has-tabs" markdown="1"> <ul class="nav"> <li data-tab-key="desktop-web" tabindex="0">Desktop/Web</li> </ul> <div class="blocks"> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="desktop-web" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p>Click on <i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-recent"></i> <strong>Recent conversations</strong> (or <i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-recent"></i> if the <strong>views</strong> section is collapsed) in the left sidebar, or use the <kbd>T</kbd> keyboard shortcut.</p> </li> <li> <p>The filters at the top help you quickly find relevant conversations. For example, select <strong>Participated</strong> to filter to the conversations you have sent messages to.</p> </li> </ol> <p></div> </div> </div></p> <div class="admonition tip"> <p>The <strong>Participants</strong> column shows which users recently sent a message (newest on the left).</p> </div> <h4 id="from-the-left-sidebar">From the left sidebar</h4> <p>In the web app, the left sidebar provides quick access to your direct messages, and the channels you are subscribed to.</p> <p><div class="tabbed-section has-tabs" markdown="1"> <ul class="nav"> <li data-tab-key="desktop-web" tabindex="0">Desktop/Web</li> </ul> <div class="blocks"> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="desktop-web" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p>Click on <strong>DIRECT MESSAGES</strong> or the name of a channel in the left sidebar. You will see a list of the most recent unread conversations that you have not <a href="/help/mute-a-topic">muted</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Click on the conversation you are interested in.</p> </li> </ol> <div class="admonition tip"> <p>To see all conversations, click on <strong>MORE CONVERSATIONS</strong> (in direct messages) or <strong>SHOW ALL TOPICS</strong> (in a channel).</p> </div> <p></div> </div> </div></p> <h3 id="reading-conversations">Reading conversations</h3> <p><div class="tabbed-section has-tabs" markdown="1"> <ul class="nav"> <li data-tab-key="desktop-web" tabindex="0">Desktop/Web</li> </ul> <div class="blocks"> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="desktop-web" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p><a href="/help/finding-a-conversation-to-read">Find</a> a conversation to read.</p> </li> <li> <p>Read the conversation, scrolling down with the mouse or by pressing <kbd>PgDn</kbd>.</p> </li> <li> <p>If the conversation is not of interest, you can <a href="/help/marking-messages-as-read">mark all messages as read</a> by jumping to the bottom with the <strong>Scroll to bottom</strong> (<i class="fa fa-chevron-down"></i>) button or the <kbd>End</kbd> shortcut.</p> </li> </ol> <div class="admonition keyboard_tip"> <p>Use the <kbd>N</kbd> key to go to the next unread topic, or <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>N</kbd> for the next unread <a href="/help/follow-a-topic">followed</a> topic, or <kbd>P</kbd> for the next unread direct message conversation.</p> </div> <p></div> </div> </div></p> <h2 id="sending-messages">Sending messages</h2> <h3 id="when-to-start-a-new-topic">When to start a new topic</h3> <p>To get the full benefits of Zulip's topic model, when starting a new conversation, you should start a new topic!</p> <p>Starting a topic is like a lighter weight version of giving your email a subject. Topic names should be brief but specific, for example:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Good topic names:</strong> "question about topics", "welcome Anna Smith!", "issue #1234"</li> <li><strong>Not so good topic names:</strong> "question", "hi", "help", "this topic is about a question I have about topics"</li> </ul> <p>Don't stress about making it perfect! The first 2-3 words that come to mind are probably fine, and you can always <a href="/help/rename-a-topic">change it later</a>.</p> <h3 id="how-to-start-a-new-topic">How to start a new topic</h3> <p><div class="tabbed-section has-tabs" markdown="1"> <ul class="nav"> <li data-tab-key="via-left-sidebar" tabindex="0">Via left sidebar</li> <li data-tab-key="via-compose-box" tabindex="0">Via compose box</li> <li data-tab-key="mobile" tabindex="0">Mobile</li> </ul> <div class="blocks"> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="via-left-sidebar" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p>Click the <strong>plus</strong> (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-square-plus"></i>) button next to the name of the channel where you'd like to start a conversation.</p> </li> <li> <p>Enter a topic name. Think about finishing the sentence: “Hey, can we chat about… ?”</p> </li> <li> <p>Click on the compose box, or press <kbd>Tab</kbd> to compose your message. You can <a href="/help/preview-your-message-before-sending">preview your message</a> before sending.</p> </li> <li> <p>Click the <strong>Send</strong> (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-send"></i>) button, or use a <a href="/help/configure-send-message-keys">keyboard shortcut</a> to send your message.</p> </li> </ol> <div class="admonition keyboard_tip"> <p>You can also use the <kbd>C</kbd> keyboard shortcut to start a new topic in the channel you're viewing.</p> </div> <p></div> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="via-compose-box" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p>Click the <strong>Start new conversation</strong> button at the bottom of the app.</p> </li> <li> <p><em>(optional)</em> You can change the destination channel for your message using the dropdown in the top left of the compose box. Start typing to filter channels.</p> </li> <li> <p>Enter a topic name. Think about finishing the sentence: “Hey, can we chat about… ?”</p> </li> <li> <p>Click on the compose box, or press <kbd>Tab</kbd> to compose your message. You can <a href="/help/preview-your-message-before-sending">preview your message</a> before sending.</p> </li> <li> <p>Click the <strong>Send</strong> (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-send"></i>) button, or use a <a href="/help/configure-send-message-keys">keyboard shortcut</a> to send your message.</p> </li> </ol> <div class="admonition keyboard_tip"> <p>You can also use the <kbd>C</kbd> keyboard shortcut to start a new topic in the channel you're viewing.</p> </div> <p></div> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="mobile" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p>Tap the <strong>Channels</strong> (<img src="/static/images/help/mobile-hash-icon.svg" alt="hash" class="help-center-icon"/>) tab at the bottom of the app.</p> </li> <li> <p>Tap on the desired channel.</p> </li> <li> <p>Tap the compose box at the bottom of the app.</p> </li> <li> <p>Enter a topic name. Auto-complete will provide suggestions for previously used topics.</p> </li> <li> <p>Compose your message, and tap the <strong>send</strong> (<img src="/static/images/help/mobile-send-circle-icon.svg" alt="send" class="help-center-icon"/>) button in the bottom right corner of the app.</p> </li> </ol> <p></div> </div> </div></p> <h3 id="starting-a-new-direct-message">Starting a new direct message</h3> <p><div class="tabbed-section has-tabs" markdown="1"> <ul class="nav"> <li data-tab-key="desktop-web" tabindex="0">Desktop/Web</li> <li data-tab-key="mobile" tabindex="0">Mobile</li> </ul> <div class="blocks"> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="desktop-web" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p>Click the <strong>plus</strong> (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-square-plus"></i>) button next to <strong>DIRECT MESSAGES</strong> in the left sidebar, or the <strong>New direct message</strong> button at the bottom of the app.</p> </li> <li> <p>Start typing the name of the person or <a href="/help/user-groups">group</a> you want to message, and select their name from the list of suggestions. You can continue adding as many message recipients as you like.</p> </li> <li> <p>Click on the compose box, or press <kbd>Tab</kbd> to compose your message. You can <a href="/help/preview-your-message-before-sending">preview your message</a> before sending.</p> </li> <li> <p>Click the <strong>Send</strong> (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-send"></i>) button, or use a <a href="/help/configure-send-message-keys">keyboard shortcut</a> to send your message.</p> </li> </ol> <div class="admonition keyboard_tip"> <p>You can also use the <kbd>X</kbd> keyboard shortcut to start a new direct message conversation.</p> </div> <div class="admonition tip"> <p>You can also click on any user in the right sidebar to start composing a direct message to them. Or open their <strong>user card</strong> by clicking on their profile picture or name, and select <strong>Send direct message</strong>.</p> </div> <p></div> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="mobile" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p>Tap the <strong>Direct messages</strong> ( <img src="/static/images/help/mobile-dm-tab-icon.svg" alt="direct messages" class="help-center-icon"/> ) tab at the bottom of the app.</p> </li> <li> <p>Tap the <strong>New DM</strong> button at the top of the app to message one person, or <strong>New group DM</strong> to message any number of people.</p> </li> <li> <p>Start typing the name of the person you want to message, and select their name from the list of suggestions.</p> </li> <li> <p><em>(if sending a group DM)</em> Continue adding as many message recipients as you like. Approve by tapping the <strong>checkmark</strong> (<img src="/static/images/help/mobile-check-circle-icon.svg" alt="checkmark" class="help-center-icon"/>) button in the bottom right corner of the app.</p> </li> <li> <p>Compose your message, and tap the <strong>send</strong> (<img src="/static/images/help/mobile-send-circle-icon.svg" alt="send" class="help-center-icon"/>) button in the bottom right corner of the app.</p> </li> </ol> <div class="admonition tip"> <p>You can also tap on a user's profile picture or name, and tap the <strong>Send direct message</strong> button at the bottom of the app.</p> </div> <p></div> </div> </div></p> <div class="admonition tip"> <p>Rather than kicking off a group direct message, consider starting the conversation in a new topic to make it easier to browse later on.</p> </div> <h3 id="responding-to-an-existing-thread">Responding to an existing thread</h3> <p>To reply to an existing thread:</p> <p><div class="tabbed-section no-tabs" markdown="1"> <ul class="nav"> <li data-tab-key="instructions-for-all-platforms" tabindex="0">Instructions for all platforms</li> </ul> <div class="blocks"> <div class="tab-content" data-tab-key="instructions-for-all-platforms" markdown="1"></p> <ol> <li> <p>Click the <strong>Message...</strong> button at the bottom of the app.</p> </li> <li> <p>Compose your message. You can <a href="/help/preview-your-message-before-sending">preview your message</a> before sending.</p> </li> <li> <p>Click the <strong>Send</strong> (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-send"></i>) button, or use a <a href="/help/configure-send-message-keys">keyboard shortcut</a> to send your message.</p> </li> </ol> <div class="admonition tip"> <p>You can also reply by clicking on a message, or using the <kbd>R</kbd> or <kbd>Enter</kbd> keyboard shortcuts to reply to the message in the blue box.</p> </div> <p></div> </div> </div></p> <h3 id="messaging-tips-tricks">Messaging tips & tricks</h3> <ul> <li>Learn all about <a href="/help/format-your-message-using-markdown">message formatting</a>.</li> <li>Use <a href="/help/emoji-reactions">emoji reactions</a> for lightweight interactions.</li> <li>Embed <a href="/help/code-blocks">code blocks</a> with syntax highlighting for over 250 languages, and integrated <a href="/help/code-blocks#code-playgrounds">code playgrounds</a>.</li> <li><a href="/help/format-your-message-using-markdown#latex">Type LaTeX</a> directly into your Zulip message, and see it beautifully rendered.</li> <li><a href="/help/start-a-call">Start a video call</a> with the click of a button.</li> <li>Make plans for later without worrying about time zones using <a href="/help/format-your-message-using-markdown#global-times">global times</a>.</li> <li>Share files or images with <a href="/help/share-and-upload-files">drag-and-drop uploads</a>.</li> <li>Enjoy animated GIFs with Zulip's native <a href="/help/animated-gifs-from-giphy">GIPHY integration</a>.</li> <li><a href="/help/preview-your-message-before-sending">Preview your message</a> to make sure it looks just how you want it.</li> </ul> <h2 id="related-articles">Related articles</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/help/moving-to-zulip">Moving to Zulip</a></li> </ul> <div class="documentation-footer"> <hr /> <p>Your feedback helps us make Zulip better for everyone! Please <a href="/help/contact-support">contact us</a> with questions, suggestions, and feature requests.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div hidden id="page-params" data-params='{"page_type":"default","development_environment":false,"request_language":"en","google_analytics_id":"UA-79921909-3"}'></div> </body> </html>