A private message (also called a direct message or DM) is a conversation between just you and one other person. Nobody else in the room can see it.
Starting a private conversation
- Click a person's name or avatar in the user list or in a room conversation.
- Their profile opens in the right panel.
- Click Start Chat.
- A private conversation opens. Type your message and send it as normal.
Private messaging can be switched off for a room, or for the whole site, by your administrator. If you do not see a Start Chat button or a DM tab, private chat is not available there.
Sending content in a private chat
A private conversation works exactly like a room conversation. You can send text, images, files, voice messages, videos, GIFs, stickers, links, and code — see Sending Messages and Sharing Content for details. You can also react to, reply to, forward, edit, and delete messages.
Finding your private conversations
- In the left panel, click the DM tab.
- Your private conversations are listed, most recent first.
- A red badge on the DM tab shows how many unread private messages you have.
- Click any conversation to open it.
Use the search box in the left panel to find a person quickly instead of scrolling the list.
Managing a private conversation
From inside a private chat you can mute it, mark it as a favourite, block the person, clear the messages, or report them. These are all covered in Managing Your Conversations.