Direct messages

Direct messages (DMs) are conversations with other users that happen outside of a stream. DMs work well for one-off messages, usually with just one or two others.

If you find yourself frequently conversing with the same person or group, it often works better to create a private stream for your conversations. This lets you organize your discussion into topics, and add or remove participants as needed.

Send a DM

  1. Click the New direct message button at the bottom of the app, or the Start new conversation button if you are in a direct message view.

  2. Start typing the name of the person you want to message, and select their name from the list of suggestions. You can continue adding as many message recipients as you like.

  3. Click on the compose box, or press Tab to compose your message. You can preview your message before sending.

  4. Click the Send () button, or use a keyboard shortcut to send your message.

You can also use the X keyboard shortcut to start a new direct message conversation.

You can also click on any user in the right sidebar to start composing a direct message to them. Or open their user card by clicking on their profile picture or name, and select Send direct message.

  1. Tap the Direct messages ( direct messages ) tab at the bottom of the app.

  2. Tap the New DM button at the top of the app to message one person, or New group DM to message any number of people.

  3. Start typing the name of the person you want to message, and select their name from the list of suggestions.

  4. (if sending a group DM) Continue adding as many message recipients as you like. Approve by tapping the checkmark (checkmark) button in the bottom right corner of the app.

  5. Compose your message, and tap the send (send) button in the bottom right corner of the app.

You can also tap on a user's profile picture or name, and tap the Send direct message button at the bottom of the app.

Access a DM

If using Zulip in a browser or desktop, there are several ways to access an existing DM conversation.

  • Click on Direct messages near the top of the left sidebar to access recent DM conversations.

  • Click on any user in the right sidebar.

  • Start typing a user's name in the search bar. You'll be able to select DMs with that user.

  • Open the compose box, and enter a list of users on the To: line. Type Ctrl + . to open that conversation.

Access all DMs

  1. Tap the Direct messages ( direct messages ) tab at the bottom of the app.