Create and manage Chat conversations

Chat conversations can be direct, group, or channel-style depending on how they are created. The create dialog supports selecting users for direct/group chat or creating a channel-style conversation when your role allows it.

Before you start

• Chat must be enabled for the Space.
• You need create access to start a new conversation or channel.
• Channel management actions require edit or delete access.

Create Chat Dialog Reference

Control	What it does	Notes
Done	Closes the dialog.	No conversation is created if you close before sending/creating.
Select users	Choose one or more users for a direct or group conversation.	The send button is disabled until at least one user is selected.
Send button	Creates or opens the direct/group conversation.	The app uses the selected users to identify the conversation.
or divider	Separates user-based chat from channel creation.	Use channel creation for named topic conversations.
+ Create Channel	Creates a channel-style conversation.	Disabled when create access is missing.

Start a Direct or Group Chat

1. Open Chat.
2. Select + Chat.
3. Select one or more users.
4. Select the send button.
5. Type the first message in the composer.

Expected outcome: a direct or group conversation opens. If a matching conversation already exists, the app can open that conversation instead of creating a duplicate.

Create a Channel-Style Conversation

1. Open Chat.
2. Select + Chat.
3. Select + Create Channel.
4. Open the new channel and rename it from the channel header if needed.
5. Add messages and manage settings as your role allows.

Conversation List Reference

Element	What it shows	Notes
Conversation name	The direct/group/channel name.	Direct names can be based on members.
Unread count chip	Number of unread messages for that conversation.	Opening the conversation updates read state after the latest message is seen.
Selected border	Highlights the active conversation on desktop.	On mobile the active conversation opens separately.
Empty state	Shows a Chat illustration and create action when no conversation is selected.	Use + Chat to start.

Channel More Actions

Action	What it does	Permission needed
Rename	Changes the channel name.	Edit access.
Settings	Opens channel settings.	Edit/settings access.
Archive or Unarchive	Moves the channel in or out of active use.	Delete access.
Delete	Removes the channel.	Delete access.

• Mobile opens the selected conversation in a full-screen dialog with Done to return.
• Create chat uses a full-screen dialog on small screens.
• Guide launch can open the Chat page or dialog before highlighting controls.

Troubleshooting

Create Channel is disabled

• Symptom: The button is visible but cannot be selected.
• Cause: You do not have create access for Chat.
• Resolution:
  1. Ask a Space admin to confirm your role.
  2. Use an existing conversation if available.

A conversation already exists

• Symptom: Selecting users opens an existing chat instead of a new one.
• Cause: The selected members match an existing direct/group conversation.
• Resolution:
  1. Use the existing conversation if it is the right group.
  2. Create a channel-style conversation for a separate named topic.

Channel actions are missing

• Symptom: Rename, Settings, Archive, or Delete does not appear.
• Cause: The selected conversation may not be channel-style, or you may lack access.
• Resolution:
  1. Confirm you selected a channel-style conversation.
  2. Ask a Space admin to confirm edit/delete access.