Create, send & reply to messages in Google Chat
You can send a direct message to a person or group of people in Google Chat.
Create a direct message
To send a new message:
- On your computer, open Google Chat or Gmail.
- In Gmail: On the left, click Chat.
- At the top left, click New chat .
- Enter the person’s name you want to message.
- To create a group direct message, enter multiple names.
- Click Start chat.
Send & reply to messages
To send or reply to a message, you can use the message field in Chat. There are multiple ways to reply.
When you reply, you can:
Send a message
Send the message you wrote in the message field.
Share files and more
Share Google Drive files, set up a Calendar invite, or add apps to a message.
Start a meeting
Start a video call with Google Meet.
Add a video meeting
Add a Google Meet link to a video meeting.
Edit Edit a message
Edit a sent message.
Delete a message
Delete a sent message.
Format messages
Bold or italicize text, use bullet points, or add color.
React to messages
Add an emoji.
Upload a file
Share a file from your computer.
Share a GIF
React with an animated GIF.
Quote a message
To directly respond, quote a previous message in Chat.
Start a thread
In a space, create a new thread based on a message.
Troubleshoot permissions
Contact the Workspace administrator if you:
- Can’t create a new conversation
- Can’t add members to a space
- Get a permission error like "You don't have permission to start a new conversation"
Learn how to manage space settings.