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Direct Messages Overview

Direct messages (DMs) in Copera let you have private conversations with one or more teammates without creating a full channel. Whether you need to ask a quick question, share a confidential file, or coordinate with a small group, DMs provide a fast, focused space that stays out of the way of your broader team channels.

One-on-One vs. Group DMs​

Copera supports two flavors of direct message:

  • One-on-one DMs are private conversations between you and a single teammate. Because only two people are involved, these conversations also give you access to peer-to-peer voice calls directly from the chat header.
  • Group DMs include three or more participants. They work just like one-on-one DMs but are designed for small, informal coordination. If a group DM outgrows casual chat, you can convert it into a full text channel with a single click.

Both types support the same rich messaging features you find in text channels, including file sharing, emoji reactions, threaded replies, and message pinning.

Where to Find Direct Messages​

Direct messages live in the Communicate section of the left sidebar, under the Direct Messages accordion. Click the chevron to expand or collapse the list. Your most recent conversations appear at the top so you can pick up where you left off.

Starting a New Direct Message​

There are several ways to begin a conversation:

  1. From the sidebar -- Click the compose icon (pencil) next to the "Direct Messages" heading. A new conversation view opens where you can search for and select one or more workspace members in the "To:" field.
  2. From the command palette -- Press Ctrl + K (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + K (Mac), then search for the person you want to message. Select their name to jump straight into the DM.
  3. From a user's profile -- Click any teammate's avatar or name throughout the platform to open their profile card. From there you can send a message or navigate to your existing DM with that person.

Once you select a recipient, you are taken directly into the conversation where you can start typing your message.

What's Next​

  • Sending Messages -- Learn about composing messages, rich text formatting, file sharing, and more.
  • Group Conversations -- Create group DMs and convert them into text channels when they grow.
  • Voice Calls -- Make peer-to-peer voice calls from one-on-one conversations.