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Send messages

Communicate with community members by sending messages in text channels.

Send a message​

  1. Select a text channel from the channel list.
  2. Type your message in the text field at the bottom. Shift+Enter opens a new line without sending the message.
  3. Press Enter to send.

When your message contains a URL, Root automatically displays a preview card with the page's title, description, and image.

Format your message​

Add emphasis, structure, and code to your messages using formatting options and Markdown syntax. See Format messages for complete formatting options including code blocks with syntax highlighting.

Select text and use the formatting buttons below the message field, or use keyboard shortcuts:

FormatButtonShortcutMarkdown
BoldBCtrl+B**text**
ItalicICtrl+I*text*
StrikethroughS—~~text~~
Inline code</>—`code`

Add attachments​

Share files, images, and GIFs in your messages.

Use the buttons on the right side of the message field:

ButtonDescription
Attach files (paperclip)Upload files from your computer. See Share files and images.
GIFSearch and insert animated GIFs. See Send GIFs.

You can also drag and drop files directly into the message field.

Add emojis​

Express yourself with emojis in your messages. The emoji picker includes standard emojis and any custom emojis uploaded by community leaders. You can also type : followed by at least two characters to search for an emoji by shortcode without opening the picker.

In channels where you have the Use External Emojis permission, you can use custom emoji from any community you belong to.

  1. Select the Emojis button (smiley face) on the right side of the message field.
  2. Browse or search for an emoji. Community emoji appear in their own section.
  3. Select an emoji to insert it into your message.

Reply to a message​

A reply links your message to a specific message in the conversation, creating a visual thread that helps others follow the discussion. When you reply to a message, your response appears with a reference to the original message, making it easy to see what you're responding to.

You can reply to up to 5 messages at once, which is helpful when addressing multiple points in a conversation.

  1. Start a reply using one of these methods:
    • Click a message (if Tap to reply is enabled in Chat settings)
    • Hover over a message and select the Reply icon (arrow)
    • Right-click a message and select Reply
  2. Type your reply in the text field (the original message appears above).
  3. Press Enter to send.

Mention a user or role​

A mention notifies a specific user or everyone with a particular role that you're addressing them. When you mention someone, they receive a notification (if enabled) and your message highlights their name, making it easy to spot.

Mentioning a role notifies all members who have that role assigned to them.

  1. Type @ followed by the username or role name.
  2. Select the correct user or role from the popup list.
  3. Complete your message and press Enter.