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Text channels overview

Chat with your community in organized text channels.

What is a text channel?​

A text channel is a place within a community where members send written messages. Unlike direct messages between individuals, text channel messages are visible to all members who have access to that channel.

Messages in text channels stay there for members to read later. You can scroll back through the conversation to catch up on what you missed.

How text channels work​

Text channels support several types of content and interactions:

  • Messages are the text you type and send. They can include formatting, links, and line breaks.
  • Attachments let you share files, images, and other media alongside your messages.
  • Reactions are emoji you add to messages to respond without typing. Multiple people can add the same reaction.
  • Replies let you respond to a specific message, creating a visual thread that links your response to the original.
  • Mentions notify specific users or roles when you include them in your message using the @ symbol.
  • Pinned messages are important messages kept somewhere easy to find. Anyone with the Manage Pinned Messages permission can pin one. See Pin messages.

When someone sends a message, it appears at the bottom of the channel for everyone to see. The channel shows who's currently typing, so you know when others are composing a response.

When to use text channels​

Participate in text channels to:

  • Have a conversation that others can join or read later
  • Share information with a group, like announcements, links, or files
  • Ask questions and get answers from knowledgeable community members
  • Talk at your own pace when not everyone is online at the same time