---
title: "Messaging"
slug: "messages"
description: "Explore messaging in Rocket Chat. Enable secure communications and real-time collaboration across teams."
status: "update"
updated: 2026-10-16T18:26:15Z
published: 2026-10-16T18:26:15Z
canonical: "docs.rocket.chat/messages"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rocket.chat/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Messaging

Rocket.Chat lets you communicate with teammates using messages in **channels, private groups, and direct messages**. These conversation spaces are called **rooms**.

Within a room, you can:

- Send messages
- Format text
- Share files
- Record audio or video messages
- Share your location
- Mention teammates
- Add emojis

This guide explains how to use these messaging features.

## Send a message

All conversations in Rocket.Chat take place inside [**rooms**](https://docs.rocket.chat/v1/docs/rooms).

**To send a message:**

1. Open the room where you want to start a conversation.
2. Type your message in the **message composer** at the bottom of the screen.
3. Press **Enter** to send the message.

**Helpful typing tips:**

- Press **Shift + Enter** to add a new line without sending the message.
- Use the **arrow keys** to move the cursor within the message.
- Use the icons in the message composer to attach files, format text, or record media.

> [!NOTE]
> Before you begin, make sure your workspace administrator has configured the [Message settings](https://docs.rocket.chat/v1/docs/message) according to your organization’s needs.

---

## Format messages

Formatting helps make messages easier to read and understand. Rocket.Chat supports formatting using either:

- The **formatting toolbar**
- **Markdown syntax**

### Use the formatting toolbar

The formatting toolbar appears below the message composer when it is active.

To format text using the toolbar:

1. Type your message in the composer.
2. Highlight the text you want to format.
3. Click the formatting option you want to apply.

On mobile devices, tap the **T icon** below the message composer to open the formatting toolbar.

> [!WARNING]
> The formatting icons are only visible when the message input field is active. If you do not see them, click inside the message box.

### Use markdown

You can also format messages using **Markdown syntax**.

| Format | Markdown Syntax | Example Result |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bold | `*Hello team*` | **Hello team** |
| Italic | `_Hello_` | *Hello* |
| Block quote | `> Quote` | > Quote |
| Strikethrough | `~Text~` | ~~Text~~ |
| Heading | `# Heading` | Large heading text |
| Ordered list | `1. First item` | Numbered list |
| Unordered list | `- Item` | Bullet list |
| Task list | `- [ ] Task` | Task checklist |
| Inline code | `code` | `code` |
| Code block | npm install | Multi-line code block |
| Table | `\| Header \|` | Formatted table |
| Horizontal rule | `---` | A dividing line across the message |

You can combine Markdown formatting with the toolbar if needed.

### Wrap text in the message composer

When composing a message in Rocket.Chat, you can wrap selected text with common formatting characters without manually typing both sides. This is handy for adding quotes or emphasis quickly, or for formatting code snippets.

> [!NOTE]
> **Available since**: Rocket.Chat 8.4

**To wrap a text**:

1. Select any text in the message composer
2. Press one of the supported wrapping characters listed below.
3. The character is automatically added to both ends of your selection.

For example, select the word `urgent` in your message, press `*` , and it becomes `*urgent*` .

**To unwrap**, select the wrapped text and press the same character again. The wrapping will be removed.

#### Supported wrapping characters

| Character | Result |
| --- | --- |
| ``` | ``text`` |
| `"` | `"text"` |
| `'` | `'text'` |
| `(` | `(text)` |
| `[` | `[text]` |
| `{` | `{text}` |
| `<` | `<text>` |
| `*` | `*text*` |

### Create tables

You can add tables to your messages using GitHub-flavored Markdown syntax. Tables are useful for sharing structured information, such as comparisons, schedules, or status summaries, directly in a conversation.

To create a table, type each row on its own line, separating columns with the pipe character (`|`). The first row contains the column headers, and the second row is a delimiter row that separates the headers from the table body.

For example:

```plaintext
| Name | Role   |
| ---- | ------ |
| Ana  | Admin  |
| Sam  | Member |
```

This is displayed as a formatted table with **Name** and **Role** as column headers:

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(345).png)

Keep the following rules in mind when creating tables:

- Every row must begin and end with a pipe character. Rows without surrounding pipes are displayed as regular text.
- To include a literal pipe character inside a cell, escape it as `\|`.
- You can use inline formatting inside cells, including bold, italics, links, and emojis.

#### Align table columns

The delimiter row controls how text is aligned in each column. Use a colon (`:`) to set the alignment:

| Delimiter | Alignment |
| --- | --- |
| `:---` | Left |
| `:--:` | Center |
| `---:` | Right |
| `---` | Default (no alignment) |

For example, the following table demonstrates all three alignments:

```plaintext
| Left aligned | Centered | Right aligned |
| :----------- | :------: | ------------: |
| This text sits on the left | This text is centered | This text sits on the right |
| Short | Short | Short |
```

This is displayed as follows:

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(346).png)

> [!WARNING]
> **When a message containing a table is shown in a compact view, such as a reply preview, only the table header row is displayed.**

### Horizontal rule subsection

You can insert a horizontal rule to visually separate sections of a longer message. To add a horizontal rule, type three or more dashes on their own line:

```plaintext
Here is the first section.

---

Here is the second section.
```

The dashes are displayed as a dividing line across the message.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(347).png)

---

## Upload files

You can upload and share files directly in a room.

**Web browser/Desktop**

You can upload, forward, and search for files directly from any room.

#### Upload files to a room

To upload files to a room:

1. In the message box, click the **Upload file** icon (paperclip), or drag and drop files directly into the message box.
  - You can also paste an image from your clipboard.
  - You can add multiple files to the message box.
2. (Optional) To update the file name and add an alternative text, click the image you uploaded in the message box. Then click **Update**. The alternative text is saved with the image and displayed to screen readers and other assistive technologies.

When you attach an image to your message, the thumbnail preview of the image is displayed in the attachment list in the message box. This helps you confirm the image is correct before sending. Only images under 10 MB display as previews. Larger images and other file types (PDFs, Word documents, spreadsheets, etc.) are displayed with a file icon instead of a preview.

#### Forward files from a room

To forward a file to another user or room:

1. Hover over the file message and click the **Forward** icon.
2. Select the **user or room** you want to forward the file to.
3. Click **Forward** to send it.

#### Search for files in a room

To find files shared in a room:

1. Click the kebab menu **(⋮)** in the room header.
2. Select **Files**.
3. By default, all file types are shown.
  - Use the available filters to narrow your search by file type.

**Mobile**

You can upload, forward, and search for files in a room using the Rocket.Chat mobile app.

#### Upload files to a room

To upload files from the mobile app:

1. In the message box, tap the **plus (+)** icon.
2. Select one of the available options to attach a file.
3. Tap **Send** to upload the file.

#### Forward files from a room

To forward a file to another user or room:

1. Long-press the file message and tap **Forward**.
2. Select the **user or room** you want to forward the file to.
3. Tap **Send**.

#### Search for files in a room

To find files shared in a room:

1. Tap the **room name** in the top menu bar.
2. Select **Files** from the room options.
3. All files shared in the room are displayed.

> [!NOTE]
> Note:
> 
> - Your workspace administrator may [restrict uploads for certain file types and sizes.](https://docs.rocket.chat/v1/docs/file-upload)
> - To upload files from Google Drive, see the [**Google Drive app guide.**](https://docs.rocket.chat/v1/docs/google-drive)

---

## Record audio and video messages

You can record and send audio or video messages directly in a room. Other users can listen to or watch your message and reply in the conversation.

**Web browser/Desktop**

#### Record an audio message

To record and send an audio message:

1. Open a room and click the **audio message** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(301).png) (microphone) in the message box.
2. Click the **check** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(302).png) to finish recording.
  - Click the **cancel** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(303).png) to discard the recording.
3. (Optional) Add a file name and description and click **Send**.

#### Play an audio message

To play an audio message, click the play button on the audio attachment. You can pause, seek, and change the playback speed directly on the attachment. Audio playback continues even if you switch to another room or close the conversation. While audio is playing, a player card is displayed at the bottom of the sidebar with the following controls:

- **Play and pause** the audio.
- **Seek** to any point using the progress bar.
- **Change the playback speed** by clicking the speed button to cycle through **1x**, **1.5x**, and **2x**.
- **Return to the conversation** the audio was sent in by clicking the sender name or file name on the card.
- **Stop playback** by clicking the close (**x**) icon.

The controls on the audio attachment and the sidebar card stay in sync. For example, pausing the audio from the sidebar card also pauses it on the message attachment.

#### Record a video message

To record and send a video message:

1. Open a room and click the **video message** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(304).png) (camera) in the message box. A video preview window opens.
2. Click **Record** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(305).png) to start recording.
3. Click **Record** again to stop recording.
  - Click **Cancel** to discard the recording.
4. (Optional) Add a file name and description and click **Send**.

**Mobile**

You can record and send audio or video messages directly from the Rocket.Chat mobile app.

#### Record an audio message

To record and send an audio message:

1. Open a room and tap the **audio message** icon (microphone) in the message box. Recording starts immediately.
2. Tap **Send** to finish recording and send the message.
  - Tap the **trash** icon to discard the recording.

#### Record a video message

To record and send a video message:

1. Tap the **plus (+)** icon below the message box.
2. Select **Take a video** and record your video.
3. Tap **Send** to share the video, or **Cancel** to discard it.

> [!WARNING]
> When prompted, allow Rocket.Chat access to your **microphone** and **camera** to record audio or video messages.

---

## Share your location

You can share your current location with other users in a room.

To share your location in a room:

1. In the message box, click the **plus** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(306).png).
2. Select **Share → Location** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(307).png) .
3. When prompted, click **Continue** to proceed.
4. Your browser asks for permission to access your location. Choose **Allow while visiting the site** or **Allow this time**.
5. A location preview is displayed.
6. In the **Share Location** confirmation dialog, review the location.
7. Click **Share** to send your location, or **Cancel** to discard it.

> [!WARNING]
> Location permissions and confirmation:
> 
> - Rocket.Chat requests access to your location only when you choose to share it.
> - The Share Location dialog lets you confirm the exact location before sending.
> - If you select Never allow in the browser prompt, location sharing is disabled.
> - You can change or revoke location permissions at any time from your browser settings.

---

## Send a timestamp

Rocket.Chat allows users to insert timestamps directly into messages. Timestamps help teams coordinate across different time zones by automatically converting the selected time into each user’s local time.

For example, if you insert a timestamp for `May 27, 2026 9:24 PM` in your timezone, users in other regions see the equivalent time in their own timezone. This is useful for scheduling meetings across time zones or announcing maintenance windows.

To insert a timestamp in a room:

1. In the message box, click the **plus** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(306).png).
2. Select **Insert → Timestamp**.
3. Enter the **Date** in DD/MM/YYYY format and the **Time** in 24-hour format (HH:MM).
4. Select the **Format** to display the timestamp. Available formats include:
  1. Short time (e.g., 12:00 AM)
  2. Long time (e.g., 12:00:00 AM)
  3. Short date (e.g., 12/31/2020)
  4. Short date and time (e.g., 12/31/2020, 12:00 AM)
  5. Full date and short time (e.g., Thursday, December 31, 2020 12:00 AM)
  6. Full date and long time (e.g., Thursday, December 31, 2020 12:00:00 AM)
  7. Relative (e.g., 1 year ago)
5. Select the **Timezone** for the entered time. Other users see the timestamp converted to their own time zone.
6. Review the **Preview** displayed and click **Add** to include it in the message.
7. Send the message.

---

## Use emojis

Emojis help express tone and emotion in conversations.

To insert an emoji into a message:

1. In the message box, click the **emoji** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(308).png).
2. Browse emojis using categories or the search field.
3. Select the emoji you want to add to your message.
4. Press **Enter** or click **Send**.

### Use emoji shortcuts

You can also insert emojis by typing an [emoji shortcut.](https://www.webfx.com/tools/emoji-cheat-sheet/)

- For example, typing `:)` automatically converts to a smiley emoji.

### Disable emojis

Workspace administrators can disable graphical emojis.

- When emojis are disabled, emoji shortcuts and keywords appear as plain text.
- To manage this setting, go to [**Account → Messages.**](https://docs.rocket.chat/v1/docs/manage-your-account-settings#messages)

### Native emoji rendering

> [!WARNING]
> **Available since** Rocket.Chat 8.7.0

Rocket.Chat displays emojis using your device's native Unicode emoji set. Emojis in messages, reactions, and the emoji picker look the same as they do in other apps on your operating system, and the picker includes more emojis than earlier releases.

Because emojis render natively, their exact appearance depends on the operating system and browser displaying them. The same emoji may look slightly different to you and to a recipient on a different device.

Emoji shortnames, such as `:tada:`, keep working. Shortnames from the previous emoji set that appear in older messages and reactions continue to display correctly.

Custom emojis uploaded by workspace admins are not affected and still display as before. See [Manage Custom Sounds and Emojis](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/manage-custom-sounds-and-emojis) to learn how admins add custom emojis.

> [!CAUTION]
> Some emojis can appear as empty squares on older operating systems. For example, Windows 10 doesn't include emojis added in newer Unicode versions, so those emojis show as squares in the browser and the desktop app.
> 
> To display these emojis, use one of the following options:
> 
> - Update the device to a newer operating system, such as Windows 11.
> - Ask your workspace admin to add the emoji as a custom emoji. A custom emoji has its own name, so it only appears when someone selects it. Messages that use the native emoji still show a square on the affected device.

---

## Typing indicator

Rocket.Chat shows when someone is typing in a conversation.

When another user is typing, a message appears below the composer such as: `User is typing...`

Typing indicators help participants know when a reply is in progress.

---

## Mention users

You can mention other users in a message to get their attention.

To mention a team member in a channel type **@** followed by their username (for example, `@username`). The mentioned user receives a notification, shown as a red badge, and may also receive an email or mobile notification if they are offline.

> [!NOTE]
> Mentions only trigger notifications when you send the message. If you edit a message you already sent and add a mention, the mentioned user is not notified and does not see an unread badge. To make sure someone sees your message, send a new message that includes the mention.

### Mention everyone in a channel

For important announcements, you can notify all members in a channel use `@all` to notify everyone in the channel.

> [!WARNING]
> Use this mention sparingly to avoid unnecessary interruptions.

---

## Expand message composer

You can expand the message composer to write and review longer messages more comfortably, without scrolling. The **Expand** button ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(279).png) appears automatically when your message grows beyond **five lines**. To return to the normal view click the **Collapse** button in the top-right corner of the expanded message box.

---

## View PDF files

To open a PDF attachment:

1. Upload or receive a PDF file in any room.
2. Click the PDF attachment.

The file automatically opens in the built-in document viewer on the desktop and mobile apps, or launches in a new browser tab when using the web app.

> [!TIP]
> The document viewer for the desktop app also renders Markdown files. When you open a Markdown file, click ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-09-14 at 21.30.28.png) to view the raw Markdown content.

To download the file, click ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-09-14 at 21.31.58.png) beside the file message in the room.

> [!NOTE]
> **Rocket.Chat’s REST API endpoints enable you to send and manage chats. See the** [**Messaging API**](https://developer.rocket.chat/apidocs/messaging-api) **for details.**