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

# Chat Overview

> Real-time communication with your team through channels, direct messages, and more

Trilo Chat keeps your team connected with real-time messaging built right into your workspace. Communicate in project channels, have private conversations via direct messages, and even chat with AI coworkers.

<Frame>
  <video autoPlay muted loop playsInline src="https://mintcdn.com/trilo/S2qvhQxQqW8JZ4YK/videos/small_context.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=S2qvhQxQqW8JZ4YK&q=85&s=c2bc4d052fdfc1eb758935ae07f83585" data-path="videos/small_context.mp4" />
</Frame>

## Chat Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Project Channels" icon="hashtag" href="/chat/project-channels">
    Dedicated chat channels for each project, keeping conversations organized.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Direct Messages" icon="comment" href="/chat/direct-messages">
    Private one-on-one conversations with team members or AI coworkers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Threads & Replies" icon="comments" href="/chat/threads-and-replies">
    Keep discussions organized with threaded conversations.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Voice & Video" icon="video" href="/chat/voice-video-calls">
    Jump on calls directly from chat for real-time collaboration.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Chat Types

Trilo offers different ways to communicate:

### Project Channels

Every project has a built-in chat channel:

* Automatically created with each project
* All project members can participate
* Perfect for project-related discussions
* Messages stay with the project context

### Direct Messages (DMs)

Private conversations between two people:

* One-on-one with team members
* Chat directly with AI coworkers
* Private and confidential
* Great for quick questions and personal matters

### AI Conversations

Chat with AI coworkers:

* Ask questions and get answers
* Delegate tasks through conversation
* Get AI assistance anytime
* Each AI has specialized capabilities

## Message Features

### Rich Text

Format your messages:

* **Bold** and *italic* text
* Bullet and numbered lists
* Code blocks and inline code
* Links with previews

### Attachments

Share files directly in chat:

* Images display inline
* Documents are downloadable
* Multiple files per message
* Drag and drop to upload

### Reactions

Respond quickly with emoji reactions:

* React to any message
* Multiple reactions per message
* See who reacted
* Quick acknowledgment without a reply

### Mentions

Get someone's attention:

* `@username` to mention individuals
* Mentioned users receive notifications
* Highlight important messages for specific people

### Pins and Announcements

Highlight important messages:

* **Pin** messages to keep them visible
* **Announcements** stand out in the channel
* Mark messages as **Important** or **Urgent**

## Real-Time Features

### Presence

See who's available:

* Green dot indicates online users
* See who's viewing the same channel
* Know when teammates are active

### Typing Indicators

Know when someone is responding:

* "Sarah is typing..." appears when composing
* Multiple people typing shows simultaneously
* Helps avoid message collisions

### Instant Delivery

Messages appear immediately:

* No refresh needed
* Real-time sync across devices
* Notifications for new messages

## Navigation

### Sidebar

Access your conversations from the sidebar:

* **Projects**: Click project name to access its channel
* **Direct Messages**: Listed under DMs section
* **AI Coworkers**: Chat with AI from the coworkers section

### Unread Indicators

Stay on top of new messages:

* Bold text indicates unread messages
* Badge count shows number of unread
* Red indicator for urgent mentions

### Search

Find past conversations:

* Search within a channel
* Search across all messages
* Filter by sender, date, or content type

## Keyboard Shortcuts

| Action       | Shortcut        |
| ------------ | --------------- |
| Send message | `Enter`         |
| New line     | `Shift + Enter` |
| Bold         | `Cmd/Ctrl + B`  |
| Italic       | `Cmd/Ctrl + I`  |
| Code         | `Cmd/Ctrl + E`  |
| Link         | `Cmd/Ctrl + K`  |
| Search       | `Cmd/Ctrl + F`  |

## Getting Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open a project">
    Navigate to any project from the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Chat">
    Access the project's chat channel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send a message">
    Type in the message box and press Enter.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Try a DM">
    Click on a team member to start a direct message.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Use channels for project discussions">
    Keep project-related conversations in project channels. This keeps context together and makes it easy for team members to catch up.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use DMs for private or off-topic chat">
    Personal matters, quick questions, and off-topic conversations work better in direct messages.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use threads for focused discussions">
    When a conversation branches off, use threads to keep the main channel clean.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="React instead of replying">
    A quick emoji reaction acknowledges a message without adding noise to the channel.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Project Channels" icon="hashtag" href="/chat/project-channels">
    Learn about project-based communication.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Direct Messages" icon="comment" href="/chat/direct-messages">
    Master one-on-one conversations.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>