Use channels for discussion

Use channels for discussion

Channels provide real-time text-based discussion within your program. They work like a messaging space where participants can have conversations, share updates, and collaborate.

Sending messages

  1. Open a channel in your program.
  2. Type your message in the input area at the bottom.
  3. Press Enter or click Send.

Messages support:

  • Rich text — Format text with bold, italic, lists, links, and more
  • File attachments — Attach up to 10 files per message (images, documents, PDFs)
  • Video embeds — Embed videos from YouTube, Vimeo, or other providers (up to 5 per message)
  • Mentions — Type @ followed by a name to mention a participant and notify them

Threaded conversations

Reply to a specific message to start a thread:

  1. Hover over a message.
  2. Click Reply in thread.
  3. A thread panel opens on the right side.
  4. Type your reply and send.

Threads keep conversations organized without cluttering the main channel. The original message shows a reply count and preview of who has responded.

Reactions

React to messages with emoji:

  1. Hover over a message
  2. Click a quick reaction (👍 👏 ❤️ 💡 😄) or click + to open the full emoji picker

Click an existing reaction to add yours — the count increases and shows who reacted. Click your own reaction again to remove it.

Editing and deleting messages

  • Edit — Click the action menu on your own message and select Edit. Edited messages show an “edited” indicator
  • Delete — Click the action menu and select Delete. Admins can delete any message; participants can only delete their own

Notifications

Channel notifications let participants know about new activity:

  • New messages in the channel
  • Thread replies to conversations they’re participating in
  • Mentions when someone @mentions them
  • Reactions on their messages

Participants can customize their notification preferences per channel.

Adding channels

Channels are apps you install in your program. To add one:

  1. Click the + icon next to the program name in the sidebar
  2. Select Add an app
  3. Choose Channel
  4. Give it a name (e.g., “General Discussion,” “Q&A,” “Introductions”)

You can install multiple channels in a single program. Each channel appears in the sidebar with a # icon and its name.

What to do next