Direct messages (DMs) are private conversations between you and one or more colleagues. Unlike channels, direct messages are not visible to the rest of your organization.
Direct messages appear in the left sidebar under Direct Messages.
Starting a new direct message
- Click the + icon next to Direct Messages in the sidebar.
- Search for a colleague by name.
- Select their name from the results.
- Click Open to start the conversation.
Creating a group message
Group messages work the same way as one-on-one direct messages, but include multiple participants.
- Click the + icon next to Direct Messages in the sidebar.
- Search for and select each person you want to include.
- Click Open to start the group conversation.
Group DMs display a combined avatar made up of the participants’ profile pictures.
Messaging yourself
You can send a message to yourself to save notes, links, or reminders. Your own name appears in the DM list as Personal notes.
Personal notes are only visible to you and are a useful place to collect information before sharing it with your team.
Muting a conversation
To stop receiving notifications from a specific conversation without leaving it:
- Right-click the conversation in the sidebar.
- Select Mute.
To unmute, right-click the conversation again and select Unmute.
Unread badges
The number of unread messages in a conversation appears as a badge next to the conversation name in the sidebar. The badge clears once you open and view the conversation.
Draft indicators
If you have started typing a message but have not sent it, a draft indicator appears next to that conversation in the sidebar. This helps you identify conversations where you have an unsent message waiting. 
