Operations
Chat
Use real-time chat for quick conversations, class groups, direct messages, and attachments.
When to use chat
Chat is best for quick conversations and active coordination. Users can use direct messages or group conversations depending on who needs to participate.
- Use direct messages for one-to-one conversations.
- Use group chats when several people need the same discussion.
- Use mail instead when a message needs to feel more formal or easier to review later.
| Need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quick question or coordination | Chat | Fast and conversational. |
| Official note or longer explanation | Easier to review later as a formal thread. | |
| Announcement to many users | Announcements | Designed for broad visibility. |
| System event or reminder | Notifications | Automatically points users to the action that needs attention. |
Attachments and mentions
Chat can include attachments, message formatting, and group mentions where available. Keep shared files and broad mentions relevant to the class or school task.
End-to-end encrypted
Chat messages and supported Chat attachments are end-to-end encrypted. Approve a new browser from a trusted browser or with a code sent to your verified recovery email. Approval enables future messages; an existing trusted browser can share available recent Chat history. Approval cannot recover history when every copy of its private keys has been lost.
- The file belongs in this conversation
- The recipients are allowed to see it
- Private student details are only shared when needed
- The file name or message gives enough context
- Typing @ opens a mention picker for people, everyone, roles, and related groups.
- Role mentions appear when a group contains more than one role.
- Related group mentions are selected by audience first, then by section, department, or cohort.
- A person mentioned more than once through different mention choices receives only one notification.
Direct message blocking
Users can block direct messages from another person in a one-to-one chat. This is a DM safety control, not a full user block.
- Use the chat-list menu to block or unblock DMs for a direct chat.
- Use the blocked-users menu near the new-chat button to review who you blocked, when the block was created, and unblock people later.
- Blocking DMs hides the composer and shows a banner for both people in the direct chat.
- DM blocks apply to every role, including Org Admins.
- DM blocks are tied to the person for direct messages, not just the current chat view.
- Group chats continue normally even when two group members have blocked DMs between each other.