# Messages

> Channels, DMs and threads, with calls, clips, scheduling and agents.

Source: https://docs.coline.app/messages

Messages is where your team talks. Conversations are **channels** (public or private, for a team or topic) and **DMs** (with one person or a group).

## Channels

* **Public channels** are open to every member of the workspace. **Private channels** are invite-only.
* Each channel has **tabs**: the conversation, plus files, docs and notes you pin as tabs so they're always one click away.
* **Shared channels** include people outside your workspace through [Coline Connect](/connect). The new channel dialog has a **Shared** option, and every channel header has a **Share** button.
* The sidebar groups conversations into collapsible sections with filters. DMs are ordered by recency and show presence.

## Writing messages

* Format with Markdown, mention people with `@`, attach files, and paste links that unfurl into previews. Links to Coline tasks, docs, issues and Change Requests show as cards.
* **Threads** keep replies to one message together and slide in beside the conversation.
* **Reactions**, **pins**, **edits** and **forwarding** work on any message.
* **Clips:** record your screen or audio and attach it. Clips get a transcript.
* **Schedule** a message to send later. Drafts sync between your devices.
* As you type, the composer notices plans like "lunch w sam tmrw 1pm" and offers to add them to your calendar or make a task before you send.
* [Tab](/api/tab) suggests the rest of your sentence as ghost text.

## Kairo in conversations

* Mention `@kairo` in any conversation to ask about it. Kairo answers using what's in that conversation and what you can access.
* **Suggestions:** when a message asks you to do something, proposes a meeting, or needs a reply, Kairo offers to create a task, add the event to your calendar at the agreed time, or draft a reply.
* Replies can include live, interactive blocks such as charts and tables.

## Agents in conversations

Team [crew members](/kairo/crew) can join channels and DMs. They read along like a teammate and answer when they're addressed, by name, with a mention, or as a reply to their own question. You don't need to `@` them again.

Start a DM with an agent from **New conversation**, or mention one in a channel to add it. In a channel's settings you can choose a lead agent, let partners in shared channels ask agents for help, or pause agents in that channel.

## Search

Search lives in the conversation side panel next to **Pinned**, with filter chips, suggestions and highlighted matches. Workspace-wide search (`⌘K`) also covers messages.

## Notifications

* Set notifications for each conversation, or pause them until a set time.
* **Message settings** add working hours and quiet hours.
* **Smart interruptions** (on by default) only ping you for messages that matter. Small talk and reactions wait in your [Inbox](/inbox), while anything urgent or meant for you still comes through.

## Calls

Start a call from any channel or DM. See [calls and meetings](/calls).

## Custom emoji

Admins can add custom emoji in **Settings → General**.