# Quote and reply

You can quote a previous message, either replying within a topic or to
start a new topic.

The first line of the reply contains a [permanent link][link-to-message]
to the quoted message. Zulip automatically turns mentions in the quoted text
into [silent mentions](/help/mention-a-user-or-group#silently-mention-a-user)
to avoid unnecessarily mentioning someone twice.

!!! tip ""

    You can use [quote blocks](/help/format-your-message-using-markdown#quotes)
    when quoting emails or other non-Zulip content.

## Quote and reply

{start_tabs}

{tab|desktop-web}

{!message-actions-menu.md!}

1. Click **Quote and reply or forward**.

1. *(optional)* Delete any parts of the quoted message that are not
   relevant to your reply.

1. Send your message.

!!! keyboard_tip ""

    You can also use <kbd>></kbd> to **quote and reply or forward** the
    selected message.

{tab|mobile}

{!message-long-press-menu.md!}

1. Tap **Quote and reply**.

1. *(optional)* Delete any parts of the quoted message that are not
   relevant to your reply.

1. Send your message.

!!! tip ""

    If you are in a stream view, you can set a different destination
    topic by tapping the compose box and selecting an existing topic
    or typing a new topic name.

{end_tabs}

## Related articles

* [Format your message using markdown](/help/format-your-message-using-markdown)
* [Link to a message or conversation][link-to-message]
* [Mention a user or group](/help/mention-a-user-or-group)

[link-to-message]: /help/link-to-a-message-or-conversation