{start_tabs}

{tab|desktop-web}

1. Click the **plus** (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-square-plus"></i>) button next
   to **DIRECT MESSAGES** in the left sidebar, or the **New direct message**
   button at the bottom of the app.

1. Start typing the name of the person or [group](/help/user-groups) you want to
   message, and select their name from the list of suggestions. You can continue
   adding as many message recipients as you like.

{!compose-and-send-message.md!}

!!! keyboard_tip ""

    You can also use the <kbd>X</kbd> keyboard shortcut to start a new direct
    message conversation.

!!! tip ""

    You can also click on any user in the right sidebar to start composing
    a direct message to them. Or open their **user card** by clicking on
    their profile picture or name, and select **Send direct message**.

{tab|mobile}

1. Tap the **Direct messages**
   ( <img src="/static/images/help/mobile-dm-tab-icon.svg" alt="direct messages" class="help-center-icon"/> )
   tab at the bottom of the app.

1. Tap the **New DM** button at the top of the app to message one person, or
   **New group DM** to message any number of people.

1. Start typing the name of the person you want to message, and
   select their name from the list of suggestions.

1. *(if sending a group DM)* Continue adding as many message recipients as you
   like. Approve by tapping the **checkmark** (<img
   src="/static/images/help/mobile-check-circle-icon.svg" alt="checkmark"
   class="help-center-icon"/>) button in the bottom right corner of the app.

1. Compose your message, and tap the **send**
   (<img src="/static/images/help/mobile-send-circle-icon.svg" alt="send" class="help-center-icon"/>)
   button in the bottom right corner of the app.

!!! tip ""

    You can also tap on a user's profile picture or name, and tap the
    **Send direct message** button at the bottom of the app.

{end_tabs}