# Private messages

**Private messages (PMs)** are one-on-one conversations between you and
another user. **Group private messages (group PMs)** are small
discussions with a group of users.

PMs and group PMs work well for one-off conversations. If you find yourself
frequently conversing with the same person or the same group of people, we
highly recommend [creating a private stream](/help/create-a-stream) for your
conversations instead.

Note that group PMs are not the same as [user groups](/help/user-groups) or private
streams. PMs and group PMs do not have
[topics](/help/about-streams-and-topics), and do not appear in your list of
streams.

### Send a PM or group PM

{start_tabs}

1. [Open the compose box](/help/open-the-compose-box) by typing `x` or clicking
   **New private message** at the bottom of the screen.

2. Start typing a user's name, and select the user from the list of
   suggestions. Repeat as necessary.

3. Compose a message, and click **Send**.

{end_tabs}

### Access a PM or group PM

There are several ways to access an existing PM or group PM.

* For recent conversations, click on **Private messages** near
  the top of the left sidebar.
* Click on any user or group in the right sidebar.
* Start typing a user's name in [search](/help/search-for-messages). You'll be
  able to select PMs or group PMs with that user.
* Open the compose box, and enter in a (list of) users. Type `Ctrl + .` (or
  `Cmd + .` on a mac) to open that conversation.