# Resize the compose box

When composing a long message, it can be helpful to expand the compose
box to display more text and avoid distractions. Note that the compose
box also stretches automatically when you type a long message.

{start_tabs}

{!start-composing.md!}

1. Move your mouse to the compose box area.

1. Click the <i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-expand-diagonal"></i>, <i
   class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-maximize-diagonal"></i>, or <i class="zulip-icon
   zulip-icon-collapse-diagonal"></i> button in the top right corner of the text
   box.

!!! tip ""

    Which button you see depends on the current size of the compose box.

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## Related articles

* [Open the compose box](/help/open-the-compose-box)
* [Preview messages before sending](/help/preview-your-message-before-sending)
* [Mastering the compose box](/help/mastering-the-compose-box)