zulip/templates/zerver/help/send-a-private-message.md

Send a private message

{!follow-steps.md!} send a new private message.

1. Click the New private message button located in the compose box at the bottom of your screen. The compose box will open, showing the one or more people... and Compose your message here... inputs.

   

2. In the one or more people... field, input the username or email address of the user you want to privately message. When you begin typing an email address or username, autocomplete suggestions will appear.

3. Enter your message in the Compose your message here... field.

4. Once you have finished completing your message and adding the recipients, you can now send your message to the specified user(s) by pressing the Enter key or clicking the Send button, depending on your settings.

   !!! tip "" Whether or not the Press Enter to send option is enabled, pressing Ctrl + Enter or Tab then Enter sends a message, while pressing Shift + Enter inserts a new line in your message.

!!! tip "" You can always cancel your message by clicking the x () icon located at the top right corner of your compose box or pressing the Esc key.