zulip/help/include/how-to-start-a-new-topic.md

{start_tabs}

{tab|desktop-web}

1. Click the Start new conversation button at the bottom of the app, or use the C keyboard shortcut.

2. (optional) You can change the destination channel for your message using the dropdown in the top left of the compose box. You can start typing to filter channels.

3. Enter a topic name. Auto-complete will provide suggestions for previously used topics.

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

!!! tip ""

You can click on the
**Clear topic** (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-close"></i>) icon
near the upper right of the compose box to erase the topic name.

!!! warn ""

In Zulip, you can compose a message to a different place than the one you
are viewing. In this situation, the message feed will fade to indicate
what's going on.

{tab|mobile}

1. Tap the Channels () tab at the bottom of the app.

2. Tap on the desired channel.

3. Tap the compose box at the bottom of the app.

4. Enter a topic name. Auto-complete will provide suggestions for previously used topics.

5. Compose your message, and tap the send () button in the bottom right corner of the app.

{end_tabs}