zulip/help/open-the-compose-box.md

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Open the compose box

The Zulip compose box starts off closed by default, leaving more vertical space for the message feed. There are a number of ways to open the compose box.

Using the mouse

  • Click on any message.

  • Click on Start new conversation, or New direct message at the bottom of the app.

Using the keyboard

All replies are to the message in the blue box.

  • Reply: R or Enter

  • New topic: C

  • New direct message: X

You can move the blue box around using the arrow keys, J, or K. You can close the compose box using Esc, or up/down arrow if the box is empty.

!!! tip ""

Zulip offers handy one-character
[keyboard shortcuts](/help/keyboard-shortcuts) for
[reading messages](/help/reading-strategies). With the compose
box closed, there is no need to use the <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> key all the time.