Use the built-in chat panel to communicate with team members while working on boards.

Overview

Board Chat is a real-time messaging system integrated into Canvas boards. Communicate with collaborators without leaving your workflow.

Opening Chat

Show/Hide Chat Panel

• Click Chat icon in top-right
• Panel slides in from right side
• Click again to hide
• Keyboard: Cmd/Ctrl + /

Features

Real-Time Messages

• Instant delivery
• All collaborators see messages
• Read receipts
• Typing indicators

Message History

• All messages saved with board
• Scroll to view history
• Search messages (coming soon)
• Delete your own messages

Notifications

• Sound on new message (optional)
• Badge count when minimized
• Desktop notifications (if enabled)

Using Chat

Send Message

1. Type message in input box
2. Press Enter to send
3. Or click Send button

Message Formatting

Basic formatting:

• Bold with text
• Italic with text
• Code with text

Mentions (Coming Soon)

• @username to notify
• Highlights for mentioned user
• Notification sent

Link to Nodes (Coming Soon)

• Reference specific nodes
• Click to highlight node
• Jump to node in board

Chat Etiquette

Best Practices

• Keep messages relevant to board
• Use for quick coordination
• Be respectful and professional
• Don't spam

When to Use Chat

• Quick questions
• Status updates
• Coordination
• Clarifications
• Links and references

When to Use Video Instead

• Complex discussions
• Design reviews
• Multiple topics
• Detailed explanations

Managing Chat

Mute Notifications

• Click settings icon
• Toggle notifications off
• Still see messages
• No sound/badges

Clear Chat (Owner Only)

• Settings → Clear Chat
• Removes all messages
• Cannot be undone
• All participants notified

Report Issues

• Report inappropriate messages
• Contact support
• Provide screenshot
• Include timestamp

Privacy & Security

Who Can See

• Only people with board access
• View Only users see chat
• Messages saved with board
• Private to your team

Message Retention

• Saved indefinitely with board
• Delete board = delete chat
• Individual messages deletable by sender

Chat vs Other Communication

Board Chat

• ✓ Contextual to board
• ✓ Saved with board
• ✓ Real-time
• ✗ No voice/video
• ✗ Board-specific only

Video Calls

• ✓ Face-to-face
• ✓ Screen sharing
• ✓ Complex discussions
• ✗ Not saved
• ✗ Requires scheduling

Email

• ✓ Formal communication
• ✓ Long-form
• ✓ External parties
• ✗ Not real-time
• ✗ Outside workflow

Troubleshooting

Messages not sending

• Check internet connection
• Refresh board
• Try again
• Contact support if persistent

Can't see chat

• Check if panel is hidden
• Click chat icon
• Verify you have access to board
• Refresh page

Missing messages

• Scroll up for history
• Check if chat was cleared
• Verify you're on correct board

Notifications not working

• Check browser permissions
• Enable notifications in settings
• Check mute status
• Test with new message

Tips

Stay Focused:

• Minimize chat when not needed
• Check periodically
• Don't let it distract

Effective Communication:

• Be clear and concise
• Use formatting for emphasis
• Link to relevant nodes
• Acknowledge messages

Coordination:

• Announce when starting work
• Notify before major changes
• Ask before deleting
• Share progress updates

Keyboard Shortcuts

Cmd/Ctrl + / - Toggle chat panel

Enter - Send message

Shift + Enter - New line in message

Esc - Close chat panel

Related Features

• Team Features
• Video Calls
• Board Permissions