# Messages

> Messages is a drawer for direct and group conversations with anyone you share a board with. Threads support attachments you can drag straight onto a canvas, @ mentions that link to real boards and cards, per-thread drafts, and unread counts that show in the browser tab title.

_Source: https://clusters.soleilpictures.com/docs/collaborate/messages · Updated 2026-08-08_

Messaging exists so that the conversation about a board can happen next to the
board.

Open it from the sidebar or `⌘K` → "messages".

## Who you can message

**Anyone you share at least one board with.** Sharing is the address book —
there is no separate contact list to maintain, and no way to message someone you
have no working relationship with.

Click any collaborator's avatar to start a direct message with them.

## Threads

Direct and group conversations in one list, ordered by recency.

- **Attachments** — send files, and drag one from a thread straight onto a canvas to make it a card
- **Markdown and auto-links** — formatting is rendered, URLs unfurl
- **[Mentions](/docs/organize/links-and-mentions)** — `@` a person, board, document or card; boards and cards become navigable links
- **Per-thread drafts** — a half-written message survives closing the drawer
- **Permalinks** — a link to one specific message, which opens the thread scrolled to it

## Unread

Unread counts appear on the sidebar and in the **browser tab title** — `(3)` for
unread, `(@2)` when at least one mentions you directly, so you notice from
another tab.

## Messages versus comments

The distinction worth keeping:

- A **[comment](/docs/collaborate/comments)** is attached to a thing on a board and stays with it. It is a record.
- A **message** is a conversation with a person. It is correspondence.

Feedback on a specific image belongs in a comment, where whoever opens that
board next will find it. Coordination belongs in a message.