> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mantle.chat/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Channels

> Keep team conversations organized and bring AI into the discussion.

A channel is a shared conversation for a team, project, or topic. It keeps messages, files, decisions, and AI help in
one place.

Unlike an [AI chat](/features/ai-chats), a channel begins as a conversation between people. AI joins only when someone
mentions a model or agent.

## Create a channel

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the workspace">Choose the workspace where the discussion belongs.</Step>

  <Step title="Create a channel">
    Select the **+** beside the workspace selector, then choose **New Channel**. Enter a name and optional description.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Post the first message">
    Explain the channel's purpose, the work happening now, and where important material lives.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Good channel names are short and specific: `#product-launch`, `#customer-feedback`, or `#support-ops`.

## Ask AI inside a channel

Type `@` and choose an AI model or workspace agent. Add a clear request in the same message. The answer appears in the
channel, where teammates can read it, react, and continue the discussion.

For example:

> @Research Agent Compare the three launch options above. List the main risk of each and recommend the safest next
> experiment.

The model or agent can use the conversation context available to it. If the job needs company documents or a connected
app, use an agent that has the right knowledge and tools.

## Keep discussions readable

* Reply in a **thread** when the answer belongs to one message.
* Use **mentions** when a specific person needs to see something.
* Add **emoji reactions** for quick agreement or acknowledgement.
* Attach the file instead of pasting a long wall of text.
* Turn a message into a **canvas** when it grows into a plan or document.
* Link to the source instead of copying information that will go out of date.

## Start a huddle

Select the headphones button in a channel to start or join a voice call. If your workspace has AI notes, everyone can
see when the notetaker is active. See [Huddles and AI notes](/features/calls).

## Manage a channel

The channel creator, workspace admins, and the workspace owner can manage channel details. Archive an inactive channel
to keep the sidebar focused while preserving its history.

<Card title="Messages and threads" icon="message" href="/features/messages-and-threads">
  Learn how to reply, mention people, react, edit, and turn a message into action.
</Card>