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Use a direct message, or DM, for a one-to-one conversation with another member of your organization. DMs are separate from workspaces, so the conversation stays available while you move between projects.

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Start a direct message

1

Open Direct messages

Select Direct messages in the left rail, or select the + beside the workspace selector and choose New Direct Message. You can also press Command + G on Mac or Ctrl + G on Windows and Linux.
2

Choose a teammate

Search for a member of your organization and open the conversation.
3

Send a message

Add text, files, images, links, or emoji as needed.
You can reply in threads, react, edit your own messages, and start a huddle. You can also message yourself to save a short note or link.

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DM or channel?

Use a DM when the conversation is personal, sensitive, or useful to only one other person. Use a channel when the work should be discoverable by a team or may help someone later. When a DM produces a project decision, post the decision in the relevant channel or canvas. This prevents important context from being trapped in a private conversation.

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When someone leaves

If the other person is no longer a member of the organization, the existing conversation remains as history but may become read-only.
A DM is for people. To work privately with AI, start an AI chat in your personal workspace. To involve both teammates and AI, use a shared AI chat or a channel.