Send Messages and Collaborate
The message composer is designed for quick updates and detailed handoffs. It supports text-only messages, file-only messages, formatted content, live record links, and announcements.
Write and Send a Message
Type in the composer and press Enter to send. Press Shift + Enter to add a new line. Line breaks and empty lines are preserved when the message is displayed.
The composer grows with each new line until it reaches about eight lines, then scrolls internally so it does not cover the conversation. Draft text is retained for that conversation during the current browser session.
You can send:
- Text by itself
- One or more attachments with text
- Attachments without any text
While a message is being sent, it appears immediately with a sending indicator. If sending fails, use Retry without rewriting it.
Format and Enrich Text
The toolbar includes controls for:
- Bold text
- Italic text
- Emoji
- File attachments
- Mentions
- Record links, labeled Add something useful
- Send
Messages support common Markdown-style formatting, including links and lists. Type / in the message box to open the commands available in the current conversation: create a poll or checklist, link a pet, invite a teammate when you manage the channel, or mark a top-level channel message as an announcement.
Create a Poll or Shared Checklist
Choose Create poll from the slash-command menu, enter a question, and add at least two different options. Teammates can vote, change their selection, and see counts and percentages in the message. A sent poll cannot be edited, but its author can delete it.
Choose Create checklist to add a set of shared steps. Checklist items appear as controls below the message, and conversation participants can mark an item complete or reopen it. Use a checklist for a lightweight handoff; create a task when the work needs a board, assignee, or due date.
Mention People or the Channel
Type @ to open inline suggestions. Continue typing to filter the list, then use the arrow keys and Enter or Tab to select a person. You can also select the @ button in the toolbar.
Mentions are highlighted in the finished message. Channel managers can use @channel in a channel when everyone in that channel should be included. Mentioned people can receive notifications according to their conversation preferences.
Link PawPlacer Records
Select the braces icon, labeled Add something useful, then search for a record by name. You can insert direct links to:
- Pets
- Adopters
- Fosters
- Volunteers
- Donors
- Surrenders
- Clinics
- Veterinarians
- Drivers
Linked records render with useful context in the conversation, and teammates can open the profile directly. Links included in email open the PawPlacer workspace and may require the recipient to sign in.
Attach Files and Preview Images
Select the paperclip to upload one or more files. Upload progress appears above the composer, and you can remove an attachment before sending.
Images appear directly in the message. Select an image to open it in an in-page lightbox, where you can view it at a larger size without leaving the conversation. Other file types appear as named download links.
PawPlacer verifies an attachment's allowed type, size, and file signature before making it available. This format validation does not provide antivirus or malware scanning. An attachment that is still being checked, rejected, quarantined, or otherwise unavailable is shown as unavailable instead of exposing a broken link.
React to a Message
Hover over or focus a message and select the smile icon to add a reaction. Existing reactions appear below the message with a count.
Hover over a reaction to see the names of the people who selected it. Select the reaction again to add or remove your own response.
The picker also includes organization emoji. Select Add custom emoji to upload a named image that teammates can reuse in messages and reactions, or enter another standard emoji directly.
Reply in a Thread
Select the reply icon on a message to open its thread. Replies stay grouped with the original message instead of interrupting the main conversation. Messages with replies show the reply count below them.
The thread panel loads additional replies progressively when a thread is long. On a touch screen, tap or focus the message and use its reply action; horizontal swipes do not trigger message actions.
Edit or Delete Your Message
Open the message's more-actions menu to edit or delete an ordinary message you sent. PawPlacer asks for confirmation before deletion. Edited messages are marked edited, and deleted messages leave a small placeholder so the conversation does not lose its sequence.
Polls cannot be edited like ordinary messages: a sent poll keeps its votes attached, and its author can only delete it.
On desktop, right-click a message to open the complete action menu in one place. Depending on the message, it includes reactions, thread reply, save, task creation, message link, pin, edit, and delete.
Save, Pin, and Share a Message Link
Message actions let you:
- Save for later in your personal Saved view
- Pin to conversation for everyone with access to the conversation
- Copy message link to send a direct link to the exact conversation and message
Pins can be reviewed from the pins-and-links button in the conversation header. Conversation managers can also add a shared URL with a friendly label. See Find and Organize Work for details.
Announcements
Conversation managers can mark an important top-level message as an announcement. Announcements use a distinct highlighted style and a megaphone label so operational notices stand out from regular discussion.
Turn a Message into Work
Hover over or right-click a message and choose Create a new task. Review the title and details, choose a task board and column, and add an assignee or due date as needed. The created task is linked back to the source message, and its action appears below the message.
If your organization has AI task suggestions enabled, the same action drafts a task from the message and nearby thread context. You still review the suggestion, choose its board and column, and make any changes before creating it.
Sending Status
Temporary sending and failed states appear while a message is being delivered or needs a retry. Attachments show a checking status while PawPlacer verifies their signature, size, and checksum. If a file fails validation, its status changes to unavailable instead of remaining in the checking state.