starlight_help/src/content/docs/mastering-the-compose-box.mdx
import {Steps, TabItem, Tabs} from "@astrojs/starlight/components";
import FlattenedSteps from "../../components/FlattenedSteps.astro"; import KeyboardTip from "../../components/KeyboardTip.astro"; import NavigationSteps from "../../components/NavigationSteps.astro"; import StartComposing from "../include/_StartComposing.mdx";
import ChevronRightIcon from "~icons/zulip-icon/chevron-right";
Here is an overview of all the information and actions you can take in Zulip's compose box.
When composing a message, Zulip lets you view a different conversation from the one you are composing to. For example, you can start a new topic without changing your view, send a direct message about the topic you're viewing, or look up a related discussion.
In this context, the parts of the message view that are outside of the conversation you are composing to are faded for clarity.
No matter where you start composing your message, it's easy to change where it will be sent.
<Tabs> <TabItem label="Compose to a channel"> <FlattenedSteps> <StartComposing /> 1. Select any channel from the dropdown in the top left of the compose box. You can
start typing to filter channels.
1. Enter a topic name. Auto-complete will provide suggestions for previously
used topics.
</FlattenedSteps>
1. Select **Direct message** from the dropdown in the top left of the compose
box.
1. Start typing the name of the person you want to message, and
select their name from the list of suggestions. You can continue
adding as many message recipients as you like.
</FlattenedSteps>
Zulip lets you jump to the conversation you're currently composing to.
<Steps> 1. [Open the compose box](/help/open-the-compose-box). 1. Click the highlighted **go to conversation** (<ChevronRightIcon />) button at the top of the compose box. It will be clickable only if you're viewing a different conversation from the one you are composing to. </Steps> <KeyboardTip> Use <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>.</kbd> to go to the conversation you're composing to. </KeyboardTip>