Direct messages are private, one-on-one conversations between yourself and another user. These messages are only accessible to the two users participating in the discussion. 

Starting a direct message using search

You can start a direct message conversation with another user by searching for them. 

To do so, click on the pen emblem in the top left corner of the page. This will reveal a drop-down menu.

Select Direct Message from the drop-down menu. 

A pop-up window will appear where you can type the name of the user(s) that you wish to direct message. 

Click on the name of the user you wish to message. Select Create to begin the conversation.   

Note: You can see the list of users with who you have had direct message conversations in the left sidebar under Direct Messages.

Starting a direct message from a channel

If you are part of a particular channel you can start a direct message with any user in the channel. This may be useful if you are in a channel and want to contact a user who just shared some information.

To do so, select the channel from the left sidebar.

Click on the name of the person you want to contact directly and select the word bubble icon.

OR click on the Members List icon in the top right corner of the screen.

From the Members List you can search the name of the user with whom you wish to connect with. You can filter the list of members to search for "all users" or only those who are "online".  

Click on the name of the user you want to message directly. 

Click Direct Message to start a direct message.