Skip to main content

How to Create a Message

Written by Agent Support Bot

The Messages feature allows teams to communicate without relying on emails, phone calls, or text messages. Free accounts support private messaging, while Premium and Business accounts support both private and group messaging.

Note: If you cannot access the Messages tab or start a conversation, your company’s settings may restrict messaging. Contact a manager or admin for assistance.

Create a Conversation from the Web

Select the Messages tab, then choose to start a group or private conversation.

Screenshot of a messaging interface titled 'New conversation' with options for 'Group conversation' and 'Private conversation.' Menu includes Dashboard, Schedule, Tasks, Messages, Newsfeed, Reports, and Time Clock tabs.

If conversations already exist, select Start conversation or use the + icon next to a conversation type.

A workplace chat interface shows a group conversation titled "The Prancing Pony - All Staff." The main image depicts a beer glass promoting $5 drafts.

After creating the conversation, you can begin typing your message.

Manage Group Conversations

For group conversations, enter a name and select members. You can include groups such as everyone, scheduled employees, locations, positions, or specific users.

If no name is entered, Sling automatically generates one based on participants. You can update this later.

Screenshot of a messaging app interface. The "New group conversation" screen shows fields for conversation name and members, with a search bar for adding users.

Business accounts allow admins and managers to send the same message as individual private messages to multiple users by enabling the toggle option.

User interface for creating a new group conversation, titled "The Prancing Pony - All Staff," with options to notify 18 employees individually or collectively.

Admins and managers on Business accounts can also restrict posting permissions within a group conversation.

New group conversation setup screen titled "The Prancing Pony - All Staff" with 18 members. Posting is set to "Everyone can post."

When you're ready to create the conversation and send messages, select Create to start the conversation.

Screenshot of a software interface for creating a new group conversation titled "The Prancing Pony - All Staff," with 18 members added. "Create" button highlighted.



Create Private Conversations

To start a private conversation, select a user from the list or search for their name.

A blue-themed interface for starting private conversations with coworkers. Shows a search bar and a list of contacts with names and roles.

After selecting a user, the conversation opens automatically so you can send a message.

Search Conversations

Use the search bar in Messages to find conversations by keywords or titles.

The results update dynamically as you type. Select a result to open the conversation.

Blue interface screen showing a search bar with the term "draft" and a "Start conversation" button. Below are two group chats listed.

The image shows a messaging interface with a search result for "draft" highlighted in blue. Two messages mention "drafts tonight" by Hannah S. in separate chats.

You can also search within a specific conversation to locate messages from previous dates.

Screenshot of a messaging dashboard with tabs for tasks, newsfeed, reports, and time clock. A search icon and user avatar are highlighted in the top right.

Archived conversations are not included in search results.

Edit or Delete Messages

You can edit or delete messages that you have sent. Messages can only be deleted within 12 hours of being sent.

Chat window with a message from "Hannah S" saying "Happy Monday!" at 1:58 PM. Icons beside indicate options for reactions and editing.

Use Messages from the Mobile App

Select the Messages tab from the bottom menu, then select the + icon to start a new conversation.

A messaging app screen shows a list of conversations with different contacts. An orange arrow points to a plus icon for starting a new chat.

Select recipients under the Users or Groups tabs, then select Save.

Mobile app screen for selecting user groups to message. Tabs at top for "Users" and "Groups," with options like "Everyone" and location-based groups.

Review or edit the conversation name, toggle messaging options, and apply any restrictions if available, then select Save again.

Screenshot of a "Create Conversation" screen on an app with options to add members and set restrictions. A highlighted "Save" button is at the top right.

You can attach files up to 20 MB by selecting the attachment icon.

A mobile app screen displaying an "Attachment" menu with options: "Attach file," "Choose photo or video," and "Take photo or video," highlighted in orange.

To react to messages, tap and hold a message to open the emoji menu.

Chat interface with an emoji reaction bar showing thumbs up, clapping, smiling, party popper, heart, crying, and shocked emojis. An arrow points to an add emoji icon.

This menu also allows you to reply, mark messages as unread, copy messages, or delete messages within 12 hours.

You can search conversations from the main Messages screen.

A messaging app interface shows a list of conversations, including names like "Elves" and "Frodo Baggins." A search icon and plus sign appear on top.

You can also search within a specific conversation.


A phone screen shows a search for 'Draft' in a messaging app, with no results displayed. The keyboard at the bottom highlights related suggestions.

Helpful Links

Learn how to adjust Messages settings to manage appropriate usage in the Customizing Your Company and Schedule Settings article.

Explore the Newsfeed as an alternative communication tool. Learn about this feature in the Newsfeed article.

Find out how to add comments directly to shifts in the Shift Notes article.

Use the Documents feature to manage employee information. Learn about this feature in the Employee Documents article.

Learn how to create announcements to share important updates with your staff in the Announcements article.

Did this answer your question?