> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.joingather.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.joingather.org/gather-app-walkthrough/chat-functionality.md).

# Chat functionality

Gather's chat feature supports WhatsApp-style messaging for your community. You can share texts, photos, videos, polls, and links to in-app content.

### Creating a new message

Navigate to the Connect tab on your app. You'll see the chat section at the bottom of the screen. Pull up the section, and it will fill the screen.

From there, hit the Plus icon in the upper right-hand corner. From here, you can choose an individual in your app by scrolling or using the search bar. If you're making a group chat, select that option from the top of the new chat screen.

### Creating a group chat

When you select group chat, the Add members page opens. You'll see a **Search** bar, two drop-downs for **Role** and **Tag**, and, below that, a list of all potential members to add. You can select by role and/or tag, or make manual selections.

* **Role** will identify users by their role within the app- you'll have set this up with the Gather Team ahead of time. Generally, those in charge of the app are **Admins**; other staff are **Coordinators**; and your users are **Members**. If this is not clear or your team set it up differently, please reach out to your team members or to Gather Support for clarification.
* **Tags** are identifiers typically acquired by your Members during onboarding. These tags identify various attributes, needs, and interests. For example, if you wanted to create a group chat to help new mothers sign up for WIC, you might select the tags "Mother" and/or "Seeking government benefits."

If you chose to select by Role or Tag, these chats will automatically update with users who acquire or lose the Role or Tag.

When you select Next, you'll be able to add a group name and and review added members. Then hit Create.

### Group chat management

Once you've created the group chat, it's ready for messages. You can upload images and videos or create a poll by hitting the plus icon in the bottom left next to the keyboard. To add a voice note, hit the microphone icon in the bottom right.

To access group chat controls, select the chat title from within the chat. From there, the following page will open:

![](https://3024605654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fu9PavPKMcvtJuywiEX1R%2Fuploads%2Fqm3YmAwzf1G3rF9JI5tE%2FScreenshot_2026-01-26_at_3.43.29_PM.png?alt=media)

As the creator, you can control whether the chat will be one-way (members can only receive messages) or two-way (members can reply). You can select members to also make them Admins of the chat, giving them access to this control panel. You can delete the chat from the bottom.


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