How to Use Direct Messages in ClickUp
Direct messages in ClickUp let you and your team communicate in focused one-to-one or small group conversations without leaving your workspace. This guide explains how to start, manage, and organize these private chats so you can collaborate quickly alongside your tasks and projects.
Understanding ClickUp Direct Messages
Direct messages are private conversations between you and one or more people in your Workspace. They are separate from task comments and docs, and they stay in your Chat sidebar so you can return to them at any time.
Key things to know about direct messages:
- They are always tied to your Workspace, not to a specific task or List.
- They can include one person or multiple people in a group thread.
- You can share links, updates, and decisions in real time.
- You can quickly jump back into a conversation from the Chat view.
How to Open the ClickUp Chat Sidebar
Before you create or view direct messages, make sure the Chat sidebar is open.
- Go to any page in your Workspace.
- Look for the Chat icon on the right side of your screen.
- Click the icon to expand the Chat sidebar.
Once the sidebar is open, you will see a list of direct message threads and other chat items available in your Workspace.
How to Start a Direct Message in ClickUp
Use direct messages to quickly reach teammates or small groups without creating a task. You can start a new conversation from the Chat sidebar.
Start a One-to-One Direct Message in ClickUp
- Open the Chat sidebar.
- Click the option to start a new direct message (usually a plus icon or similar control).
- Search for the person you want to message by name.
- Select their name to open a new private thread.
- Type your message in the text field.
- Press Enter or click Send to start the conversation.
After you send the first message, the new thread appears in your sidebar so you can return to it at any time.
Create a Group Direct Message in ClickUp
You can include several people in one conversation to keep a topic centralized.
- Open the Chat sidebar.
- Click to start a new direct message.
- Search for and select multiple people to add to the thread.
- Confirm your selection to create the group chat.
- Type an introductory message, such as the topic or purpose.
- Send the message to start your group conversation.
Every person you add will see the same message history in that group thread.
How to Find and Reopen ClickUp Direct Messages
All of your direct messages are stored in the Chat sidebar so you can quickly access recent or older conversations.
- Open the Chat sidebar from any Workspace page.
- Scroll through the list of direct message threads.
- Click any conversation to reopen it.
When you select a thread, the entire message history appears, and you can continue chatting instantly.
Search for a Direct Message in ClickUp
If you have many active conversations, search helps you find the right one faster.
- Click inside the search bar in the Chat sidebar, if available.
- Type the name of a person in the conversation.
- Select the matching thread from the results.
This makes it easy to jump to important discussions without manually scrolling.
Managing ClickUp Direct Message Conversations
Over time, you may collect many conversations. Managing your threads helps you stay organized and focused.
Rename or Adjust a Group Conversation
Some Workspaces allow you to customize a group conversation name so everyone can quickly recognize its purpose.
- Open the group direct message.
- Look for options or settings in the conversation header.
- If available, update the group name to reflect the topic or project.
Naming your group chats by project or function helps teammates know where to share updates.
Mute or Deprioritize a Direct Message
If a conversation is active but not urgent, you may choose to limit distractions.
- Open the direct message you want to adjust.
- Check the available options for muting or changing notifications.
- Apply the setting that best supports your focus.
While specific controls can vary by Workspace, managing notifications keeps your ClickUp communication intentional.
Best Practices for Using ClickUp Direct Messages
Using direct messages effectively helps your Workspace stay structured and searchable.
- Keep decisions in tasks when possible. Use direct messages to clarify or discuss, then document final decisions on the relevant task.
- Use group conversations for shared topics. Instead of separate one-to-one chats, add everyone who needs the same information to one thread.
- Clarify context. When you start a new thread, mention the project, task, or goal you are discussing.
- Respect working hours. If your Workspace uses notifications heavily, be mindful of when you send messages.
By combining well-structured tasks with focused conversations, you get the most value from communication inside ClickUp.
ClickUp Direct Messages vs. Task Comments
Both direct messages and task comments are useful, but they serve different purposes in your Workspace.
When to Use Direct Messages
- Quick questions that do not need long-term tracking.
- Private feedback or sensitive topics.
- Rapid back-and-forth collaboration before updating a task.
When to Use Task Comments
- Decisions that must be recorded with the task.
- Status updates that affect due dates or assignees.
- Information the entire project team may need later.
Choosing the right communication channel keeps both your conversations and task history clear.
Learn More About ClickUp Direct Messages
You can review the official feature details and latest updates directly from the product documentation. For the original help article, visit the ClickUp direct messages support page.
If you want strategic help implementing collaboration workflows or optimizing your workspace around messaging and tasks, you can also explore consulting resources like Consultevo.
Next Steps With ClickUp Communication
Now that you understand how direct messages work, you can start using them to streamline communication across your Workspace. Open the Chat sidebar, start one-to-one or group conversations, and decide which updates belong in chats and which belong on tasks. With a consistent approach, your team can keep ClickUp organized while staying connected in real time.
Need Help With ClickUp?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.
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