> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.macro.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Channels

> Channels are where you and your team collaborate. They serve as the main hub of communication between you and others.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/macro-a2d84caa/Ii97L_qggyKuCmfd/images/channels_screenshot.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Ii97L_qggyKuCmfd&q=85&s=e30b97d9e9a85e99d8a62d75360c9b8b" alt="Channels Screenshot" width="3948" height="2160" data-path="images/channels_screenshot.png" />
</Frame>

Anyone can be added to a channel by entering their email, even if they're not on your team. People without a Macro account receive an email telling them about their channel notifications.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Channels & Groups" icon="users">
    Organize team conversations by topic, project, or team
  </Card>

  <Card title="Threaded Replies" icon="comments">
    Keep discussions organized with threaded conversations
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bidirectional Links" icon="link">
    @mention docs, tasks, and emails to create traceable references
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rich Messages" icon="pen-fancy">
    Format messages with the same editor used everywhere in Macro
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

> To create a channel use shortcut <kbd>c</kbd> + <kbd>m</kbd>

You can also mention @Macro to call an agent into the channel. @Macro can summarize previous discussions, answer workspace questions, and more.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/macro-a2d84caa/Ii97L_qggyKuCmfd/images/Screenshot-2026-06-03-at-4.54.24-PM.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Ii97L_qggyKuCmfd&q=85&s=993c7c49ec626b0faaf254b518dd3e84" alt="The @Macro agent responding to a question inside a channel" width="1642" height="390" data-path="images/Screenshot-2026-06-03-at-4.54.24-PM.png" />
</Frame>

## Message Features

### Rich Text Editing

Compose messages using Macro's unified rich text editor:

* **Formatting**: Bold, italic, code blocks, lists
* **@mentions**: Reference users, documents, tasks, files, and more
* **Attachments**: Add files, images, and media
* **Markdown**: Full markdown support for quick formatting

### Reactions

React with emoji instead of sending another message.

### Message actions

Hover over any message on desktop to reveal its action menu. Alongside reactions and replies, you can:

* **Copy Link** — copy a link straight to that message so you can paste it into a doc, task, or another channel.
* **Copy Text** — copy the message's text content to your clipboard.

On mobile, the same actions live in the message action drawer — long-press a message to open it.

### Thread Replies

Keep conversations organized by replying in threads:

1. Click on any message to view or start a thread
2. Thread replies appear indented under the parent message
3. Thread indicators show when new replies are added

<Tip>
  Threads help keep channels clean by organizing side conversations and reducing notification noise.
</Tip>

## @Linking System

Messages support bidirectional @links to everything in your workspace:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Type @">
    Start typing `@` to open the mentions menu
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select an item">
    Choose from documents, tasks, emails, files, users, or other channels
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the link">
    The mention creates a bidirectional reference you can trace back later
  </Step>
</Steps>

### What You Can @Mention

* **Users**: Notify team members (`@username`)
* **Documents**: Reference notes, wikis, and collaborative docs
* **Tasks**: Link to specific tasks or projects
* **Files**: Reference PDFs, images, videos, and other files
* **Emails**: Link to email threads
* **Channels**: Reference other channels or conversations
* **Dates**: Create date references (`@tomorrow`, `@next week`)
* **Groups**: Mention groups like `@here` or `@team`

<Note>
  When you @mention a document or task in a channel message, it creates a reference you can trace back. The mentioned item will show where it was referenced, creating a bidirectional link.
</Note>

## Message Editing

Edit messages after sending to fix typos or update information:

* Edited messages show an "edited" indicator
* Full edit history is preserved
* Recipients don't receive duplicate notifications

## Attachments

Share files and media in messages:

* **Drag and drop**: Drop files directly into the message composer
* **File picker**: Browse and select from your storage
* **Auto-import**: Attachments are automatically added to file storage
* **Inline previews**: Images and supported files show inline previews

<Info>
  Attachments shared in channels are automatically imported to Macro's file storage, making them searchable and accessible from anywhere.
</Info>

## Typing Indicators

See when other participants are typing in real time.

## Participant Management

Manage channel membership:

* Add or remove participants
* View all channel members
* See participant status and presence

## Integration with Macro

Channel messages tie into the rest of Macro:

* **Search**: Find messages with `type:channel` or search by content
* **AI Chat**: Ask questions about channel conversations
* **Canvas**: Embed channel messages in diagrams
* **Documents**: Reference channel discussions in docs

## Best Practices

<Tip>
  * Use channels to organize conversations by topic or project
  * @mention documents and tasks to create traceable references
  * Use threads for side conversations to keep the main channel clean
  * React with emoji instead of sending "thanks" messages
  * Edit messages to fix mistakes rather than sending corrections
</Tip>