# Open the compose box

The Zulip compose box starts off closed by default, leaving more vertical
space for the message feed. There are a number of ways to open the compose box.

## Using the mouse

* Click on any message.
* Click on **Start new conversation**, or **New direct message** at the
  bottom of the app.

## Using the keyboard

All replies are to the message in the **blue box**.

* **Reply**: <kbd>R</kbd> or <kbd>Enter</kbd>
* **New topic**: <kbd>C</kbd>
* **New direct message**: <kbd>X</kbd>

You can move the blue box around using the **arrow keys**, <kbd>J</kbd>, or
<kbd>K</kbd>. You can close the compose box using <kbd>Esc</kbd>, or up/down
arrow if the box is empty.

!!! tip ""

    Zulip offers handy one-character
    [keyboard shortcuts](/help/keyboard-shortcuts) for
    [reading messages](/help/reading-strategies). With the compose
    box closed, there is no need to use the <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> key all the time.

## Related articles

* [Getting started with Zulip](/help/getting-started-with-zulip)
* [Introduction to topics](/help/introduction-to-topics)
* [Starting a new direct message](/help/starting-a-new-direct-message)
* [Replying to messages](/help/replying-to-messages)
* [Messaging tips & tricks](/help/messaging-tips)
* [Keyboard shortcuts](/help/keyboard-shortcuts)
* [Resize the compose box](/help/resize-the-compose-box)
