{start_tabs}

{tab|via-left-sidebar}

{!start-topic-via-left-sidebar.md!}

{tab|via-compose-box}

1. Click the **Start new conversation** button at the bottom of the app.

1. _(optional)_ You can change the destination channel for your message using
   the dropdown in the top left of the compose box. Start typing to filter
   channels.

1. Enter a topic name. Think about finishing the sentence: “Hey, can we chat
   about… ?”

{!compose-and-send-message.md!}

!!! keyboard_tip ""

    You can also use the <kbd>C</kbd> keyboard shortcut to start a new topic in
    the channel you're viewing.

{tab|mobile}

{!mobile-channels.md!}

1. Tap on the desired channel.

1. Tap the compose box at the bottom of the app.

1. Enter a topic name. Auto-complete will provide suggestions for previously
   used topics.

1. Compose your message, and tap the **send**
   (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-send mobile-help"></i>) button in the
   bottom right corner of the app.

{end_tabs}
