{start_tabs}

{tab|desktop-web}

1. Click the **new direct message** (<i class="zulip-icon zulip-icon-square-plus"></i>)
   button next to the **direct messages** heading in the left sidebar, or
   the **New direct message** button at the bottom of the app.

1. Start typing the name of the person or [group](/help/user-groups) you want to
   message, and select their name from the list of suggestions. You can continue
   adding as many message recipients as you like.

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

!!! keyboard_tip ""

    You can also use the <kbd>X</kbd> keyboard shortcut to start a new direct
    message conversation.

!!! tip ""

    You can also click on any user in the right sidebar to start composing
    a direct message to them. Or open their **user card** by clicking on
    their profile picture or name, and select **Send direct message**.

{tab|mobile}

{!mobile-direct-messages.md!}

1. Tap the **New DM** button.

1. Start typing the name of the person you want to message, and
   select their name from the list of suggestions. You can continue
   adding as many message recipients as you like.

1. Approve by tapping the **Compose** button in the top right corner of the app.

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.

!!! tip ""

    You can also tap on a user's profile picture or name, and tap the
    **Send direct message** button at the bottom of the app.

{end_tabs}