# Configure whether topics are required in channel messages

{!general-chat-intro.md!}

Administrators can configure the default for whether topics are required in
channel messages (i.e., whether it's possible to send messages to the “*general
chat*” topic).

The default configuration can be overridden for any channel. You can also
configure channels to [allow only the “*general chat*”
topic](/help/general-chat-channels).

## Set the default *general chat* topic configuration

{!admin-only.md!}

{start_tabs}

{settings_tab|organization-settings}

1. Under **Compose settings**, select the desired option from the **Default
   *general chat* topic configuration for channels** dropdown.

{!save-changes.md!}

{end_tabs}

## Configure permission to post to “*general chat*” in a channel

{start_tabs}

{tab|desktop-web}

{relative|channel|all}

1. Select a channel.

{!select-channel-view-general-advanced.md!}

1. Under **Messaging permissions**, choose the desired option from the **Allow
   posting to the *general chat* topic?** dropdown.

{!save-changes.md!}

{end_tabs}

## Related articles

* [Introduction to topics](/help/introduction-to-topics)
* [“*General chat*” topic](/help/general-chat-topic)
* [“*General chat*” channels](/help/general-chat-channels)