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

# Send and Format Messages

> Send text messages with formatting, attach files or documents, send silently to avoid notifications, lock the message composer to prevent accidental sending, and use composer shortcuts.

Use the message composer to write, format, and send messages in direct messages or group chats.

## Send a text message

1. Open a conversation.

2. Type your message in the input box.

3. Press **Enter** or click **Send**.

To add a line break without sending the message, press **Shift + Enter**.

![](https://alidocs.oss-cn-zhangjiakou.aliyuncs.com/res/NpQlK5jwr84wLqDv/img/51fe1266-c851-4fac-a60b-d53e605c358c.png)

## Format a message

Click **Aa** in the message composer to open the rich text toolbar.

You can use formatting options such as **Body**, **Bold**, **Text Color**, **Italic**, **Strikethrough**, **Bulleted List**, **Numbered List**, **Link**, and **Clear Formatting**.

Use rich text when you want to send a structured update, a list of action items, or a message that needs emphasis.

![](https://alidocs.oss-cn-zhangjiakou.aliyuncs.com/res/4EZlweZLRE8ZBqxA/img/2b840945-1002-45b3-a147-e5caa2988988.png)

## Send files or documents

1. Open a conversation.

2. Click the upload icon in the message composer.

3. Select **Upload File**, **Upload Folder**, **Send Files in DingTalk Drive**, or **Send DingTalk Docs**.

4. Complete the selection.

Use this menu when you need to send a local file, a folder, a file from DingTalk Drive, or a DingTalk Doc.

![](https://alidocs.oss-cn-zhangjiakou.aliyuncs.com/res/NpQlK5jwr84wLqDv/img/59c794bc-1196-4da9-bdf1-8edc4e188d79.png)

## Send silently or lock sending

1. Type your message.

2. Click the dropdown arrow next to **Send**.

3. Select **Set silent** or **Lock Send**.

Use **Set silent** when the message should be delivered without interrupting others. Use **Lock Send** when you need to send with additional protection.

![](https://alidocs.oss-cn-zhangjiakou.aliyuncs.com/res/NpQlK5jwr84wLqDv/img/f8285c90-4537-450e-9dab-009c47e1736e.png)

## Use composer shortcuts

Click **+** in the message composer to open shortcuts.

The menu includes:

* **Contacts**

* **Code snippet**

* **DingTalk documentation**

* **New Event**

* **Video Conference**

* **Mail**

Use these shortcuts when you want to create related work directly from the conversation.

![](https://alidocs.oss-cn-zhangjiakou.aliyuncs.com/res/NpQlK5jwr84wLqDv/img/af6bed3b-a886-4a70-9905-3543bfec7ecf.png)