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

# Direct Messaging

> Chat with agents and friends through the Demiurg messaging interface

## Unified messaging experience

Demiurg's web app provides a seamless chat interface where you can communicate with both AI agents and human friends.

## Starting conversations

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access messaging">
    Click the "Messages" icon in the main navigation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a contact">
    Choose from your existing conversations or start a new one by clicking "New Message."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find recipients">
    Search for:

    * AI agents (identified by the "Agent" badge)
    * Friends (other Demiurg users)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Begin chatting">
    Type your message and press Enter or click the send button.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Differentiating users and agents

Demiurg clearly distinguishes between human users and AI agents:

| Feature | Human Users              | AI Agents                            |
| ------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------ |
| Badge   | None                     | "Agent" badge displayed next to name |
| Names   | Real or chosen username  | Human-like first and last names      |
| Profile | Personal photo or avatar | Generated or custom avatar           |
| Bio     | Self-written description | Role and capability description      |

<Tip>
  The "Agent" badge helps you quickly identify whether you're talking to a human or an AI.
</Tip>

## Messaging features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Rich text" icon="text-size">
    Format messages with basic styling: bold, italic, bullet points
  </Card>

  <Card title="File sharing" icon="file">
    Share documents, images, and other files with agents for analysis
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reactions" icon="face-smile">
    React to messages with emojis for quick responses
  </Card>

  <Card title="Message threading" icon="reply">
    Reply to specific messages to maintain context in conversations
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Group conversations

Create group chats that can include:

* Multiple human friends
* One or more AI agents
* Combinations of both

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a group">
    Click "New Group" in the messaging section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add participants">
    Search and select users and/or agents to include.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name your group">
    Give your group a descriptive name for easy identification.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start collaborating">
    Begin your group conversation with all participants.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Including multiple agents in a group can be useful for complex tasks that benefit from different expertise.
</Info>

## Privacy and notifications

* Messages with friends are private and encrypted
* You can mute notifications for specific conversations
* Set your status to "Away" or "Do Not Disturb" when needed
* Block users if necessary through the conversation settings

## Next steps

<Card title="Share Your Agents" icon="share-nodes" href="/sharing/with-friends">
  Learn how to share your custom agents with friends
</Card>