open-the-compose-box.md

Open the compose box

The Zulip compose box starts off closed by default, leaving more vertical space for the message feed. There are a number of ways to open the compose box.

Using the mouse

• Click on any message.

• Click on Start new conversation, or New direct message at the bottom of the app.

Using the keyboard

All replies are to the message in the blue box.

• Reply: R or Enter

• New topic: C

• New direct message: X

You can move the blue box around using the arrow keys, J, or K. You can close the compose box using Esc, or up/down arrow if the box is empty.

!!! tip ""

Zulip offers handy one-character
[keyboard shortcuts](/help/keyboard-shortcuts) for
[reading messages](/help/reading-strategies). With the compose
box closed, there is no need to use the <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> key all the time.

Related articles

• Getting started with Zulip
• Introduction to topics
• Starting a new direct message
• Replying to messages
• Messaging tips & tricks
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Resize the compose box