Google Chat / Getting started with Google Chat

Best practices for using Google Chat

Read our best practices to get the most from Google Chat for direct and group conversations, and using spaces.

Create spaces specific to requirement

You can create as many spaces as you need to in Google Chat, so only invite relevant people to each space that you create. Rather than creating one space called “Projects”, for example, create a separate space for each project you are working on.

Use threads to split spaces into topics

Don’t just maintain one thread in a space with all replies underneath it. If you are starting a conversation on a new topic, start a new thread in the space using the New button along the bottom of the space. That way, people can prioritise which threads they need to read.

Don’t use spaces if you need an immediate response

A history of all messages is maintained in a space so that members can browse them when they have time. If you need an immediate response, send a direct message to the person you need to hear from.

Share documents via spaces

Use the Google Drive button in the chat text box to share Google Docs, Sheets and Slides with everyone in the space. Everyone in the space will automatically be given viewing and commenting permissions in the document as it’s added to the space.

Manage your notifications

If you are a member of a space for information only, turn off notifications for the space so that you’re not interrupted by messages you don’t need to read. Position the mouse over a space name, then click on the ellipses to Turn off notifications. You can click on the Settings cog in the top-right corner of the screen to further manage when notifications are received.

Draw attention using @ mentions

In a space, you can draw someone’s attention to a message by typing @ followed by their name in the chat text box. If the person you have mentioned doesn’t read the message after 12 hours, they will receive an email notification. If the person you have mentioned is not a member of the space, you will be asked if you wish to add them to the space when you send your message.

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