Summary: OTalk supports various message types to enhance communication and collaboration. Each message type serves a specific purpose and provides different functionality to help teams communicate more effectively.

Overview

The chat system includes the following message types:

• Text Comments: Standard text-based messages
• Time Entries: Messages logging time spent on work
• Image Uploads: Visual content sharing
• Document Links: References to files and documents
• Audio Recordings: Voice messages and recordings

Text Comments

Text comments are the most basic and common type of message in the chat system.

Features

• Rich text formatting options (bold, italic, lists, etc.)
• @mentions to notify specific team members
• Emoji support
• Link embedding
• Code snippet formatting

Best Practices

• Keep messages concise and to the point
• Use formatting to highlight important information
• Break long messages into smaller, more digestible chunks
• Use @mentions sparingly to avoid notification fatigue

How to Send

1. Type your message in the input field
2. Use formatting tools in the toolbar if needed
3. Press Enter to send

Time Entries

Time entry messages allow team members to log and track time spent on work discussed in the chat. Time entry is avaialble when a chat is based on task.

Features

• Log hours and minutes spent
• Add descriptions of work completed
• Categorize time entries by activity type
• View time logs from all team members

Benefits

• Streamlines time tracking within the communication flow
• Provides transparency about work effort
• Creates an audit trail of time spent
• Facilitates time reporting and billing

How to Send

1. Click the “Log Time” button in the message input area
2. Enter hours and minutes spent
3. Select an activity category
4. Add a description of work completed
5. Click “Log Time” to send

Image Uploads

Image upload messages allow you to share visual content directly in the chat.

Supported Formats

• JPEG/JPG
• PNG
• GIF (including animated GIFs)
• BMP
• TIFF

Features

• Thumbnail previews in the chat
• Full-size viewing option
• Image downloading
• Multiple image uploads at once

How to Send

1. Click the attachment icon in the message input area
2. Select “Upload Image”
3. Choose an image from your device
4. Optionally add a caption
5. Click “Send” to upload and share

Document Links

Document link messages provide references to files and documents stored in the system or external sources.

Supported Document Types

• Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• PDF documents
• Text files
• Spreadsheets
• And many more

Features

• Automatic link formatting and previews
• Direct access to documents from the chat
• Version information for system documents
• Permission handling for restricted documents

How to Send

1. Click the attachment icon in the message input area
2. Select “Share Document”
3. Browse and select a document from the system or upload a new one
4. Optionally add a comment about the document
5. Click “Share” to send

Audio Recordings

Audio recording messages allow you to share voice messages and recordings directly in the chat.

Features

• In-chat recording capability
• Playback controls (play, pause, skip, speed)
• Duration display
• Download option for offline listening

Benefits

• Faster than typing long explanations
• Preserves tone and emphasis
• Useful when typing is impractical
• More personal than text-only communication

How to Send

1. Click the microphone icon in the message input area
2. Click “Start Recording”
3. Speak your message
4. Click “Stop” when finished
5. Preview your recording (optional)
6. Click “Send” to share

Message Reactions

In addition to the primary message types, you can react to any message using emoji reactions.

Available Reactions

• Standard emoji set (👍, ❤️, 😂, etc.)
• Custom organizational reactions if configured

How to React

1. Hover over any message
2. Click the reaction icon (smiley face)
3. Select an emoji from the picker
4. Click to apply the reaction

Multiple team members can use the same reaction, and a count is displayed next to each emoji.

Best Practices for Using Message Types

Choosing the Right Type

• Use Text Comments for general communication
• Use Time Entries to log substantial work completed
• Use Image Uploads when visual information is clearer than text
• Use Document Links when sharing structured or formal information
• Use Audio Recordings for complex explanations or when on the move

Combining Types Effectively

Sometimes the most effective communication uses a combination of message types:

1. Share a Document Link to a report
2. Add a Text Comment explaining key findings
3. Log Time spent creating the report

This comprehensive approach ensures all aspects of your work are communicated clearly.

Troubleshooting

Can’t Send Certain Message Types

1. Check your permissions – some message types may be restricted
2. Verify you have the necessary role in the chat
3. Ensure you have the necessary storage quota (for images and documents)

Message Type Not Displaying Correctly

1. Refresh the chat window
2. Check that you have the latest version of the application
3. Clear your browser cache if using the web version

Getting Help

If you need additional assistance with message types:

1. Hover over the message type button to see a tooltip explanation
2. Check this documentation for detailed information
3. Contact your system administrator for permission-related issues