# The Middle Panel

<!---
Actions needed:
- [ ] 

# The Middle Panel
--->

<!---<p class="callout info">Remember to check our <a href="https://ems-docs.element.io/books/kieranml-test-book/page/have-you-tried-httpselementiohelp">Looking for help?</a> page for answers to Frequently Asked Questions and our User Guide!</p>--->

[![the_middle_panel](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/scaled-1680-/image-1690988573221.png)](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/image-1690988573221.png)

### A. Room header
Shows you the room name and a quick summary of the topic. Settings and details of the room can be found and managed in the right hand panel (see separate section).

[![room_header](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/scaled-1680-/image-1690988643107.png)](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/image-1690988643107.png)

Start a video or audio call when you’re in a room or conversation by clicking on the icons in the "Room header".

### B. Messages

**Send a message** by typing into the composer. Hit enter to send. 

**Notify someone in a room** by writing their name or @ before their name. 

**Send a file** either by drag and drop or click on the paperclip to browse your filesystem. You can also copy/paste into the composer.

**React with emojis 😁** by hovering on a message and clicking the smiley face!

**Reply to a message** by hovering on a message and clicking the reply button.

**Edit a message** you’ve sent by hovering on the message and clicking the edit button (the room will be notified of edited messages).

**Remove a message** you’ve sent by hovering on it, clicking the 3 dots option button and choosing "remove" (the room will see a note that a message has been removed).

**Format text** by highlighting your message in the composer. You have options to bold, italics, strikethrough, code block and quote messages.

**Forward a message** by highlighting your message, clicking the options button and choosing "forward". You can then choose which room or conversation you want to forward it to. 

**Quote a message** by hovering over your message and clicking the options button. You can then click "Quote" and type in your desired message.

### C. Threads

Threads move message replies out of your timeline to help declutter the main feed, keep topics together and “catch up” on conversation easier.

[![reply_in_thread](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/scaled-1680-/image-1690988773838.png)](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/image-1690988773838.png)

You can see Thread responses and respond/react to them.

[![message_with_reply_in_thread](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/scaled-1680-/image-1690988818788.png)](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/image-1690988818788.png)

And see Threads in a room on the Thread panel.

[![thread_panel](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/scaled-1680-/image-1690988829624.png)](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/image-1690988829624.png)

Tap on a message to bring up options then "Thread / Reply in thread"

[![reply_in_thread](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/scaled-1680-/image-1690988847645.png)](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/image-1690988847645.png)

### D. Voice Messages

Send a voice message when you re in a room by clicking on the microphone in the "composer" bottom right hand corner.

[![voice_messages](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/scaled-1680-/image-1690988878845.png)](https://ems-docs.element.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/image-1690988878845.png)