Formatting messages
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On this page, we show you how to format messages in Matrix, send files, and use other useful features. We use our recommended Matrix client, Element, as an example. Do you have any further questions about how to use Matrix? Feel free to check out the official Element user guide. Do you think something is missing here? Feel free to write to us!
Sending messages
Messages can be sent by pressing the Enter key. To insert a line break, press Shift + Enter.
You can find additional options in the options menu — the three dots next to the Send button.
Sending files and images
Files and images can be sent up to a certain size. The maximum size depends on the package you have booked or your home server configuration. To attach documents, select the paperclip icon. You can view all files within a room via the sidebar with the document icon.
If you regularly share larger files, we recommend Nextcloud instead.
Formatting text with Markdown
In Element, messages can be formatted with Markdown – a simple markup language that is also used in many other tools. Here are a few examples:
| Result | Text |
|---|---|
| Bold | **Bold** |
| Italic | _Italic_ |
| | Zitat | > Zitat |
| Headline 1 | # Headline 1 |
| Headline 2 | ## Headline 2 |
| Matrix Help | [Matrix Help](https://docs.ossrox.org/matrix/) |
| List entries | * List entry* List entry* List entry |
| Numbered list | 1. Numbered List 2. Numbered List3. Numbered List |
The complete Markdown specification can be found at commonmark.org.
Entering LaTeX formulas is supported as a lab function and can be viewed in rendered form by the other party if the display of LaTeX formulas is also activated there under the lab functions.
Emojis and hashtags
Emojis are suggested as soon as you type a colon “:” and at least two more letters. If you don't know the name of an emoji, you can scroll through all available emojis using the smiley icon on the right side of the input line.
Hashtags can be used to make terms easier to find via search.
Navigating the message history
If there are more unread messages than fit on the screen, two navigation buttons on the right-hand side will help you:
- Up arrow (with dot): Jumps to the oldest unread message.
- Down arrow (in a circle): Jumps to the newest message in the room.
Threads – topic-based conversations
Threads allow you to reply to a specific message without interrupting the main flow of the room. This keeps related messages neatly bundled together – similar to comments under a post.
Slash commands
If you type a “/” at the beginning of a message, various commands will be displayed. These offer shortcuts for common actions and are listed with a brief explanation.
Next steps
- Using the Matrix Client Element: Back to the overview about using the Matrix Client Element.
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ): Answers to common questions, e.g., about key backup or browser compatibility.
- Bridges – connecting other messengers: Connect Matrix with WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, or Discord.
Parts of the text and images are based on the Matrix documentation from TU Dresden, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. The content has been adapted to our style and partially expanded. This page of our wiki is therefore also licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.