Message Formatting
SetGet Chat provides a rich formatting toolkit so your messages are clear, structured, and expressive. You can use the formatting toolbar, type Markdown syntax directly, mention teammates, reference channels, insert code blocks with syntax highlighting, and add emoji.
Formatting toolbar
The formatting toolbar appears above the message composer. It provides one-click access to all formatting options.
| Button | Format | Keyboard Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| B | Bold | Ctrl+B / Cmd+B |
| I | Italic | Ctrl+I / Cmd+I |
| Strikethrough | Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X | |
<> | Inline code | Ctrl+E / Cmd+E |
[/>] | Code block | Ctrl+Shift+C / Cmd+Shift+C |
1. | Numbered list | Ctrl+Shift+7 / Cmd+Shift+7 |
* | Bullet list | Ctrl+Shift+8 / Cmd+Shift+8 |
> | Blockquote | Ctrl+Shift+9 / Cmd+Shift+9 |
| Link icon | Insert link | Ctrl+K / Cmd+K |
Bold
Select text and click B or press Ctrl+B / Cmd+B. Bold text stands out in the message and is useful for key terms, action items, or emphasis.
Italic
Select text and click I or press Ctrl+I / Cmd+I. Italic text is typically used for titles, subtle emphasis, or notes.
Strikethrough
Select text and click the strikethrough button or press Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X. Strikethrough is useful for indicating completed tasks or retracted statements.
Inline code
Select text and click the code button or press Ctrl+E / Cmd+E. Inline code renders in a monospace font with a subtle background, ideal for variable names, commands, or short code references.
Code block
Click the code block button or press Ctrl+Shift+C / Cmd+Shift+C to insert a multi-line code block. See the dedicated section below for language selection and syntax highlighting.
Numbered list
Click the numbered list button or press Ctrl+Shift+7 / Cmd+Shift+7. Each line becomes a numbered item. Press Enter to add the next item. Press Enter on an empty item to exit the list.
Bullet list
Click the bullet list button or press Ctrl+Shift+8 / Cmd+Shift+8. Works the same as numbered lists but without sequential numbering.
Blockquote
Click the blockquote button or press Ctrl+Shift+9 / Cmd+Shift+9. Blockquotes render with a left border and are used for quoting previous messages or external text.
Link
Select text and click the link icon or press Ctrl+K / Cmd+K. A dialog appears where you enter the URL. The selected text becomes the link label.
Markdown syntax
If you prefer typing to toolbar clicks, you can use Markdown syntax directly in the message composer. SetGet Chat converts Markdown to rich text as you type.
| Syntax | Result |
|---|---|
**bold** | bold |
*italic* | italic |
~~strikethrough~~ | |
`inline code` | inline code |
``` (triple backtick) | Code block |
1. item | Numbered list |
- item or * item | Bullet list |
> quote | Blockquote |
[text](url) | Hyperlink |
TIP
Markdown is converted to rich text in real time. You can mix toolbar formatting and Markdown in the same message.
@mention autocomplete
Type @ followed by a name to mention a workspace member. An autocomplete dropdown appears as you type, showing matching users.
How it works
- Type
@in the message composer. - A dropdown appears listing all members of the current channel.
- Continue typing to filter the list by display name.
- Use Arrow Up / Arrow Down to navigate the list.
- Press Enter or click a name to insert the mention.
Mention behavior
| Mention target | Syntax | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Individual user | @Display Name | Notifies the user, highlights the mention in the message |
| All channel members | @all | Notifies every member of the channel |
| Online members only | @online | Notifies members currently shown as online |
WARNING
Use @all sparingly in large channels. Every member receives a notification, which can be disruptive.
Mentioned users see the message highlighted in their notification feed. If they have desktop or email notifications enabled for mentions, they receive those as well.
#channel mentions
Type # followed by a channel name to create a clickable channel reference. When a recipient clicks the reference, they navigate directly to that channel.
- Type
#in the message composer. - An autocomplete dropdown shows matching channels in the workspace.
- Select the channel to insert the reference.
Channel references render as styled links in the sent message. Only channels that the viewer has access to are clickable; private channels appear as plain text to non-members.
Code blocks with syntax highlighting
Code blocks are ideal for sharing code snippets, configuration files, log output, or terminal commands.
Inserting a code block
- Click the code block button in the toolbar, or type triple backticks (
```). - A code editor area appears in the composer.
- Type or paste your code.
- Select a language from the language dropdown in the top-right corner of the code block.
Supported languages
The language selector includes all commonly used programming and configuration languages:
| Category | Languages |
|---|---|
| Web | JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, JSX, TSX |
| Backend | Go, Python, Ruby, Java, C#, Rust, PHP |
| Data | JSON, YAML, TOML, XML, CSV |
| Shell | Bash, Shell, PowerShell, Zsh |
| Database | SQL, MongoDB query |
| Config | Dockerfile, Nginx, INI, ENV |
| Markup | Markdown, LaTeX |
If you do not select a language, the code block renders with automatic language detection. For best results, always specify the language explicitly.
Syntax highlighting
Once a language is selected, the code block applies syntax highlighting using a color theme consistent with the SetGet interface. Highlighted elements include:
- Keywords
- Strings
- Numbers
- Comments
- Function names
- Operators
TIP
When sharing Go code, select Go from the language dropdown to get accurate highlighting for types, functions, and keywords.
Emoji insertion
SetGet Chat supports emoji in two ways.
Shortcode insertion
Type : followed by an emoji name to open the emoji autocomplete. For example:
:thumbsup:inserts a thumbs-up emoji:rocket:inserts a rocket emoji:check:inserts a checkmark emoji
The autocomplete dropdown shows matching emoji as you type. Press Enter to insert the selected emoji.
Emoji picker
Click the smiley face icon on the right side of the message composer to open the emoji picker. The picker provides:
- Category tabs: People, Nature, Food, Activity, Travel, Objects, Symbols, Flags
- Search bar: Type to filter emoji by name
- Recent: Quick access to your recently used emoji
- Skin tone selector: Choose your preferred skin tone for people emoji
Click an emoji to insert it at the cursor position in the composer.
Message preview before sending
For complex messages with multiple formatting elements, you can preview the rendered output before sending.
- Click the eye icon in the formatting toolbar.
- The composer switches to preview mode, showing exactly how the message will appear to recipients.
- Review the formatting, links, mentions, and code blocks.
- Click the eye icon again to return to edit mode.
- Press Enter to send when satisfied.
TIP
Preview mode is especially useful when you are composing a message with multiple code blocks, lists, or nested formatting to ensure everything renders as intended.
Formatting best practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Use headings in long messages | Improves scanability |
| Keep code blocks language-tagged | Ensures correct highlighting |
| Use inline code for short references | Distinguishes code from prose |
Limit @all to important announcements | Reduces notification noise |
| Use blockquotes when replying to specific text | Provides context |
| Preview before sending complex messages | Catches formatting errors |
Related pages
- Messages -- Sending, editing, and deleting messages
- File Sharing -- Uploading and previewing files
- Reactions -- Adding emoji reactions to messages
- Threads -- Replying in threads
- Keyboard Shortcuts -- All chat keyboard shortcuts