Chat and Spaces Overview
Google Chat, previously known as Hangouts, is a Google-developed communication platform designed to facilitate team collaboration. It offers direct messaging, group chats, and dedicated workspaces called Spaces. Access Chat and Spaces by opening a new tab in your browser and navigating to Google Chat, or downloading the app.
- Have real-time conversations with individuals or groups.
- Upload items from Drive or collaborate on Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
- Click on the video icon to start a video call with Meet.
Google Spaces
Google Spaces functions similarly to a discussion board or forum. Each space is managed by an admin or the creator, enabling users to track conversation threads, collaborate on documents, and schedule meetings within the space.
- Collaborate in large groups that can include everyone in your office or another group of people who you frequently work with.
- Search to look up room members, past conversations, and shared files.
Access Options
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In your Gmail, click Chat to open the Chat and Spaces sidebar. |
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On a mobile device, access Google Chat via Google's official Google Chat app, which is available for free in the App Store (iOS devices) or Play Store (Android devices). |
Chat and Spaces Interface
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Your Chat interface features two sections: Direct Messages and Spaces. Direct Messages shows your recent one-on-one chats, while Spaces lists your joined Spaces. Both are sorted with the most active at the top for quick access. |
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title | Chat and Space Expanded Options |
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Hover over a Chat or Space to unhide the three-dot settings icon. Clicking on that settings icon you can modify options per Chat or Space.
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Specific Space Settings
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Pinned messages and Spaces will always appear at the top of the Chat or Space list. |
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You can mute specific messages or spaces, to no longer receive notifications from that group. |
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Messages or Spaces marked as unread will appear bold and have a blue unread marker to make it stand out from other conversations. |
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Chat Management:
Space Management:
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title | Notifications |
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To change whether you receive notifications from a Chat
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Managing Chat and Space Options in Gmail
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title | Setting a Custom Status |
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To create a custom status
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title | Activating Do Not Disturb |
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Do Not Disturb mutes Chat and Gmail notifications across all devices, creating uninterrupted focus time. Others will see that you've paused notifications. To turn on Do Not Disturb
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Universal Notification Settings
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title | Chat Settings |
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To change your universal notification settings for Chat
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2. From this menu you can see your universal chat settings where you can choose to
- Allow notifications
- Open Chat bubbles when you receive new messages
- Open Chat bubbles in full screen when they are clicked on
- Set notification sound
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title | Individual Message Options |
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@Mentions can be used to directly notify specific individuals within a Google Space or Chat. It’s a quick way to bring a conversation to someone’s attention or assign a task.
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In Chat and Space Functionality
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Chats and Spaces have a wide array of tools for instant collaboration. You can share Drive files, Upload files from your devices, share GIFs, and recordings, and even start video meetings within a Chat or Space. |
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title | Conversation Summary |
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Click on the down arrow to view the full conversation or click Show more summaries to view a list of all the conversations you missed while you were away.
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title | Threads in Spaces |
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You can access a thread stream in a space in two ways
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Differences Between Chat and Spaces
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Resources
- For general assistance, view Google's Chat Support Page or Learn more about Spaces.
- To learn how to integrate Google Chat and Spaces with Calendar, view Google Calendar Help.
- Visit LinkedIn Learning for Google Chat and Spaces courses and guides like
- Introduction to Google Chat & Spaces (video course)
- Create a Google Space (part of a larger series on using Gmail)
- Introduction to Google Chat & Spaces (video course)
- Contact the Help Desk at 828-262-6266 for tailored assistance regarding Google or submit a Google Assistance Request.
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