> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://threadly.gitbook.io/threadly/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://threadly.gitbook.io/threadly/sending-messages/how-to-send-a-message-with-threadly.md).

# How to Send a Message with Threadly

Step-by-step guide to composing and sending a broadcast with Threadly's message editor: write your message, add images and actions, choose where it goes and who it's from, then preview, test and send.

Sending one message to many channels or people is Threadly's core feature. The message editor has two screens, **Message** and **Destination & Sender**, and your work saves as you go, so you can leave and come back from **Drafts** at any time.

![The Message screen, the Destination & Sender screen, and the review preview](https://1884112744-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUolgIxuzQ3OCxgqEYVKM%2Fuploads%2FsmzUM4FxPPIh7XCBazJQ%2Fthreadly-send-message.svg?alt=media)

## 1. Open the editor

In Threadly's **Home** tab, under **Messages**, click **✏️ New Message**. A new draft named *New Message – \<today's date>* is created.

## 2. Write your message

**Message Content** is always open. Type your message here. Slack formatting, emoji, @mentions and links all work.

The other sections are collapsed. Click a section to expand it. A ✓ appears once it's filled in.

| Section          | What it's for                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Message Info** | **Name** (only you and your team see it in Drafts and Analytics) and **Preview text** (shown in Slack notifications)                                                                           |
| **Image**        | Upload an image or paste a public image URL                                                                                                                                                    |
| **Actions**      | **🔗 Add CTA**, **📝 Add Form** or **📅 Add Booking**. See [Introduction to Actions](/threadly/actions/introduction-to-actions.md).                                                            |
| **Template**     | **📋 Choose Template** to start from one of your templates, a team template or a quick-start template. See [How to Create a Template](/threadly/sending-messages/how-to-create-a-template.md). |

Below the message box, **➕ Add Variables** lets you personalize with `{{user}}`, `{{channel}}` or your own variables. See [Leveraging Message Variables](/threadly/sending-messages/how-to-send-a-message-with-threadly/leveraging-message-variables.md).

Click **Next: Destination & Sender →**.

## 3. Choose when, where and who

| Section               | Options                                                                                                                                                  |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **When to Send**      | **⚡ Send Now** or **🕐 Schedule** (Pro). See [Scheduling Messages](/threadly/sending-messages/scheduling-messages.md).                                   |
| **Where to Send**     | **# Channels** (up to 75), **👥 Groups** (one of your [Segments](/threadly/groups/conversation-groups-overview.md), Pro) or **💬 DMs** (up to 75 people) |
| **Who is this from?** | **Myself** or a **Custom profile**. See [Message Settings](/threadly/sending-messages/how-to-send-a-message-with-threadly/message-settings.md).          |
| **Advanced options**  | The caption under your message and link previews                                                                                                         |

If Threadly isn't a member of some of the channels you picked, you'll be offered **Add Threadly to All Channels**. [Learn more](/threadly/getting-started/adding-threadly-to-your-channels.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Direct messages are always sent **as yourself**, and replies come to you.
{% endhint %}

## 4. Review, test and send

Click **👀 Review & Send** to open the preview. It shows your message the way recipients will see it, with a **To · From** summary and the send time. Variables are filled with sample values, and **Preview as…** shows the message with one real recipient's name.

The preview warns you before you send if:

* the message has no destination or no body
* an action button has an invalid URL, in which case that button won't be sent
* you're sending as yourself to channels you're not a member of. Those sends will fail, so join the channels or use a custom profile.
* you're on the Free plan, in which case a "Sent with Threadly" tag will be added

From the preview's menu you can also:

* **✏️ Edit Message**
* **📤 Send Test Message** to a channel or person of your choice, with real variable values
* **📋 Save as Template**
* **💾 Save for Later**, which keeps it in Drafts
* **🗑️ Delete Message**

Send it, and Threadly confirms the message is on its way. Follow delivery and engagement in [Logs & Analytics](/threadly/analytics/using-logs-and-analytics.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip:** Message the same channels often? Save them as a [Segment](/threadly/groups/conversation-groups-overview.md) and send to it in one click. Sending the same message on a schedule? Try [Workflows](/threadly/workflows/introduction-to-workflows.md).
{% endhint %}

## Drafts

Every message you start is saved automatically. On the Home tab, under **Messages**, click **Drafts** to reopen one.