====Web Chat Interface====

The web chat interface allows web-users to communicate to others in real-time via chat. It also allows web users to share files with users elsewhere.

To start web chat, click on the 'speech bubble' icon at the top-right of your page.

{{:ardi-collab:speechbubble.png?250|}}

===Web Chat Interface===

There are two main elements to the web chat interface - the **group list** found on the left of the screen, and the **conversation** on the right.

{{:ardi-collab:fullchatindicators.png?600|}}

When using the chat page from a small-screen device such as a mobile phone, the group list may be hidden - it can be accessed by pressing the icon showing three vertical bars at the top-left.

{{:ardi-collab:compactchatinterface.png?300 |}}

===Changing Your Username===

To set your username, click on your name in the top-left of the screen.

You will be prompted for your new name. See our article on [[Multi-Client Sign-in|multiple client sign-in]] for details on how usernames work.

===Sending Messages===

Those familiar with web chat tools should find the system relatively easy to use. To send a message, type it into the **text area** and hit the enter/return key.

In most cases, this will send a message to the group that you are in.

===Changing Groups===

If you would like to change the group that you are in, click on one of the bold items in the group list. This will move you to the new group.

===Adding Groups===

If you would like to have a discussion amongst a small group without interrupting everyone else, you can create a new group using the **Add Group** button.

You will be prompted for the name of the new group. 

When you hit 'OK' to create it, the group will be added and you'll be moved straight into it.

===Sending Messages to an Individual===

If you would like to send a message directly to an individual, you can click on their name in the group list. 

A yellow band will appear directly above the //text area// warning you that the messages you type will be sent only to that user.

If you click on the yellow band, you will return to normal group messaging.

===Sending a File===

Press on the 'upload' button in the lower-right corner of the text area to send a file.

You will be prompted to choose a file from your hard drive (or if you are viewing the page from a mobile device, you may also be given the option of sending a photograph or short video).

As soon as you've selected the file, the upload will begin.

Note that sending a file follows the same rules as text messages - if you are privately talking to an individual user, the file will only be sent to that user.

===Opening your Pin List===

The web interface also understands the concept of a [[Pin List|pin list]]. It can be accessed from the chat page.

Note that the pin list is shared between each of your ARDI clients, so if you are signed into ARDI-AR with the same name as you use in the ARDI web interface, you'll see any items you pin in AR in the web as well.