---
title: Reply in a thread
type: how-to
section: spaces
summary: Open the actions on the message you want to answer and choose Reply in thread; the replies open in a panel beside the channel.
applies_to:
  clients: [web]
sources:
  - evolve-front-end/components/team-chat/threads/thread-panel.tsx
  - evolve-front-end/components/team-chat/threads/use-thread-actions.ts
  - evolve-front-end/components/team-chat/shared/team-chat-message-action-descriptors.ts
  - evolve-front-end/app/[lng]/spaces/[roomId]/threads/[threadId]/page.tsx
  - evolve-front-end/app/i18n/locales/en/team-chat.json
verified:
  at: 2026-09-04
  env: code
  by: content-lane-spaces
ttl_days: 45
related: [spaces/threads-in-a-channel, spaces/unread-and-mentions, spaces/channels-and-sub-channels]
aliases: [team-chat/reply-in-thread]
---

1. Point at the message you want to answer. Its actions appear above it.
2. Choose **Reply in thread**. On a phone, press and hold the message and choose it from the sheet.
3. Type your reply in **Message this thread** and send it.

The thread opens as a panel beside the channel. Your first reply is what creates the thread, so nothing is saved until you send it. After that the original message grows a footer that reads **{{count}} replies**, and anybody in the channel can open the thread from there.

A thread has no name until somebody gives it one. Until then it is shown as **Discussion**.

## Reply in the channel instead

**Reply** quotes the message in the channel's own composer rather than starting a thread. The composer then shows **Replying to {{name}}**, and **Cancel reply** drops the quote. Use it for a one-line answer that everyone in the channel should see.

There is no **Reply in thread** inside a thread. Threads do not nest.

## Rename or close a thread

The thread panel header carries a pencil control, **Rename thread**. Enter a name in **Thread name** and save it; names can be up to 256 characters. The header's overflow menu also resolves and reopens the thread, and offers **Open thread in full view**, which opens the thread on its own page at `/spaces/{roomId}/threads/{threadId}`. **Close thread** closes the panel and leaves the thread in place.

## If it did not work

- If **Reply in thread** is absent, you are already inside a thread panel, or the message has not finished sending. Wait for the message to settle and try again.
- **Thread rename failed.** is a service failure. Choose the pencil again and save.
- **Enter a thread name.** or **Thread names can contain up to 256 characters.** means the name is empty or too long.
- If you cannot type in the channel or the thread at all, see [You cannot post in a channel](/help/spaces/you-cannot-post-in-a-channel).