# Getting Started with JAMA

Welcome to **JAMA** — your private, self-hosted team messaging app.

---

## Navigating JAMA

### PRIVACY ASSURED
The only people that can read your direct messages (person 2 person or group) are the members of the message group. No one else, including admins, know which message groups exist or which you are part of, unless an they are a member of a given group that you are. 

Every user can, at minimum, read all public messages.

---

### Message List (Left Sidebar)
The sidebar shows all your message groups and direct conversations. Tap or click any group to open it.

- **#** prefix indicates a **Public** group — visible to all users
- **Lock** icon indicates a **Private** group — invite only
- **Bold** group names have unread messages
- The last message preview shows **You:** if you sent it

---

## Sending Messages

Type your message in the input box at the bottom and press **Enter** to send.

- **Shift + Enter** adds a new line without sending
- Tap the **+** button to attach a photo or emoji
- Use the **camera** icon to take a photo directly (mobile only)

### Mentioning Someone
Type **@** followed by the person's name to mention them. Select from the dropdown that appears. Mentioned users receive a notification.

Example: `@[John Smith]` will notify John.

### Replying to a Message
Hover over any message and click the **reply arrow** to quote and reply to it.

### Reacting to a Message
Hover over any message and click the **emoji** button to react with an emoji.

---

## Direct Messages

Two ways to start a private conversation with one person:

1. Click the **New Chat** icon in the sidebar
2. Select one user from the list
3. Click **Start Conversation**
4. Click the users avatar in a message to bring up the profile
5. Click **Direct Message**

---

## Group Messages

To create a group conversation:

1. Click the **new chat** icon
2. Select two or more users from the 
3. Enter a **Message Name**
4. Click **Create**

> If a group with the exact same members already exists, you will be redirected to it automatically to help avoid duplication.

---

## Your Profile

Click your name or avatar at the bottom of the sidebar to:

- Update your **display name** (displayed in message windows)
- Add an **about me** note
- Upload a **profile photo**
- Change your **password**

---

## Customising Group Names

You can set a personal display name for any group that only you will see:

1. Open the message
2. Click the **message info** icon in the top right
3. Enter your custom name under **Your custom name**
4. Click **Save**

Other members still see the original group name, unless they change to customised name.

---

## Settings

Admins can access **Settings** from the user menu to configure:

- Branding a new app name and logo
- Set new user password
- Notification preferences

---

## Tips

- 🌙 Toggle **dark mode** from the user menu
- 🔔 Enable **push notifications** when prompted to receive alerts when the app is closed
- 📱 Install JAMA as a **PWA** on your device — tap *Add to Home Screen* in your browser menu for an app-like experience