Sending Messages

Messaging is the primary way freelancers and clients communicate on Opengates. Whether you're discussing project details, sharing deliverables, or simply checking in, knowing how to use the messaging system effectively will help you work more efficiently and build stronger professional relationships.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about sending messages on Opengates — from starting your first conversation to managing notifications and handling unwanted contacts.

Starting a Conversation

There are several ways to start a new conversation with someone on Opengates:

From a User's Profile

1. Navigate to the profile of the person you want to message. You can find users by searching their name or username in the search bar.
2. On their profile page, look for the Message button (usually displayed prominently near the top of the profile).
3. Tap or click Message to open a new conversation window.
4. Type your message and press Send.

From the Messages Section

1. Open the Messages section of the app. On mobile, this is typically accessible from the bottom navigation bar. On web, look for the messages icon in the top navigation.
2. Tap the New Message or Compose button (usually represented by a pencil or plus icon).
3. Search for the user you want to message by typing their name or username.
4. Select the user from the search results.
5. Type your message and press Send.

From a Contract or Proposal

When you accept a proposal or start a new contract, Opengates may automatically create a conversation thread between you and the other party. This makes it easy to begin discussing project details immediately without having to manually search for the user.

Sending Text Messages

Once you're in a conversation, sending a text message is straightforward:

1. Tap or click on the message input field at the bottom of the conversation window.
2. Type your message. There is no strict character limit, but we recommend keeping messages clear and concise for easy readability.
3. Press the Send button (arrow icon) or hit Enter on your keyboard (on web).

Formatting Tips

While Opengates messages are primarily plain text, you can use some basic formatting to make your messages easier to read:

• Use line breaks to separate different points or topics.
• Use numbered lists when outlining steps or requirements.
• Use capital letters sparingly for emphasis (avoid writing entire messages in caps, as it can come across as shouting).

Editing and Deleting Messages

If you make a typo or send something by mistake:

• Edit: Tap and hold (mobile) or right-click (web) on your sent message, then select Edit. Make your changes and confirm. The message will show an "edited" indicator so the recipient knows it was modified.
• Delete: Tap and hold (mobile) or right-click (web) on your sent message, then select Delete. You may be asked whether you want to delete the message for yourself only or for everyone in the conversation.

Note that deleting a message does not guarantee the recipient hasn't already seen it. If the message has been read (indicated by read receipts), the recipient may have already noted its contents.

Sharing Files

Opengates makes it easy to share files directly within your conversations. This is especially useful for sending deliverables, contracts, invoices, reference materials, and other project-related documents.

How to Share a File

1. In the conversation window, look for the attachment icon (usually a paperclip or plus symbol near the message input field).
2. Tap or click the attachment icon.
3. Select the file you want to share from your device. On mobile, you can typically choose from your device's file manager, camera roll, or cloud storage. On web, a file picker dialog will open.
4. The file will begin uploading. Depending on the file size and your internet connection, this may take a few seconds to a few minutes.
5. Once uploaded, the file will appear in the conversation as a message. The recipient can tap or click on it to download or preview it.

Supported File Types

Opengates supports a wide range of file types, including:

• Documents: PDF, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, TXT, CSV
• Images: JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, WEBP, SVG
• Archives: ZIP, RAR
• Design files: PSD, AI, SKETCH, FIGMA (as attachments)
• Code files: JS, TS, PY, HTML, CSS, and more

File Size Limits

There is a maximum file size limit for attachments. If your file exceeds the limit, consider:

• Compressing the file (e.g., creating a ZIP archive).
• Using a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive) and sharing the link in the message.
• Breaking the file into smaller parts if applicable.

The current file size limit is displayed in the upload dialog if your file exceeds it.

Sharing Images

Sharing images works similarly to sharing files, but with some additional features:

1. Tap the attachment icon or the camera/image icon in the message input area.
2. Select Photo or Image from the options.
3. Choose an image from your gallery, or take a new photo using your device's camera (mobile only).
4. The image will be uploaded and displayed as a thumbnail in the conversation.
5. The recipient can tap on the thumbnail to view the image in full size.

Image Preview

When an image is shared in a conversation, both you and the recipient can:

• View the image in full screen by tapping or clicking on it.
• Download the image to your device.
• Zoom in to see details (on mobile, use pinch-to-zoom).

This is particularly useful for sharing screenshots, design mockups, progress photos, and other visual content.

Message Notifications

Staying on top of your messages is important for maintaining good communication with your clients and collaborators. Opengates provides multiple notification channels to ensure you never miss an important message.

Push Notifications (Mobile)

If you have the Opengates mobile app installed, you'll receive push notifications on your phone whenever someone sends you a message. These notifications appear on your lock screen and notification center, just like notifications from any other app.

To manage push notifications:

1. Open the Opengates app.
2. Go to Settings > Notifications.
3. Toggle message notifications on or off.
4. Customize notification sounds and vibration patterns if desired.

In-App Notifications

When you're actively using Opengates (either on mobile or web), you'll see in-app notification badges and alerts. A red badge on the messages icon indicates the number of unread conversations.

Email Notifications

If you're not active on the platform and haven't read a message within a certain time frame, Opengates may send you an email notification to alert you about unread messages. You can control email notification preferences in your account settings.

Read Receipts

Read receipts let you know when your message has been delivered and when it has been read by the recipient.

How Read Receipts Work

• Sent: Your message has left your device and reached the Opengates servers. This is typically indicated by a single checkmark or a "Sent" label.
• Delivered: Your message has been delivered to the recipient's device. This is often indicated by a double checkmark or a "Delivered" label.
• Read: The recipient has opened the conversation and viewed your message. This is indicated by a color change on the checkmarks (e.g., turning blue) or a "Read" label with a timestamp.

Privacy Considerations

Read receipts are mutual — if you can see when someone has read your messages, they can also see when you've read theirs. Currently, read receipts cannot be disabled for individual conversations. This feature is designed to promote transparency and timely communication in professional settings.

Blocking Users

If you're receiving unwanted, harassing, or inappropriate messages from another user, you can block them to prevent further contact.

How to Block a User

1. Open the conversation with the user you want to block.
2. Tap on the user's name or the three-dot menu (⋮) at the top of the conversation.
3. Select Block User from the options.
4. Confirm your decision when prompted.

What Happens When You Block Someone

• The blocked user will no longer be able to send you messages.
• They will not be able to call you (voice or video).
• They will not see your online status.
• Any existing conversations with the blocked user will be archived but still accessible to you.
• The blocked user will not be notified that they have been blocked. From their perspective, messages they send will appear to be sent but will not be delivered to you.

Unblocking a User

If you change your mind, you can unblock a user at any time:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Blocked Users.
2. Find the user you want to unblock.
3. Tap Unblock and confirm.

After unblocking, the user will be able to send you messages again, but messages sent while they were blocked will not be retroactively delivered.

Messaging Etiquette

Good communication is essential on a freelancing platform. Following proper messaging etiquette helps you build a positive reputation and maintain strong professional relationships.

Do's

• Introduce yourself: When messaging someone for the first time, briefly introduce yourself and explain why you're reaching out.
• Be clear and specific: State your purpose clearly. If you're asking a question, provide enough context for the other person to give you a helpful answer.
• Respond in a timely manner: Try to respond to messages within 24 hours, even if it's just to acknowledge receipt and let the person know when you'll follow up.
• Use professional language: Write in complete sentences, use proper grammar, and avoid slang or abbreviations that might be confusing.
• Respect time zones: Be mindful that the person you're messaging might be in a different time zone. Don't expect instant replies outside of reasonable working hours.

Don'ts

• Don't spam: Avoid sending multiple short messages when a single, well-organized message would suffice. Rapid-fire messages can be disruptive and annoying.
• Don't share personal contact information: For your safety, keep all communication within the Opengates platform. Sharing personal phone numbers, email addresses, or social media accounts is discouraged.
• Don't be aggressive or rude: Even if you're frustrated, maintain a respectful tone. Aggressive or abusive language is a violation of Opengates Community Guidelines and may result in account suspension.
• Don't send unsolicited promotional messages: Sending spam or promotional messages to users who haven't expressed interest is prohibited.
• Don't take conversations off-platform: Conducting business outside of Opengates removes the protections and records that the platform provides. This includes payment protections, dispute resolution, and communication records.

Troubleshooting Common Messaging Issues

If you're experiencing problems with messaging, here are some quick fixes:

• Messages not sending: Check your internet connection. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. If the problem persists, try logging out and back in.
• Notifications not working: Make sure notifications are enabled in both the Opengates app settings and your device's system settings.
• Can't find a user: Double-check the spelling of their name or username. The user may have changed their username or deactivated their account.
• File upload failing: Ensure your file doesn't exceed the size limit. Try compressing the file or using a different file format.

For more detailed troubleshooting, visit our Messaging Issues guide.

Still need help? Contact our support team and we'll be happy to assist you.