# Open and expand a chat

Open the chat view in Ouros X. The compact composer lets you write a message without opening a full window. Sign in or finish the connection setup if the app asks before you send.

## Open Messenger

Choose the chat icon beside the compact composer, or press **Shift Command M**, to expand the current conversation into Messenger. Your draft and the active response stay with the conversation.

The [local 2.0.57 update](/docs/ouros-x/releases/2.0.57) retains the larger click target and centered expanded window introduced in [2.0.50](/docs/ouros-x/releases/2.0.50).

## Keep project work together

For a goal that needs saved roles, worker chats and task results, open the native Workspace and choose **RX Projects** in the upcoming update. RX leads the project, and each worker has its own saved chat and file scope. Project tasks are separate from an ordinary chat message; choose an assignee and review the task's state in Activity.

Follow [Work with RX Projects](/docs/ouros-x/rx-projects) for setup and recovery. Projects run while Ouros X is open, not as an always-on cloud service.

## Return to the compact composer

Press **Shift Command M** again, or **Escape**, to return to the compact bar. **Command G** opens conversation history. Changing the view does not send the draft.

Finish dictation before changing the chat presentation. The expand and collapse controls are unavailable while dictation is active. For the shortcut, permissions and microphone settings, see [Dictate at the caret](/docs/getting-started/essential-shortcuts#dictate-at-the-caret).

## If the chat does not respond

Check the connection or sign-in message in the app. Keep your draft while reconnecting. For a view or shortcut problem, check [shortcut scope and conflicts](/docs/keyboard/scope-and-conflicts); for an account problem, see [account help](/docs/shared/account).