Google Chat for Web

Google Chat Web App

Google Chat is a browser-based messaging and collaboration platform developed by Google that allows individuals and teams to communicate through direct messages, group conversations, and organized project spaces. Available at chat.google.com and within Gmail, the web application integrates with Google Workspace services such as Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Calendar, Google Meet, and Google Tasks. Users can exchange messages, share documents, participate in threaded discussions, organize projects, assign tasks, and collaborate through dedicated spaces. Google Chat also supports voice and video messages, huddles, third-party application integrations, advanced search, and customizable notifications. Eligible Google Workspace subscriptions provide Gemini-powered features for summarizing conversations, translating messages, finding information, and assisting with workplace productivity. Google Chat is free for personal Google accounts, with additional business, security, administrative, and AI capabilities available through Google Workspace subscriptions.

Messaging and collaboration highlights

• Send direct messages, create group conversations, and communicate through dedicated project spaces from a web browser.
• Organize team discussions with threaded replies, mentions, custom sections, and pinned resources.
• Share files and collaborate through integrations with Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and other Workspace applications.
• Create and assign tasks, coordinate meetings, and launch huddles through Google Tasks and Google Meet.
• Use Gemini-powered conversation summaries, AI-assisted search, and automatic message translation with eligible subscriptions.
• Access Google Chat through chat.google.com, Gmail, or an installable progressive web application.

Browser-based team messaging

Google Chat provides a web-based communication environment for individuals, teams, and organizations. Users can access conversations directly through a compatible browser without installing a dedicated desktop application.

The platform is useful for workplace communication, project coordination, and ongoing collaboration. Google Chat integrates messaging with other Google Workspace services to help users organize information and complete tasks.

Direct messaging

Google Chat supports one-on-one conversations between users with compatible Google accounts. Participants can exchange text, links, files, and other supported content.

Direct messaging is useful for quick questions, project updates, and informal communication. Conversations synchronize across supported devices and applications.

Group conversations

Google Chat allows users to create group direct messages involving multiple participants. Group conversations provide a shared environment for discussions that do not require a dedicated project space.

These conversations are useful for small teams, temporary working groups, and coordinating activities. Participants can exchange messages and supporting files.

Google Chat spaces

Spaces provide dedicated environments for projects, departments, teams, and shared interests. Users can create spaces, invite participants, and organize discussions around specific subjects.

Spaces help keep related conversations, files, and tasks together. They are useful for ongoing collaboration and project management.

Collaboration and announcement spaces

Google Chat supports spaces designed for collaborative discussions and organizational announcements. Collaboration spaces allow participants to exchange messages and work together, while announcement-oriented configurations help manage information distribution.

These options are useful for organizations with different communication needs. Available configurations depend on account type and administrator settings.

Threaded conversations

Google Chat supports threaded replies that allow participants to discuss individual messages within a larger conversation. Users can follow specific discussions without interrupting unrelated topics.

Threads are useful for organizing active spaces with multiple ongoing conversations. Participants can receive notifications when new replies appear in relevant threads.

Rich text formatting

Google Chat provides text formatting tools for creating more readable messages. Users can apply supported formatting to headings, lists, and other message content.

Rich text formatting is useful for project updates, instructions, and detailed announcements. Clear formatting helps recipients identify important information.

Emoji reactions

Google Chat allows users to respond to messages with emoji reactions. Reactions provide a quick way to acknowledge information or express agreement.

Emoji reactions are useful for lightweight feedback and informal communication. They can reduce unnecessary messages in busy conversations.

GIFs and stickers

Google Chat supports GIFs, stickers, and other expressive messaging elements. Users can add visual reactions to conversations to communicate in a more informal style.

These features are useful for team interactions and personal discussions. Available options may depend on account settings and organizational policies.

Voice messaging

Google Chat supports voice messages through compatible interfaces. Users can share recorded spoken updates instead of typing lengthy explanations.

Voice messaging is useful for asynchronous communication and sharing detailed information. Feature availability may differ between browser and mobile interfaces.

Video messaging

Google Chat supports recording and sharing short video messages through supported interfaces. Users can communicate visually without scheduling a live meeting.

Video messages are useful for personal updates, explanations, and team communication. Availability depends on the account and supported features.

File sharing

Google Chat allows users to share documents, photographs, videos, and other supported files. Users can upload files from their computers or attach resources stored in Google Drive.

File sharing is useful for distributing reports, screenshots, presentations, and project materials. Attachment limits and supported formats depend on Google's current restrictions.

Google Drive integration

Google Chat integrates with Google Drive to support sharing and accessing cloud-based documents. Users can attach files and collaborate on resources stored within their Google accounts.

Drive integration helps teams maintain access to shared project materials. File permissions determine which participants can open or modify each resource.

Google Docs collaboration

Google Chat works with Google Docs to support document sharing and collaborative editing. Users can distribute document links and coordinate revisions through conversations.

This integration is useful for reviewing proposals, reports, and other written materials. Participants can open shared documents directly from their browsers.

Google Sheets integration

Google Chat supports sharing Google Sheets spreadsheets within conversations and spaces. Teams can discuss data, reports, and planning documents while maintaining access to the underlying spreadsheets.

Sheets integration is useful for business reporting, project tracking, and collaborative analysis. Access depends on the permissions assigned to shared files.

Google Slides integration

Google Chat allows users to share Google Slides presentations and coordinate work on presentation materials. Teams can exchange feedback and discuss revisions through direct messages or spaces.

Slides integration is useful for preparing sales presentations, training materials, and internal reports. Users can open supported presentations directly from shared links.

Google Meet integration

Google Chat integrates with Google Meet for video meetings and real-time collaboration. Users can initiate meetings or share meeting links within conversations.

Meet integration is useful when text discussions require live communication. Available meeting features and participant limits depend on the Google account and Workspace subscription.

Huddles

Google Chat supports huddles for spontaneous audio-first conversations through Google Meet. Participants can move from messaging to live discussion without scheduling a formal meeting.

Huddles are useful for troubleshooting, brainstorming, and quick team coordination. Availability depends on the account and supported Workspace features.

Google Calendar integration

Google Chat integrates with Google Calendar to support scheduling and meeting coordination. Users can share calendar-related information and arrange meetings through supported workflows.

Calendar integration is useful for teams managing schedules and project discussions. Available functionality depends on account permissions and organizational settings.

Google Tasks integration

Google Chat spaces support creating and assigning tasks through Google Tasks. Users can assign responsibilities, establish due dates, and track work associated with team discussions.

Assigned tasks can appear in the responsible person's Google Tasks list. This integration helps connect conversations with actionable work.

Smart chips

Google Chat supports smart chips that reference people, files, and other supported resources. Users can insert these references into messages to make shared information easier to access.

Smart chips are useful for connecting conversations with relevant documents and participants. Available chip types depend on the account and supported features.

Conversation search

Google Chat includes search functionality for locating messages, conversations, and shared information. Users can search for words, phrases, and other supported criteria.

Search is useful for recovering project decisions, instructions, and previously shared resources. Results depend on available message history and account permissions.

AI-powered search

Eligible Google Workspace users can access AI-assisted search capabilities in Google Chat. These tools help users find relevant information from conversations using supported search features.

AI-powered search is useful for locating project details and recovering information from lengthy discussions. Important findings should be verified against original messages.

Message editing and deletion

Google Chat allows users to edit and delete supported messages. These controls help correct mistakes and manage conversation content.

Message editing and deletion are subject to account settings and organizational policies. Workspace administrators may configure retention and compliance requirements.

Mentions and notifications

Google Chat supports mentions that notify specific participants about messages requiring their attention. Users can mention coworkers or other participants within conversations and spaces.

Mentions are useful for coordinating responsibilities and requesting feedback. Notification behavior depends on user preferences and organizational settings.

Browser notifications

Google Chat supports browser notifications for incoming messages and other activity. Users can configure notification preferences for conversations, spaces, and threads.

Browser notifications help users stay informed while working in other tabs or applications. Delivery depends on browser permissions, operating system settings, and Chat preferences.

Custom sections

Google Chat allows users to organize conversations into custom sections. Users can group important spaces and direct messages according to their preferences.

Custom sections are useful for managing communication across multiple teams and projects. They help users prioritize conversations that require attention.

Pinned messages and boards

Google Chat supports pinning important messages, links, and files to conversation boards. Participants can return to these resources without searching through the entire message history.

Boards are useful for project instructions, shared documents, and team announcements. Access depends on conversation membership and permissions.

Custom status messages

Google Chat allows users to set personalized status messages that communicate their availability or current activity. Users can indicate when they are busy, unavailable, or ready to collaborate.

Custom statuses are useful for remote teams and flexible work arrangements. They provide additional context for coworkers without requiring separate messages.

Third-party integrations

Google Chat supports integrations with external business applications such as Asana, Jira, GitHub, Salesforce, PagerDuty, and other services. These integrations can deliver notifications and support selected workflows.

Third-party integrations are useful for connecting communication with project management, software development, and business operations. Available applications depend on organizational administrator settings.

Custom Google Chat applications

Google Workspace supports developing custom Chat applications through APIs and development tools. Organizations can create applications that deliver notifications, retrieve information, and automate supported workflows.

Custom applications are useful for connecting internal systems with workplace communication. Development and deployment capabilities depend on account permissions and administrator configuration.

Gemini AI conversation summaries

Eligible Google Workspace users can access Gemini-powered conversation summaries in Google Chat. These features help users catch up on discussions and identify important updates.

AI summaries are useful for reviewing conversations after time away and understanding lengthy threads. Users should verify important details against the original messages.

Gemini side panel

Google Chat provides access to Gemini through a side panel for eligible Workspace users. Users can ask questions about conversations, request summaries, and identify action items.

The Gemini side panel is useful for analyzing discussions without manually reviewing every message. Available capabilities depend on the subscription and administrator settings.

AI-powered message translation

Google Chat supports AI-powered message translation for eligible users. Supported features can automatically translate messages across more than 120 languages.

Translation is useful for international teams and multilingual collaboration. Availability depends on the Workspace subscription, language support, and administrator configuration.

AI writing assistance

Eligible Google Workspace users can access Gemini-powered assistance for composing and refining messages. Supported features help users improve wording and communicate more effectively.

Writing assistance is useful for professional communication and drafting detailed updates. Users should review generated text before sending important messages.

Cross-device synchronization

Google Chat synchronizes supported conversations across web browsers, Android devices, iPhones, and other compatible platforms. Users can begin discussions on one device and continue them on another.

Cross-device synchronization is useful for remote teams and hybrid workplaces. Messages and shared resources remain associated with the user's Google account.

Security and administration

Google Chat provides administrative and security capabilities through Google Workspace. Organizations can manage access, configure policies, and apply supported retention and compliance settings.

Available security features include encryption, access controls, phishing and malware protections, and administrative management tools. Capabilities depend on the Workspace edition and configuration.

Gmail integration

Google Chat is available within Gmail, allowing users to access messaging alongside their email. Users can switch between email and conversations without opening a separate application.

Gmail integration is useful for teams that frequently move between email communication and real-time messaging. The Chat feature must be enabled in the relevant Gmail settings.

Progressive web application

Google Chat can be installed as a progressive web application through supported versions of Google Chrome. The standalone application provides a dedicated Chat window and can be launched from the operating system's application menu.

The progressive web application is useful for users who prefer a desktop-like experience without installing a conventional native program. The application still relies on browser technology and an internet connection.

Browser compatibility

Google Chat is available at https://chat.google.com through compatible modern web browsers. Users can access the service from Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebook computers.

Google Chat requires a Google account and an internet connection. Available features may vary according to the browser, account type, and organizational settings.

Google Chat pricing

Google Chat is free for users with personal Google accounts. Core messaging, group conversations, and supported collaboration features are available without a paid subscription.

Businesses can access Google Chat through Google Workspace subscriptions, which provide additional administrative, security, and collaboration capabilities. Eligible subscriptions also include Gemini-powered productivity features and advanced AI functionality.

Alternative to consider

• Slack — a browser-based team messaging and collaboration platform that provides organized channels, direct messages, file sharing, huddles, application integrations, and workflow automation.