Web Chat Interface

The web chat interface allows web-users to communicate to others in real-time via chat. It also allows web users to share files with users elsewhere.

To start web chat, click on the 'speech bubble' icon at the top-right of your page.

There are two main elements to the web chat interface - the group list found on the left of the screen, and the conversation on the right.

When using the chat page from a small-screen device such as a mobile phone, the group list may be hidden - it can be accessed by pressing the icon showing three vertical bars at the top-left.

To set your username, click on your name in the top-left of the screen.

You will be prompted for your new name. See our article on multiple client sign-in for details on how usernames work.

Those familiar with web chat tools should find the system relatively easy to use. To send a message, type it into the text area and hit the enter/return key.

In most cases, this will send a message to the group that you are in.

If you would like to change the group that you are in, click on one of the bold items in the group list. This will move you to the new group.

If you would like to have a discussion amongst a small group without interrupting everyone else, you can create a new group using the Add Group button.

You will be prompted for the name of the new group.

When you hit 'OK' to create it, the group will be added and you'll be moved straight into it.

If you would like to send a message directly to an individual, you can click on their name in the group list.

A yellow band will appear directly above the text area warning you that the messages you type will be sent only to that user.

If you click on the yellow band, you will return to normal group messaging.

Press on the 'upload' button in the lower-right corner of the text area to send a file.

You will be prompted to choose a file from your hard drive (or if you are viewing the page from a mobile device, you may also be given the option of sending a photograph or short video).

As soon as you've selected the file, the upload will begin.

Note that sending a file follows the same rules as text messages - if you are privately talking to an individual user, the file will only be sent to that user.

The web interface also understands the concept of a pin list. It can be accessed from the chat page.

Note that the pin list is shared between each of your ARDI clients, so if you are signed into ARDI-AR with the same name as you use in the ARDI web interface, you'll see any items you pin in AR in the web as well.