> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vector-privacy.gitbook.io/vector-privacy/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vector-privacy.gitbook.io/vector-privacy/vector-messenger/features/chats.md).

# Private Chats

{% hint style="success" %}
All Vector messages are encrypted and censorship-resistant.
{% endhint %}

## Direct Messages

### End-to-End Encryption

Vector Messenger uses end-to-end encryption for its private messages and well as group chats. End-to-end encryption, often referred to as E2EE, ensures that only the sender and recipient have access keys and can read the private messages. No metadata is collected or stored by Vector, nor can any third-party access the contents of the private messages unless either the sender or recipient's keys have been compromised. To learn more about the encryption methods that Vector uses, visit [here](https://vector-privacy.gitbook.io/vector-privacy/vector-messenger/intro/encryption).

<div><figure><img src="/files/h2z5iCucBc2PwZzwE48O" alt="Screenshot - Private Chat" width="292"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/Njbrsa2WFTA2iGb0vKis" alt="Screen Recording - Chat Message Menu " width="290"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Text Messages

Both basic and stylized text formatting are supported. Learn more about Vector [Markdown](https://vector-privacy.gitbook.io/vector-privacy/vector-messenger/features/markdown). As of `v0.4.0`, Vector has moved away from a bubble-based UI toward a cleaner, text-based layout that reduces visual clutter, improves rendering performance, and scales better for the larger communities and interactions Vector has planned. Single and multiple emoji reactions are supported on messages, along with editing, replying, copying, and deleting.

### Chat Message Menu

<figure><img src="/files/W4u69cpf2Lv1MF4I5N0A" alt="Screenshot - Chat Message Menu"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Chat Message Menu is accessed by right-clicking on desktop or holding on mobile. From here, you can React, Reply, Edit, Copy, Copy with Markdown, and Delete a message. The full menu is only available on messages you have sent, as you do not have permission to edit or delete another user's messages unless you are an admin or owner of a group chat or community.

### Emojis

<div align="center"><figure><img src="/files/96JfduZup3KYIIs2EHaZ" alt="Screenshot - Emoji Panel" width="392"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Basic emojis are supported in `.svg` format for optimal scaling without losing resolution across all different operating systems, devices, and displays. There are "Recently Used" emojis that will detect and display what emojis the user most frequently uses to improve and simplify user experience. As of `v0.4.0`, Vector allows users to upload their own emojis into categorized and labeled Emoji Packs, allowing for more customization and personalization. [Learn more](https://vector-privacy.gitbook.io/vector-privacy/vector-messenger/~/revisions/IfRkk7cNmn3MdaDJsg89/features/emoji-packs)

### Voice Messages

<figure><img src="/files/pFWlSZmMv7z2jjOkEiwy" alt="Vector Audio Recording (Screenshot)" width="320"><figcaption><p>Vector Audio Recording &#x26; Audio Player</p></figcaption></figure>

Voice messages and audio recordings are supported. Currently, `.mp3` `.wav` `.flac` `.aac` `.m4a` `.ogg` `.opus.` audio filetypes are supported and playable within Vector Messenger. A small audio player with basic functionality comes built-in. It displays the time duration of the audio file or recording with the ability to pause and play. Audio files are automatically downloaded and installed on the user's local device and can be found under the `vector` folder under Downloads.

<figure><img src="/files/CPzP6ybwqgcHliCt2VTE" alt="Vector Messenger Audio Transcribe Feature (Screenshot)" width="320"><figcaption><p>Vector Messenger Audio Transcription</p></figcaption></figure>

### Audio Transcriptions (AI)

Vector Messenger now allows for users to transcribe or translate audio recordings into text. This feature is still experimental and not all transcriptions are 100% accurate, but it does have multi-language support. Currently, audio transcription formats (voice-to-text) that are supported include: `.wav` `.mp3` `.flac`. Vector's design is primarily focused on privacy and for user's to have full control of what they want and the ability to opt-in and opt-out. Therefore, under Settings you can find Voice Settings and turn on/off Auto-Translate, Auto-Transcribe, and even pick the custom AI model you want to download locally and run for your Audio Transcriptions. By running these LLMs (AI) locally, it is private and information is not shared externally without your consent. You can handpick the Whisper Model that best fits your need and can even delete or remove them to save virtual memory.

<figure><img src="/files/Hb6fN9HSAtRN3jztILF1" alt="Screenshot - Settings - Voice Settings" width="415"><figcaption><p>Vector Messenger Voice Settings (Settings)</p></figcaption></figure>

### Images & Media

<div><figure><img src="/files/VayQ3Vv2REeJMQclAHjW" alt="Vector Messenger Image Upload (Screenshot)" width="292"><figcaption><p>Image Upload with Filetype</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/kpCi7LzPtOSyRQ1I0swe" alt="Vector Messenger Image Zoom Feature (Screenshot)" width="292"><figcaption><p>In-App Zoom Feature</p></figcaption></figure></div>

Most popular, commonly used media types and formats are supported in Vector. There is also a filetype identifier at the bottom right that lets the user(s) know what type of file it is. This feature is helpful for designers, developers, and teams collaborating. Vector also supports in-app image viewing and zooming up to 500%. Images and media files are stored in your `vector` folder under Downloads. If you hover over images, there is a file explorer icon that will take you directly to where the media files are stored on your device. Videos and GIFs are also supported, while maintaining a higher resolution after uploading because they are not rendered with the quality reduced like most platforms. Vector uses decentralized cloud-based storage to distribute encrypted data and spread across multiple community-hosted nodes.

<details>

<summary><i class="fa-image">:image:</i>  Supported Media Types</summary>

* `.png` → Portable Network Graphics (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.jpg` → Joint Photographic Experts Group (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.gif` → Graphics Interchange Format (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)
* `.svg` → Scalable Vector Graphics (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.tiff` → Tagged Image File Format (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.bmp` → Bitmap (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.ico` → Icon  for Windows Icon format (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.mov` → QuickTime Movie (<mark style="color:blue;">video</mark>)&#x20;
* `.mp3` → MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer III (<mark style="color:purple;">audio</mark>)&#x20;
* `.mp4` → MPEG-4 Part 14 (<mark style="color:blue;">video</mark>, <mark style="color:purple;">audio</mark>, subtitles, etc.)&#x20;
* `.webm` → Web Media (<mark style="color:blue;">video</mark>, <mark style="color:purple;">audio</mark>, subtitles, etc.)&#x20;

</details>

### Image Compression

<figure><img src="/files/FwGEPg6uK6qjc1w3wGs2" alt="Screenshot - Media - Image Compression" width="292"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To optimize the experience for sending, downloading, and storing media, Vector applies a media compression algorithm by default. You can send the original, full-resolution image by toggling off compression before sending. The file size of the compressed media and the compression percentage are both displayed so you always know what is being sent.


---

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