User Guide

This section is written for end users of your ChatNet platform - the people who will be chatting, not administering. Share this section with your users or use it as a reference to create your own help documentation. It covers account registration, profile setup, creating and joining chat rooms, sending different types of messages (text, images, GIFs, files, code, audio), private messaging, message reactions, video/audio calls, and notification settings.

This section is for end users of your ChatNet installation.

Registration & Login

Create an account or sign in using your credentials or social login providers.

Creating an Account

1. Click "Register" on the homepage
2. Fill in:
   • Username
   • Email address
   • Password
3. Complete CAPTCHA if enabled
4. Verify email if required
5. Log in with your credentials

Social Login

If enabled, click the social login button:

• Continue with Facebook
• Continue with Google
• Continue with GitHub

Profile Setup

After logging in, customize your profile:

1. Click your avatar in the sidebar
2. Select "Profile Settings"
3. Update:
   • Display name
   • Avatar image
   • Bio/About
   • Timezone
   • Notification preferences

Creating a Chat Room

If room creation is enabled for your account:

1. Click "+ Create Room" in the sidebar
2. Fill in room details:
   • Room name
   • Description
   • Category
   • Cover image (optional)
   • Password (optional)
3. Click Create

Joining Rooms

Find and enter chat rooms to start conversations with other users.

Public Rooms

1. Browse rooms in the sidebar
2. Click on a room to join
3. Start chatting!

Private/Password-Protected Rooms

1. Click on the private room
2. Enter the password when prompted
3. Access granted if correct

Sending Messages

ChatNet supports various message types beyond plain text.

Text Messages

• Type in the message box
• Press Enter or click Send

Images

1. Click the image icon
2. Select an image from your device
3. Image is uploaded and sent

Files

1. Click the attachment icon
2. Select a file
3. File is uploaded and shared

GIFs

1. Click the GIF icon
2. Search for a GIF
3. Click to send

Code Snippets

1. Click the code icon
2. Select programming language
3. Paste your code
4. Send with syntax highlighting

Audio Clips

1. Click the microphone icon
2. Hold to record
3. Release to send

Stickers

1. Click the sticker icon
2. Browse sticker packs
3. Click to send

Private Messaging (DMs)

Start private one-on-one conversations with other users.

1. Click on a user's name/avatar
2. Select "Send Message"
3. Private conversation opens
4. Messages are only visible to you both

Message Interactions

Interact with messages using reactions, replies, stars, and more.

Video/Audio Calls

If enabled:

1. Open a private conversation
2. Click the video or phone icon
3. Wait for the other user to accept
4. Call begins

During a Call

• Toggle microphone on/off
• Toggle camera on/off
• End call

Notifications

ChatNet sends notifications for:

• New messages in rooms
• Private messages
• Mentions (@username)
• Call invitations

Enable browser notifications for real-time alerts.

Installing the Mobile App (PWA)

ChatNet is a Progressive Web App (PWA), which means you can install it on your device for an app-like experience without downloading from an app store.

What is a PWA?

A Progressive Web App provides:

• Home screen icon like a native app
• Full-screen experience (no browser bars)
• Offline support for basic features
• Push notifications
• Faster loading times

Installing on iPhone/iPad (iOS)

1. Open ChatNet in Safari (required for iOS)
2. Tap the Share button (square with arrow)
3. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen"
4. Enter a name for the app (or keep default)
5. Tap "Add" in the top right
6. The ChatNet icon appears on your home screen

Installing on Android

Method 1: Browser Prompt

1. Open ChatNet in Chrome or your browser
2. Look for the "Install App" or "Add to Home Screen" banner
3. Tap "Install"
4. The app is added to your home screen

Method 2: Manual Installation

1. Open ChatNet in Chrome
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right
3. Tap "Install app" or "Add to Home screen"
4. Confirm by tapping "Install"

Installing on Desktop (Chrome/Edge)

1. Open ChatNet in Chrome or Microsoft Edge
2. Look for the install icon in the address bar
3. Click it and select "Install"
4. Or: Click the three-dot menu > "Install ChatNet"
5. The app opens in its own window

Benefits of Installing