Threads & replies
AChat lets you reply to a specific message two ways: an inline quote-reply, or a full thread that branches a focused side-conversation off the original message. Threads keep busy rooms readable.
Quote replies
Hover or long-press a message and choose Reply to quote it. Your message renders with the quoted original above it, so context travels with the reply even in a fast-moving room.
Threads
Open a thread on any message to start a dedicated, scrollable side-conversation:
- The thread panel pins the parent message at the top with an accent "spine" so you always see what the thread is about.
- A single reply count and last-reply time are tracked on the parent (
replyCount,lastReplyAt). - Thread replies support the same composer features, including file uploads inside a reply.
- The panel remembers your scroll position and shows a friendly empty state before the first reply.
On desktop the thread opens in a side panel at a snap width (40 / 60 / 80 / 100%); on mobile it goes full-screen.
Encryption behaviour (honest framing)
- A thread reply's body keeps the chat's encryption setting — encrypted on passworded chats, plaintext on open chats.
- The thread structure fields (
threadParentId,replyCount,lastReplyAt) are stored plaintext even on passworded chats, because they are grouping metadata, not message content.