We have several ways to participate in the Public Lab chatroom; the easiest is listed first. For other methods, scroll down!
### Basic chatroom
Get started quick, no installation needed! Real name is optional:
(Open this in new window: https://chat.publiclab.org)
We've bridged together a number of different chatroom systems, so you can use one you're comfortable with. (If you care, Public Lab's chatroom is run on IRC,on OFTC in the room `#publiclab`).
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### Riot.im/Matrix
We also use the [Riot.im](https://riot.im) service, which is a bit more fully-featured than IRC, also in the room `#publiclab`:
https://riot.im/app/#/room/#publiclab:matrix.org
**Because this is where we "connect" all the chatrooms together, it tends to be the smoothest experience with the most features.**
It includes file upload, voice chat, and notifications. This is connected to the IRC channel as well, so it's basically all the same chatroom. Riot also offers several clients for iOS and Android devices: https://riot.im
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### Gitter
Some folks participating via GitHub use [Gitter.im](https://Gitter.im), and we've also bridged that with the other chatrooms:
https://gitter.im/publiclab/publiclab
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### Adium
To use IRC in Adium on a Mac, follow these steps:
Opening the `#publiclab` channel in [Adium](https://www.adium.im/) (Mac):
Add the account:
[](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/002/493/original/Screen_Shot_2014-01-07_at_11.30.52_AM.png)
Join the `#publiclab` channel:
[](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/002/494/original/Screen_Shot_2014-01-07_at_11.34.10_AM.png)
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## IRC
Unfortunately, due to excessive offensive posts (see our [Code of Conduct](/conduct)) through the IRC chat system, we have had to add a setting which "quiets" new chat participants who join over IRC. This means you will only be able to read the chat, not post your own messages.
**Exemptions:** we have made sure that if you join using the "mini" chatroom at the top of this page, or https://chat.publiclab.org, you will not be affected by this rule. Likewise, those who join via Riot/Matrix, Gitter, or Slack will be unaffected.
Of course we are happy to individually exempt you as well; please email web@publiclab.org with your IRC username to be exempted, or DM somebody in the channel. (we are working to create an automated exemption system using [plotsbot]() as well)
We apologize for this necessity!
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The following are for moderators in our various chat channels:
### Tools for IRC
Moderators may find these tools helpful:
* https://www.oftc.net/ChannelModes/
* Could we use... https://www.unrealircd.org/docs/Spamfilter
### Tools for Riot
Ban people by clicking their avatar icon:
[](/i/27289)
Then click `Ban` under `Admin tools`.
To redact a message, click the `...` icon to the right side of the message, then choose `Redact` or `Remove`. On Android, long-press the message to get this menu.
[](/i/27290)