What’s changing
As previously announced, we’re streamlining the way you organize conversations in Google Chat. Starting March 13, 2023, all newly created spaces in Google Chat will be in-line threaded. Users will no longer have the option to organize them by conversation topic, where related messages and replies were grouped together in the main conversation window. Existing spaces organized by conversation topic will continue to function as they do today.
Later this year, existing spaces organized by conversation topic will be migrated to the new in-line threaded experience — we will provide more information on the Workspace Updates blog and via email to the primary admin in your domain ahead of this change.
In-line threaded spaces
Space organized by conversation topic
Who’s impacted
Admins and end users
Why it’s important
Spaces in Google Chat can help you communicate with a group of people or an organization about a topic, project, or shared interest. We’ve heard from users that having two different options to organize their spaces can be confusing. To streamline the user experience and accelerate product development, we’re focusing on the model most users prefer: in-line threading. With in-line threading, you can reply to any message and create a separate discussion isolated from the main conversation. In-line threads can be helpful when you want to reply to a specific message or discuss a topic in-depth without disrupting the flow of the main conversation.
Thread panel to create a separate discussion isolated from the main conversation in an in-line threaded space
- Scan and understand what’s being discussed in the space
- Browse all topics via the active thread navigation panel
- Find and follow the most relevant topics and conversations
Additional details
All spaces created on or after March 13, 2023, will be in-line threaded. Starting on that date, the option to “Organize the conversation by topic” will no longer be visible when users create a new space.
Getting started
- Admins: Visit the Help Center to learn more about when to use & organize a space.
- End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Spaces, how to organize a space, and managing a space with in-line threading.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 13, 2023.
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers
- Not available to users with personal Google Accounts
Resources
Google Workspace Admin Help: Optimize Spaces for your organization
Google Help: Use Spaces in Google Workspace
Google Help: Learn when to use & organize a space
Google Help: Learn how to manage a space with in-line threading
Cloud Blog: Introducing innovations in Google Workspace to help your organization thrive in hybrid work
- Workspace Updates Blog: Hold separate conversations in Google Chat spaces with in-line threading