Google Chat and Google Spaces

Google Chat

Google Chat is an instant messaging tool similar to WhatsApp, iMessage, Signal and other chatting applications. You can use it to send text which may include links or formatting, files, emojis, GIFs or invites to a person or a group of persons. If needed you can also change your status between Active, Do not disturb, Away or a custom status message to show others when you are available.

Google Chat is available in Gmail, right next to your e-mails. You can also use Google Chat on a separate webpage or as a desktop app. Besides that it is also available as an app for Android, iPhone and iPad.

Start a chat:

  • Open Google Chat

  • Click New chat or + icon to start individual or group chat

  • Write a message or send a file

Google Spaces

Google Spaces is a collaboration tool for teams similar to Slack or Microsoft Teams. You can use it to chat with your co-workers, share files and assign project tasks. Chat function in Spaces works in the same way as it does in Google Chat.

Google Spaces is bundled together with Google Chat. Because of that it is available on the same platforms as Google Chat.

Create Google Space:

  • Open Gmail or Google Chat

  • Next to Spaces click New space or + icon to create a Space

  • Enter a space name

Optional: At the top left, click Choose an emoji icon to select an avatar for the space. If nothing is selected, a default avatar is used.

  • Enter names or email addresses of people you want to add. You can also select people from suggestions. Suggestions include frequently used contacts from SSE Riga, even if they don't actively use Google Chat

Note: If you want to add people who are not from SSE Riga, check Allow people outside your organization to join

  • Click Create

Note: You can add or remove people from space after it is created. Just enter their names or emails and click Send to add them. To remove people, click View members, find a contact you want to remove, click on More options (three vertical dots icon), then Remove from space

More information about using Spaces at Use Spaces in Google Workspace

Use Google Chat and Spaces in Gmail

You will find the Chat and Spaces menu on the left side of your Gmail interface.

In Google Chat you will see a list of your recent conversations, status of conversation members and option to start new chats. You can also hide or delete previous conversations and pin your most frequent contacts.

In Google Spaces you will see a list of spaces and option to start new spaces. You can also pin or leave spaces by clicking on More options (three vertical dots icon) next to the space.

Below Spaces you will see a Google Meet icon. Here you can quickly create or join a Google Meet meeting.

More information about Google Meet can be found at Google Meet page.

Turn on Google Chat and Google Spaces in Gmail:

  • In Gmail interface, at the top right, click Setting (cogwheel icon) - See all settings

  • At the top, click Chat and Meet

  • Next to Chat click Google Chat to turn on Chat and Spaces

  • Click Save Changes

Use Google Chat and Spaces separately

Use Google Chat as a separate webpage:

In Chat section you will see a list of your recent conversations and status of conversation members. By clicking on a + icon, new conversations can be started. More options (three vertical dots icon) next to conversations allow you to hide or delete previous conversations and pin your most frequent ones.

Spaces section will show your spaces. Here you can add a new space, pin frequent ones or leave ones you don't need.

Below Spaces you will see a Meet section. Here you can quickly create or join a meeting.

More information about Google Meet can be found at Google Meet page.

Use Google Chat as a desktop app (only by Google Chrome):

  • In Google Chrome, go to http://chat.google.com/. Log in with your SSE Riga account if needed

  • At the top right of Google Chrome, open Settings menu (three vertical dots icon) - Install Google Chat

  • The desktop app will be installed and launched. A shortcut to Google Chat will be added to your desktop

The interface of Google Chat desktop app is identical to the webpage and will offer the same options.

Show your availability

Your availability status can be used to let other people know whether you are available, busy etc. This status can be seen in Gmail, Google Chat and other Google tools.

Set your availability status:

  • In Gmail or Google Chat, at the top right, click the Down arrow next to your status indicator

  • Select another status from the list.

Note: There are also additional status options with a possibility to create others. To do that click Add a status and enter status message and duration. You can also add emoji to visually describe the status.