To send an instant message:

1. In your contact list, select the person you want to message.
2. Click to open a chat window.

   

3. Type your message and press Enter.

   

4. If you receive a reply, the reply will be displayed in the chat window.

   

If someone sends you an instant message when you are not looking at the chat window, a red number will be displayed over your Skype icon in the system tray. 

Click on the red number to open the chat window and see the message.

Other things you can do in a chat window are described in the following table.

Icon	Description
	Call the contact.
	Create a group chat by adding people.
	Send a file to the contact.
	See your chat history with the contact.
	Bookmark the chat. To return to a bookmarked chat, click , select Bookmarked Chats and choose a chat.
	Use an emoticon in your instant message.
	Search the chat for a particular word or phrase.