> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://discord-platform-username.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Direct Messages Design Guidelines
> Design guidelines for implementing Discord direct messaging features in your application.
## Badge when online elsewhere
The badging logic in direct-messages is consistent with the logic detailed in the [Unified Friends List](/developers/discord-social-sdk/design-guidelines/unified-friends-list) section.
If the user is **online elsewhere** and is not in the game client, their usernames will include a **Discord badge**. Once they're online in the game-client, they will not retain the Discord badge.
## Message styling
Style the Discord logo to match a player's username color. The logo should feel tied to a user's identity, not the message content.
## Unsupported rich media
Regardless of whether a user has signed into Discord, unsupported rich media content should be paired with an **external link icon**.
When content isn't clickable, don't show the icon.
***
## Resources
* [Development Guide: Direct Messages](/developers/discord-social-sdk/development-guides/sending-direct-messages)
## Change Log
| Date | Changes |
| -------------- | --------------- |
| March 17, 2025 | initial release |