# Sending IM from the Text input field

## Prerequisites

- The IM contact must be present in your Contact List with a valid IM address and logged on to Presence Server. This condition is also applicable for Avaya one-X Communicator and Microsoft Office Communicator contacts.

- Ensure that your administrator has allowed the user to initiate an IM session with other users not in the contact list.

- You must know the IM user ID and the domain name of the recipient.

1. On the Action bar, select New Work > New IM menu.

   The Work Options icon changes to the IM icon.

2. Type the recipient's IM user ID and domain in the following format:

   `<IM user ID>@<Domain name>`

3. Press Enter or click the IM icon adjacent to the Text input field.

   If IM window does not open on your desktop, the systems displays your message in a new IM window. The system creates an IM work item and displays in the Work List window.

   For subsequent communication, you can directly type your text in the IM window.

Parent topic: Managing Instant Messaging and Presence
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