This article describes how to send an instant message (IM) using Yahoo! Messenger.

To send an IM to a contact who's already part of your Messenger List:

1. Double-click the contact name.
2. Type your message.
3. Click Send or press Enter on your keyboard

NOTE: Yahoo! Messenger allows messages to be sent to contacts on your Messenger List even if they're not online. Simply send the message in the usual way, and the next time your friend logs on to Messenger, your message will pop up.

To send an IM to someone who's not on your Messenger List yet:

1. In the search field above the Messenger List, type the other person's Yahoo! ID.
2. Press Enter (on your keyboard). A conversation window appears.
3. Type your message and either click Send or press Enter on your keyboard.

To quickly find a person you want to IM:

1. Start typing their name in the search field at the top of your Messenger List.
2. As you type, your Messenger List will be filtered to show any contacts whose ID, email address, phone number, etc. match what you've typed.
3. Use your pointer or the up and down arrow keys to select the person you want to communicate with.
4. Press Enter to open a conversation window and start your message.

For more information about chatting in Messenger, view the video tutorial.