TOPICS in THIS SECTION

• Chat Tools  
• Talk in Voice  
• Video Chat and Screenshare  
• Instachat  
• InstaMoji  
• Private IMs  
• Discord App  
• Pointer Hud  

3DWebWorldz has three different kinds of chat.  

• REGION CHAT:  Displays to only those in the same region.
• WORLD CHAT:  Displays to everyone in 3DWebWorldz, in every region.
• PRIVATE IMs:  Messages passed between two individual members.

This section explores the different ways to access Region and World Chat.  For  Private IMs, please see the dedicated Section F. of this help document.

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Local Chat Splash
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Local Chat Splash (LCS) is on your screen by default.  You will see it when  you land on a region - and only contains chat from that region.  It looks like this:

It's easy to use.  Type in the box and click send.  

If you are a "keyboarder," you can also type your message, click tab, then enter.

How do I open/close Local Chat Splash?

As mentioned, the LCS is on your screen by default, although members can customize their UI (user interface) to turn it off. 

• Top Toolbar:  Communicate / Local Chat Splash. (toggle switch).
• Bottom Toolbar:  Sorry, there is no button for the LCS.
• RED X on the LCS is also a fast, easy way to clean it off your screen.

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Chat Panel Overlay - In World Window
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To open/close the Chat Window Overlay:

• Top Toolbar:   Communicate / Chat In-Window
• Bottom Toolbar: Click the Chat Button
  

You can also close the chat panel by clicking the RED X buton in the top right corner.

To use:

• Type in the box and click send.  
• If you are a "keyboarder," you can also type your message, click tab, then enter.

To move the Chat Window Overlay:

• Click and drag from the top bar of the overlay.

To resize the Chat Window Overlay:

• Hover your mouse over the bottom right corner, click and drag.

Button Row:

• Use the buttons to toggle between the world, region or both chats (dual).
• Pop-out button - see below.
• Radar button - See who else is online.  This button is discussed in section F. Private IM of this document.

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Pop-Out Chat
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The Pop-Out Chat option opens the chat window in another browser tab. This allows you to split your screen or toggle tabs back and forth.

To open:

• Top Toolbar: Communications / Chat Pop-Out
• Bottom Toolbar:  Click the chat button, and then the POP-OUT button at the top of the panel.

There are two options for talking in voice.  The Region Voice Channel (scroll below) and VideoChat/Screenshare tool (Next Topic in the Help Docs).   

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REGION VOICE CHANNEL
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Each region has its own voice channel, allowing you to talk with anyone else in the same region. You will need to click this button to listen, as well as talk.

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How to access:
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• Top Toolbar: Communicate / Talk in Voice
• Bottom Toolbar: Click the Microphone Button
  

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How to use (from top to bottom):
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• Voice Indicator Bar - a fluid green bar moves across the top showing noise coming from your mic.
  
  
• Top Button - Mute/Unmute: 
  **Laptop and videocam users beware - sometimes your browser will auto switch to an internal or videocam mic when you mute.  You may need to manually mute additional microphones on your system. This is a result of your personal computer settings and out of our control.
  
  
  MUTING YOUR MIC:
  
  If you have more than one mic activated on  your system.  You may need to double check your device settings (see instructions below).  Sometimes browsers get confused when your system has more than one microphone enabled.
  
  Muting the mic that is active in the channel can sometimes mute your active mic, but makes your secondary microphone active.  We are working on this bug, but please be mindful of your own connection - not just here, but on ANY SITE, that connects your microphone system.
  
  For your own personal browsing security:  Once you learn how easy it is (see "Troubleshooting Device Settings" below), we recommend disabling both your camera and microphone for every day browsing if you are not actively using them.  And furthermore, only enabling the specific devices needed for active use. 

• Middle Button - Reload Voice Channel:
  If your voice is not crystal clear or a talking party is missing, click this button to reset your presence in the channel.
  
  
• Bottom Button - Close Voice:
  Removes you from the voice channel and clears the HUD from your screen.

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How to Move HUD from Screen Center:
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• Hover over the top of the HUD.
• Your cursor will transform into a move icon.
• Click and drag.

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Troubleshooting Region Voice Channel
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In order to use voice on any website, you must give the browser permission to access your microphone for that site. You might also need to check your personal system devices. 

Sometimes it also requires you to accept camera permissions - even if you don't have one.  Don't worry about this setting on 3DWebWorldz - your camera will NEVER be used unless you grant it specific authorization for an internal 3DWebWorldz application, at the time you are using it (see 'C. VideoChat/Screenshare Tool' below).  It will never be activated without your explicit permission (Camera Microphones - see MUTING YOUR MIC above).

The sections below outline the two most popular browsers and your system devices.  If you use another browser, the process should be very similar.

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Troubleshooting - In Google Chrome
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• OPTION 01:  Right click the padlock (to the left of the URL web address).
  
  
  
  
• OPTION 2:  Right click the camera icon (on the right of the URL browser bar).
  

Usually the microphone option is evident upon right-click, but if not, you will need to look for a site settings option. Scroll through and look for microphone permissions. 

**I've done that and it is still not working

On the image above, note the microphone pull-down box.  Be sure the proper microphone device choice has been made. See "Troubleshooting Device Settings" below. 

**People say they can hear me, but I can't hear them.

See "Troubleshooting Device Settings" below. Browsers sometimes choose a speaker output you don't expect.

ADDITIONAL NOTE:  Browser add-ons and firewalls can also block the voice session.  You may need to add a2zsg.com and 3DWebworldz.com to the whitelist.

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Troubleshooting - In FireFox
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After an attempt to join the Region Voice Channel, Firefox will ask you to provide permission.  If you miss the pop-up question provided by Firefox, you can click on the microphone image at the top of the browser to access the settings.

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Troubleshooting - System Devices
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Speaker and Microphone devices are accessed differently on every system, but the general idea is the same.  Here is one way to double check your system devices.

• Right click on the speaker icon and look for the system properties for speakers and microphone.  On this system, there is an option for each, as shown on the image. You may have to find your system devices using a different method.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• We recommend disabling the microphone options you are not using. This keeps the browser from getting confused on which option to use and is a good idea for your own personal security. We recommend the same for the speaker settings.
  
  
  
  Troubleshooting your personal voice and device system settings can be frustrating, we get it.  But once you get it figured out, it really is as easy as clicking one button! If you need help, don't hestitate to contact support.

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WHAT IS IT?
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3DWebWorldz VideoChat and Screenshare tool is pretty much what the title describes, offering a larger toolset than the Region Voice Channel.

• Voice Conversation - mic muted upon entry.
• Video Option - optional. Camera turned off upon entry and only activated upon user specific request.
• Confined Chat Option for call members.
• Screenshare with audio option -- easily share slides or videos.
• Hosts have more control over attendees.
• Attendees do not have to be standing on the same region.
• Attendees do not have to be logged into 3DWebWorldz (Host must be logged in). Host can provide a special link for those unable to attend 3DWW Region Meeting.

Watch Full Screen

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HOW DO I ACCESS THIS TOOL?
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**NOTE: For safety and security purposes, only 3DWW approved hosts can initiate a meeting with this tool. Please contact support if you wish to become an approved host.

• Top Toolbar: Communication / VideoChat and Screenshare Tool.
• Bottom Toolbar:  
  

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HOW DO I USE THIS TOOL?
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Buttons on the bottom of the VideoChat & ScreenShare Tool provide options.

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MIDDLE BUTTONS
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User Participation

On the bottom center of the screen,there are three icons:

• Microphone Button - Microphone will be muted on entrance.  Click to mute/unmute.  Be sure to turn Region Voice Channel OFF.  Not doing so can cause an echo and also makes your voice available to anyone else on the region.
• Telephone Button- End participation in the VideoChat Tool Meeting.
• Video Camera Button- Camera will be inactive upon entrance.  Click to turn camera on/off.

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LEFT BUTTONS
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Share your Screen:

Icon shaped like a monitor on bottom, left corner will share your screen with everyone in the Virtual Meeting Room.

• Entire Screen: shares everything that is open on the screen of your device.
• Application Window: shares a specific chosen and open program window (ex: Firefox, Microsoft Word).
• Chrome Tab Window: Share a specific open browser tab.

Raise your Hand:

• Raised hand icon, bottom left corner of screen.
• Selecting this option indicates a desire to speak or ask a question.

Text-Based Chat:

• Chat bubble icon on bottom left corner of the screen opens a sliding chat window.
• You may be asked to re-enter your username for chat identification.

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RIGHT BUTTONS
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Activate Grid View:

• Four Tile Icon on the bottom right corner changes the default view.
• Allows you to see everyone in the meeting, instead of a large screenview with list.

Invite People:

"i" Button = Meeting information, found on bottom right corner. It provides a URL to provide attendees outside of the same 3DWebWorldz meeting. 

Meeting Security Options: Meeting Host may assign a password to prevent uninvited individuals from joining.

Attendee Settings

Three stacked dots on bottom right corner.  Clicking this button allows you to personalize your meeting experience.  

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What is InstaChat?
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The Instachat feature is a communication option that puts a literal bubble/box over the avatar head, with your typed words inside. 

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How Do I Open/Close the Instachat HUD? 
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• Top Toolbar: Communicate >> InstaChat Bubble  
• Bottom Toolbar: InstaChat Button
  

These options are toggle switches - click the same option to switch on or off. When you open it, this is what you will see in Mirror View:

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How Do I Use the InstaChat HUD
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• Open the InstaChat HUD using either of the toggle switch methods above. 
  
  
• Initiate the InstaChat hud by clicking the submit button. After initiating, your cursor will appear in the text box and bubble above your head will convert to a box for easier message sharing.
  
  
  
  
• Type into text box on the HUD panel.  Use it like a typewriter. Meaning, press enter at the end of the space provided in order to move to a new line and keep your text in the bubble. It's is a great way to create a short message or to help new users find what they need. Use the MeCam to check your result.
  
  
• Your text will be shown on the HUD too, for easy reference. 
  It will look like this.
  
  
  
  
• NOTE:  If you teleport or reload your region, your instachat HUD will automatically close and message reset to default.  

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Reloading or Teleporting with an Active InstaChat HUD
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If you teleport or reload your region, your instachat HUD will automatically close and message in bubble/box will reset to default.  

However, you will see your last message on your HUD for easy copy/paste if needed.

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How Do I Change the Message?
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• Type a new message in the box and submit.
• To clear the message, click submit with an empty text box on the HUD
• Close the InstaChat HUD and reopen.

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How Do I Move the InstaChat HUD?
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• Hover your mouse over the bottom of the HUD.
• Your cursor will change to a move cursor icon.
• Click and drag it to whereever you want on your screen

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The text is too small.  I can't read someone's message?
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If you see a chat bubble/box open, but can't read the text.  Switch to FREECAM Drone to zoom in while keeping your avatar from moving. See help document 3DWW-0002 : Movement and Camera Controls (How to See) for FREECAM DRONE instructions.

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What is the InstaMoji
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The InstaMoji allows you to put an emoji above your head to convey an emotion or response.  

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How do I open/close the InstaMoji HUD?
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• Top Toolbar:  Avatar / InstaMoji
• Bottom Toolbar: Click the InstaMoji Button
  

**These options are toggle switches.  Click to turn on, click again to turn off. You can also use the close window option on the InstaMoji HUD.

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How to use:
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• Choose your desired image and click the "Change My Aviface" button. 
• To Change your InstaMoji, repeat the process.

When your InstaMoji is active, the button on your bottom toolbar will change to reflect your InstaMoji choice.

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How Do I Turn if Off?
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• Click the TURN OFF EMOJI button at the top of the HUD.
• Your bottom toolbar will return to the default InstaMoji Button.
• Reloading the current region or teleporting will turn off the InstaMoji and set all back to default.

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Use Case Scenarios
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• "Thumbs up" to agree with a business comment or to signal you are done reading the assignment.
• "Coffee" InstaMoji to indicate you "went for coffee" or will be right back.
• "Question Emoji" to indicate you have a question or are confused.

The list goes on and on.  InstaMojis - both fun and functional!

**Instructions for Private IMs coming soon**

TIP to get you started until then:

a)  Top Toolbar: Communicate / Who's Online

b)  Click username profile button (from Radar or Click Directory Button on Top)

c)  Look for Private IM button

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What is Discord?
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Discord is a separate application that 3DWebWorldz members use to get notifications of events and blog posts, chat while offline (meaning not logged into 3DWW), as well as receive fast technical support. 

3DWebWorldz has it's own "Discord Server" which means all conversation on that server relates to 3DWebWorldz and its members.

LINK TO 3DWW SERVER:  https://discord.gg/Z9rhjtp

DOWNLOAD DISCORD for FREE HERE:  https://discord.com/download

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What is Discord - according to WIKIPEDIA?
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"Discord is an American VoIP, instant messaging and digital distribution platform designed for creating communities. Users communicate with voice calls, video calls, text messaging, media and files in private chats or as part of communities called "servers." Servers are a collection of persistent chat rooms and voice chat channels. Discord runs on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and in web browsers. As of July 21, 2019, there are over 250 million users of the software.

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Purpose:   This feature allows you to visually point to an area.  Perfect for presentations, teaching, tours, and just to say "Hey, look at this cool object over here!"
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To Access:  Top Toolbar | Avatar | Pointer HUD

*feature added 12/2021

Easy to use:  Click a button to set the height of your pointer.  Change height with another easy click.  You can turn pointer off and leave HUD open to use as desired.

If you close the Pointer HUD and your pointer is still active, you will need to open HUD again to turn it off, or reload your region to perform a reset.

TIP:  Remember that you are in a 3D Environment.  You may be farther away from an object than you think.  To use the pointer with certainty:

• walk forward until the circle disappears into the object you wish to highlight.
• take a step back
• adjust the pointer height as needed