# iMessage User Guide

iMessage is best for macOS users who want native Apple Messages access to CoWork from their personal devices.

## Best For

- Personal direct-message task control.
- Apple-device users who prefer Messages.
- Lightweight approvals and mobile follow-ups.
- Simple private tasks sent to a bot Mac.

## Key Features

- Native macOS Messages integration through the `imsg` CLI.
- Direct message task control.
- Apple Messages style interaction.
- Self-message capture behavior where configured.

## Daily Workflow

Send a direct message to the bot Apple ID:

```text
/new
Draft a concise reply to this message.
```

Use `/stop` to cancel and `/new` before switching topics.

## Best Practices

- Use a dedicated Apple ID for the bot Mac.
- Keep the bot Mac online and signed in to Messages.
- Use direct messages for approvals and sensitive work.
- Use CoWork desktop for large files and long generated outputs.
- Keep prompts concise when working from mobile.

## Watch-Outs

- Requires macOS and Messages app access.
- Full Disk Access and CLI setup are required.
- Not ideal for multi-user team routing compared with Slack, Discord, or Teams.

## Related Docs

- [Channel Integrations](../channels.md#imessage-macos-only)
- [Gateway User Guide](../gateway-user-guide.md)
