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In Microsoft Teams, Shift + Enter inserts a line break without sending your message. On Windows or the web, press Ctrl + Enter to send when Teams is configured to use Enter for new lines; on Mac, use Cmd + Enter.

Teams now also includes a per-user setting that can make the regular Enter key start a new line instead of sending. The setting is available in the desktop and web apps, while the expanded formatting editor works across Teams message composition.

The quickest way to start a new line in Teams

  1. Click the chat or channel compose box.
  2. Type the first line.
  3. Press Shift + Enter.
  4. Type the next line.
  5. Press Enter to send the completed message, unless your Enter-key preference is configured differently.

For example, type:

Meeting agenda:

Then press Shift + Enter and add the next item. Teams keeps everything in one message rather than sending the first line immediately.

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This shortcut remains useful even if you change the Enter-key preference: Microsoft documents that Shift + Enter always inserts a new line.

Change Enter so it creates a new line

Teams has added a per-user setting for the Enter key in the desktop and web apps.

  1. Select Settings and more—the three-dot button near your profile picture.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Open Chats and channels.
  4. Find the setting that controls whether pressing Enter sends a message or starts a new line.
  5. Select Start a new line.

With that option selected:

  • Enter starts a new line.
  • Ctrl + Enter sends the message on Windows and the web.
  • Cmd + Enter sends the message on Mac.
  • Shift + Enter still starts a new line.

The documented default is Send the message. That is why Enter normally sends a message from the ordinary, unexpanded compose box. Teams may display a hint near the compose box showing the active behavior.

This preference belongs to the individual user and roams across devices. It applies to Teams desktop and web; Microsoft documents no admin policy or Microsoft Graph setting for controlling it centrally.

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Use the expanded formatting editor

If you want more space for a multi-line message, select Format—the formatting button to the right of the message text or compose box. The expanded editor lets you create paragraphs without accidentally sending the message and includes controls for formatting text.

In the expanded editor, you can:

  • Press Enter to begin another paragraph.
  • Apply bold, italic, underline, highlighting, or text color.
  • Create lists and headings.
  • Insert links and code blocks.

This is often the safest choice for a long announcement, a structured answer, or a message that needs several paragraphs. It also avoids relying on the current Enter-key setting.

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Line breaks in the Teams mobile app

In the Teams mobile app, tap Plus sign (+) > Format next to the compose box. The expanded editor lets you create new paragraphs and apply formatting such as bold, italic, underline, highlighting, and text color.

Do not expect the desktop Markdown shortcuts to work the same way on mobile. Microsoft says mobile users can view Markdown-formatted messages but currently cannot create Markdown-formatted messages there. Use the desktop or web app when you need to compose Markdown-style formatting or a code block.

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Teams Markdown-style formatting

Teams supports a Markdown-style syntax, although Microsoft notes that it does not fully match standard Markdown. The compose box previews supported formatting as you type. Press Ctrl + Z if Teams formats text when you did not intend it to.

Result Syntax Example
Bold *text* *Important*
Italic _text_ _Note_
Strikethrough ~text~ ~Removed~
Bulleted list * item or - item - First step
Numbered list <number> item 1. First step
Hyperlink [text](URL) [Microsoft](https://microsoft.com)
Heading 1 # heading # Project update
Heading 2 ## heading ## Next steps
Heading 3 ### heading ### Owners
Block quote > text > Previous decision
Inline code `code` `npm install`

Use the expanded Format editor if Teams does not interpret a particular syntax as expected. Its live preview shows what recipients will receive before you send the message.

Create a multi-line code block

For commands, logs, scripts, or configuration examples, use a code block instead of ordinary line breaks.

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Method 1: triple backticks

Type three backticks in the compose box, add the code on separate lines, and close the block with three more backticks:

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```
server = "teams-example"
print(server)
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Method 2: the slash command

Type /code in the compose box and follow Teams’ prompt for a code block.

Method 3: the formatting menu

  1. Select Show formatting options in the compose box.
  2. Select Code Block.
  3. Paste or type the code.
  4. Use the language dropdown to choose a language such as Python or Plain Text.

You can also use the keyboard shortcut:

  • Windows or web: Ctrl + Shift + Alt + B
  • Mac: Cmd + Shift + Option + B

Teams remembers the last language you selected. For long lines, open More options > Wrap text under Display option.

Code blocks can be created only on desktop. A code block created there can still be viewed on mobile, including line numbers, syntax highlighting, and automatic text wrapping. If pasted code exceeds 30,000 characters, Teams converts it to a collaborative code block.

Common line-break problems

Enter sends the message immediately

That is the documented default behavior in the ordinary compose box. Use Shift + Enter, open Format, or change Settings > Chats and channels to Start a new line.

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Shift + Enter does not appear to work

Make sure the cursor is inside the Teams compose box, not the browser address bar, a search field, or another application. If the message is already in the expanded editor, pressing Enter normally creates a new paragraph; Shift + Enter remains the portable shortcut for a line break.

Formatting appears as plain text

Teams’ syntax is Markdown-style rather than fully standard Markdown. Check the live preview, use the exact supported characters, and undo with Ctrl + Z if needed. For reliable visual formatting, select Format and use its toolbar.

Spelling is underlined but grammar is not checked

Teams underlines spelling errors in red and shows suggestions when you right-click the error. It does not provide a separate spelling-and-grammar checker in normal chats and channels; Microsoft lists that type of checking for a Wiki tab.

Which method should you use?

Need Best option
One quick line break Shift + Enter
Several paragraphs Format or the Start a new line setting
Frequent multi-line messages Set Settings > Chats and channels > Start a new line
Commands or source code Code Block, /code, or triple backticks
Composing on a phone Plus sign (+) > Format
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FAQ

How do I go to the next line in Teams without sending?

Press Shift + Enter in the compose box. Teams inserts a line break and keeps the message unsent.

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Can I make Enter start a new line in Teams?

Yes. In Teams desktop or web, open Settings and go to Chats and channels. Select Start a new line. Enter then creates a new line; Ctrl + Enter sends on Windows or the web, and Cmd + Enter sends on Mac.

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Is Shift + Enter still supported after changing the Enter setting?

Yes. Microsoft documents Shift + Enter as a line-break shortcut regardless of whether Enter is set to Send the message or Start a new line.

How do I add a paragraph on Teams mobile?

Tap Plus sign (+) > Format next to the compose box. The expanded editor lets you create new paragraphs and apply text formatting.

How do I insert several lines of code in Teams?

On desktop, select Show formatting options > Code Block, use the /code command, press the code-block keyboard shortcut, or surround the code with three backticks. Code blocks cannot be created on mobile.

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The Bottom Line

For a single line break, press Shift + Enter. If you regularly write multi-line Teams messages, choose Settings > Chats and channels > Start a new line, or open Format for a safer paragraph-based editor. Use a desktop code block for commands and source code, and use Plus sign (+) > Format when composing on mobile.

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