can you delete roll20 messages in chat

3 min read 23-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to delete messages in Roll20 chat, covering different methods for players and Game Masters (GMs). We explore options for deleting individual messages, clearing entire chat logs, and the limitations of Roll20's chat deletion features. Discover the best practices for managing your Roll20 chat history. (158 characters)

Understanding Roll20 Chat Deletion Capabilities

Roll20, the popular virtual tabletop platform, doesn't offer a simple "delete message" button for individual chats like some other platforms. The ability to remove messages depends largely on your role (player or GM) and the specific circumstances. This guide will break down the options available.

Can Players Delete Their Own Messages?

No, players cannot directly delete their own messages from the Roll20 chat log. Once a message is sent, it remains visible to all participants in that chat channel. This is a key limitation to be aware of.

Can Game Masters (GMs) Delete Messages?

Game Masters have significantly more control over the chat log. They can delete messages sent by other players within their game. However, they cannot delete their own messages either. This is a consistent limitation across the platform.

How GMs Delete Messages:

Locate the Message: Find the specific message you wish to remove within the chat log.
Right-Click: Right-click on the message.
Select "Delete": A context menu will appear. Choose the "Delete" option.
Confirmation: Roll20 may ask for confirmation before deleting.

Important Note: Deleting a message removes it only from the current viewing instance of the chat. If other players have already copied or saved the message (a screenshot, for instance), it won't be deleted from their records.

Deleting Entire Chat Logs

Neither players nor GMs can delete the entire chat log directly within Roll20. The platform retains a history of chat for the duration of the game. There are, however, some workarounds:

Create a New Chat: For a fresh start, GMs can create a new chat channel for future discussions. The old chat will remain, but it will be less cluttered.
Export and then Delete (GM Only): GMs can export the chat log (see below), then delete the original game if desired, effectively removing access to that chat log.

Exporting Roll20 Chat Logs (for GMs)

GMs have the ability to download and save a copy of the entire chat log. This can be helpful for archiving purposes or simply for keeping a record of your sessions.

Game Settings: Access the game settings within your Roll20 game.
Export: Look for an "Export" option within the game settings menu. This option often includes chat logs.
Download: Roll20 will generate a file containing the chat log. Download this file to your computer.

Important Note: Exporting the chat log does not delete the chat from Roll20. It simply creates a copy.

Best Practices for Managing Roll20 Chat

Since complete deletion isn't always possible, here are some best practices for managing your Roll20 chat:

Keep Chat Concise: Avoid unnecessary chatter to reduce log size.
Use Private Messages: For sensitive information, use private messages to avoid cluttering the main chat.
Use Separate Channels: Organize different aspects of your game using different chat channels. This can make finding specific information much easier.
Communicate Expectations: Set clear expectations with your players regarding appropriate chat behavior to prevent issues.

Conclusion

While Roll20's chat deletion features are limited, understanding the capabilities available to both players and GMs is essential for managing your virtual tabletop experience. Remember that preventing issues through proactive chat management is often more effective than trying to delete messages after the fact. By following these tips and understanding these limitations, you can maintain a cleaner and more organized chat history in your Roll20 games.