ICQ-style chat maker

Try it: start from this sample

What an ICQ-style window looks like

The ICQ-style look draws an early message-session window under a green title bar. Each message gets its own small header line, with the name coloured by side and the time written as hours, minutes and seconds. The text sits indented underneath. At the bottom are a reply box and two buttons, Send and Close, plus a status line that reads Online, Away or Offline.

Setting it up

Replace the two names with plain first names. Because the era identified people by number, an ICQ-style story can mention a number in the dialogue, but ChatsRat samples should never print real or realistic ones. Write complete, slightly formal sentences. People in this window often typed like they were sending a short note, which differs from the clipped style of later chat tools.

What it is good for

Use it for stories about long-distance friendships, early internet communities and file sharing. The time header with seconds gives the image a precise, log-file feel that suits mock transcripts. Remember there is no typing indicator and no read marks in this look, so the story has to carry the suspense in the words.

Plan and not-affiliated line

The look is on the Standard plan; Free loads the first four messages of a sample and exports a PNG with a visible watermark. ChatsRat is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the original service. That service has ended or changed, and the window here is our own artwork, with no logos or sounds.

Tips

• Use the timestamp seconds as part of the story, for example a reply that lands a minute late.
• Write full sentences; this window suits short letters better than slang.
• Use the status line to set the scene, such as Away for a delayed reply.
• Keep headers readable by choosing two clearly different names.
• Use light mode for authenticity and dark only for contrast on dark slides.

Questions