> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://swappulse.gitbook.io/swappulse-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://swappulse.gitbook.io/swappulse-docs/social-and-community/compose.md).

# Composing Posts

Write posts, attach cards, and cross-post

Write posts, attach cards, and cross-post

## What is Compose?

Compose is where you create posts. Write text up to 500 characters, attach a card, add hashtags, set visibility and reply permissions, and optionally cross-post to Bluesky. Every post is mirrored to your AT Protocol PDS so it's portable.

## What you can include

* **Text:** Up to 500 characters, with @mentions and #hashtags.
* **Card attach:** Attach a card that renders richly on SwapPulse and as a link card on Bluesky.
* **Hashtags:** Up to 10 hashtags, auto-canonicalised for discovery.
* **Quote post:** Layer your commentary over another post.
* **Post type:** Text, pack opening, trade, or showcase.

## Attaching a card

1. Click the card-attach bar in the composer.
2. Search for the card by name or set.
3. Select it. A preview renders in your post.
4. Optionally add alt text for screen reader accessibility.

The attached card is mirrored to Bluesky as an external embed with the card image, localised name, and a deep link back to the SwapPulse card page.

## Hashtags

Add hashtags with the # symbol. They're canonicalised (lowercased, trimmed) for discovery. Follow a hashtag from its page to see matching posts in your For You feed. You can use up to 10 per post.

## Visibility and replies

* **Public:** Visible to everyone, federates publicly to Bluesky.
* **Followers:** Only your followers can see it.
* **Mentioned:** Only mentioned accounts can see it.
* **Reply policy:** Choose who can reply: everybody, nobody, mentioned, or followers.

## Cross-posting to Bluesky

Because SwapPulse is built on the AT Protocol, your posts automatically mirror to your PDS and appear on Bluesky. You can optionally configure cross-posting behaviour in Settings. Your AT Protocol identity (DID and handle) is portable, you're not locked in.

## Open this feature

* [Open Composing Posts in SwapPulse](https://swappulse.org/compose)
* [View the original help route](https://swappulse.org/help/compose)