If you're looking to tweak how players talk in your game, learning how to handle a roblox text chat service script is a total game changer. For the longest time, we were all stuck with the old LegacyChatService, which was—let's be honest—kind of a pain to customize. You had to fork entire folder structures just to change a simple text color. But now, with the modern TextChatService, things are way more streamlined. It's built to be flexible, and once you get the hang of it, you can make your game's communication feel unique without pulling your hair out.
The shift to this newer system isn't just about making things "newer"; it's about control. Whether you want to add "VIP" tags next to names, create custom commands like /dance, or just make the chat bubbles look less generic, it all starts with a well-placed script. Let's dive into how this works and how you can make it work for your project.
Why bother switching to TextChatService?
You might be wondering why you should even care about using a roblox text chat service script instead of just leaving the default settings alone. Well, the default chat is fine for a basic hangout, but if you're building something specific, like an RPG or a competitive shooter, the chat needs to fit the vibe.
One of the best things about the current system is how it handles "Properties." In the old days, you'd have to intercept messages in a way that felt like a hack. Now, Roblox gives us a dedicated way to modify message appearance on the fly. Plus, it's way more performant. If your game has 50 players all chatting at once, the new service handles that load much better than the old Luau-heavy legacy system.
Getting the basics set up
Before you start writing your roblox text chat service script, you have to make sure your game is actually using the right engine. By default, newer places usually have it enabled, but it's always good to check. In Roblox Studio, go to the Explorer, find the TextChatService object, and look at the Properties window. There's a setting called ChatVersion. Make sure that's set to TextChatService and not LegacyChatService.
Once that's toggled, you're ready to start coding. Usually, you'll be working with a LocalScript inside StarterPlayerScripts because a lot of chat customization—like changing how a message looks on your own screen—happens on the client side. However, if you're doing things like moderation or server-wide commands, you'll obviously need some server-side logic too.
Adding some flair with chat tags
Everyone loves a good chat tag. It's the easiest way to show off who's a developer, a moderator, or a top-tier player. With a roblox text chat service script, adding these is surprisingly straightforward. You'll want to hook into the OnIncomingMessage callback.
Essentially, every time a message is about to appear in the chat window, this function runs. You can check the player's rank or if they own a specific GamePass, and then modify the TextChatMessageProperties. For example, you can change the PrefixText to include a cool [VIP] tag in gold. It's a small touch, but it makes the community feel a lot more "premium." You aren't just limited to text, either; since it supports Rich Text, you can use hex codes for colors and even change the font for specific players.
Creating custom chat commands
Commands are another huge reason to get comfortable with a roblox text chat service script. We've all seen games where typing /shop opens a menu or /give helps test items. Setting these up used to involve string parsing and a lot of messy "if-then" statements.
Now, there's a dedicated TextChatCommand object. You just add one of these under TextChatService, set the TriggerAlias (like /whisper or /heal), and then connect a function to its Triggered event. It's much cleaner. The best part is that it doesn't even show the command in the public chat if you set it up right, so your chat feed stays clean while players access the features they need.
Styling those chat bubbles
Let's talk about bubble chat for a second. The old bubble chat was iconic, but it was also a bit round. And white. Always. With the modern roblox text chat service script approach, you can customize BubbleChatConfiguration.
You don't even necessarily need a complex script for the basics; you can just tweak the properties. But if you want the bubbles to change color based on, say, what team a player is on, that's where the scripting comes in. You can change the background color, the text color, and even the font of the bubbles dynamically. It's a great way to add visual clarity to a chaotic game. If the "Red Team" has red chat bubbles, it's way easier to coordinate in the heat of a match.
Keeping it safe and filtered
We can't talk about a roblox text chat service script without mentioning safety. Roblox is super strict about filtering, and for good reason. The cool thing about TextChatService is that it handles most of the heavy lifting for you. When a player sends a message, it goes through Roblox's internal filters before it ever hits the OnIncomingMessage callback for other players.
However, if you're creating a system where the script sends messages (like a system announcement or a bot), you need to be careful. You should always ensure you aren't trying to bypass the filter. If you're displaying text that a player wrote in a custom UI outside of the standard chat box, you must use TextService:FilterStringAsync. It's not just a good habit; it's a requirement to keep your game from being moderated.
Common pitfalls to watch out for
Even the most experienced devs mess up their roblox text chat service script every now and then. One big mistake is trying to run server-side logic inside a LocalScript. It sounds obvious, but when you're deep in the zone, you might try to give a player a sword via a chat command script located in StarterPlayerScripts. That won't work because the client can't just hand out items. You'll need to use a RemoteEvent to tell the server, "Hey, this player typed the command and has permission, give them the item."
Another thing is forgetting that OnIncomingMessage runs for every message. If you put a bunch of heavy, complex math or "wait" functions in there, you're going to lag the chat for the player. Keep those functions fast and efficient. Grab the data you need, set the properties, and get out of there.
Testing and troubleshooting
When your roblox text chat service script isn't working, the Output window in Studio is your best friend. Most errors come from simple typos or trying to index a player who hasn't fully loaded into the game yet. If your tags aren't showing up, double-check that you're returning the TextChatMessageProperties object at the end of your function. If you don't return it, the chat just uses the default settings, and you'll be left wondering why nothing changed.
Also, keep in mind that testing chat can be tricky in a solo Studio session. It's often better to start a "Local Server" with two players in the Test tab. That way, you can actually see how the messages look from one player's perspective when the other one is typing. It's the only real way to verify that your team colors or VIP tags are displaying correctly to everyone else.
Final thoughts on chat customization
Honestly, messing around with a roblox text chat service script is one of the more rewarding parts of game dev on the platform. It's one of the first things players interact with, and it's a constant presence on the screen. By taking the time to move away from the default look and feel, you're telling your players that you care about the polish and details of your game.
It might feel a little intimidating if you're new to Luau, but the API is actually very friendly once you stop overthinking it. Start small—maybe just change the color of the system messages—and work your way up to custom commands and dynamic tags. Before you know it, you'll have a chat system that feels like it belongs in a top-tier front-page game. Just remember to keep things clean, keep them filtered, and most importantly, have fun with it!