- See all keyboard shortcuts for Slack and how to use them in Windows, Linux y Mac.
- Learn how to manage messages, channels, files, and notifications ultra-efficiently.
- Explore workflows, integrations and commands to automate processes in Slack.
- More Around Tricks accessibility and customization for an optimal and productive experience.
Are you one of those people who spends hours in Slack managing projects, conversations, and files? If the answer is yes, you probably already know how important it is to gain speed and stay focused. Although many people stay on the surface using only the mouse, Slack's true potential is revealed with keyboard shortcutsThese little tricks can transform your experience, save you unnecessary clicks, and improve your efficiency every day.
In this article, You'll discover absolutely all the keyboard shortcuts for Slack., organized and explained in detail so you can apply them on Windows, Linux, and Mac. We also include practical tips, fun facts, and how to take advantage of quick actions and commands to become a true Slack ninja. Forget about wasting time searching for functions in menusHere's the ultimate guide that will help you master Slack like no one else in your office.
Why use keyboard shortcuts in Slack?
Slack Slack has become the indispensable tool for modern team communication. Used by leading companies like IBM, Slack isn't just a messaging app; it also allows you to share files, organize conversations by topic (channels), manage projects, and much more. However, the amount of features can sometimes be overwhelming., and this is where keyboard shortcuts make a difference.
Did you know You can jump between channels, edit messages, and navigate conversations without taking your hands off the keyboard.Taking advantage of these shortcuts allows you to focus on what's important and ignore distractions.
Types of shortcuts and shortcuts in Slack
Before we dive into the full list, it's important to know that Slack offers several different types of shortcuts:
- Classic keyboard shortcuts to navigate, write and format.
- Slash Commands for quick actions from the editorial area.
- Application shortcuts integrated that allow you to execute external service actions.
- Custom Workflows that automate repetitive tasks.
And the best, All these accesses are available in the desktop version And most of them are also available in the web version. Some are reserved for desktop applications, but we'll point out when this is the case here.
How to choose the right shortcut for your operating system
Shortcut compatibility varies slightly depending on whether you use Windows / Linux o Mac. As a general rule, if the shortcut uses the key Ctrl on Windows/Linux, on Mac you will need to use Cmd (⌘). For example, Ctrl + N for new message on Windows/Linux becomes Cmd+N on Mac.
Remember: There are some useful tricks that only work on the desktop app (we'll tell you about them throughout the guide), but the bulk of the shortcuts are common to all users.
Top Slack keyboard shortcuts to get around like a pro
Mastering navigation is the first step to getting the most out of Slack. Here are the key shortcuts to move between spaces, channels, and messages in seconds:
- Go to a conversation: Ctrl+K (Windows/Linux) / Cmd+K (Mac)
- Go to direct messages: Ctrl+Shift+K / Cmd+Shift+K
- Browse channels: Ctrl+Shift+L / Cmd+Shift+L
- Go to mentions and reactions: Ctrl+Shift+M / Cmd+Shift+M (desktop only)
- Go to people: Ctrl+Shift+E / Cmd+Shift+E
- View saved items: Ctrl+Shift+S / Cmd+Shift+S
- Go to the next section: F6 / Shift+F6 for previous section
- Browse unread: Alt+Shift+Down/Up (Win) / Option+Shift+Down/Up (Mac)
- Next/Previous channel or DM: Alt+Right/Left (Win) / Cmd+ (Mac)
- Next/Previous workspace: Ctrl+Tab / Ctrl+Shift+Tab (Win) / Cmd+Shift+] / Cmd+Shift+
Shortcuts for working with files and code snippets
Uploading files, sending screenshots, or sharing code snippets is much easier using shortcuts:
- Upload file: Ctrl+U (Win) / Cmd+U (Mac).
- Create code snippet: Ctrl+Shift+Enter (Win) / Cmd+Shift+Enter (Mac).
Slash Commands: Instant Actions in Slack
In addition to traditional shortcuts, Slack offers special commands you can type into any message field. to execute actions instantly. Just start with a forward slash /:
- /remember: Set a reminder for yourself, someone else, or an entire channel, for example: /remind @team to send report every Monday.
- /msg @user: Send a direct message to a user from any channel.
- /giphy : Search and share a GIF (if you have the Giphy plugin enabled).
- /poll: Launch a survey (if you have Simple Poll or another survey app integrated).
These commands are in addition to a wide variety of integrations that allow you to automate tasks and connect Slack with other applications.
Custom shortcuts and automated workflows
In Slack you can go beyond standard shortcuts. Both administrators and developers can create custom shortcuts and workflows. that trigger specific actions: from creating tickets in your support tool to launching automatic alerts in your team channel.
To run them, simply start by typing the workflow name directly into the bar and selecting it from the list. This is very useful for teams looking to optimize internal processes or automate frequent requests.
Useful shortcuts during calls and video calls in Slack
If your team uses voice or video calls, it's worth learning these shortcuts:
- Mute/unmute microphone: M.
- Turn video on/off: V.
- Open invitations: + or A.
- Select emoji: E+ (and one of the numbers 1 to 9).
These shortcuts are great for managing distraction-free meetings and keeping everything under control without having to search for buttons with your mouse.
How to quickly view all available shortcuts?
If you ever forget any, you can View the full list of Slack shortcuts with a single command:
- Windows/Linux: Ctrl + /
- Mac: Command + /
This will open a pop-up window with all the shortcuts available based on your operating system and current settings.
Extra tips and lesser-known Slack tricks
In addition to shortcuts, there are features and tricks that very few explore. and that can save you a lot of time or boost collaboration within your team:
- Configure custom notifications: Go to Preferences to set which alerts you receive, on which devices, and how often (for example, only notifications for keywords, threads, or during specific times).
- "Do not disturb" modeYou can temporarily pause all notifications from your profile picture—ideal when you need complete focus. The "Do Not Disturb" icon will appear next to your name.
- Save important messages: Mark any message with the save icon for quick access from “saved items.”
- Direct messages from the text box: Use /msg @username followed by the message you want to send, without leaving the channel.
- Search and filter with precision: Use quotes for exact searches, hyphens to exclude terms, and filters to refine results (by channel, person, date, etc.).
- Customize text formatting beyond shortcuts: You can manually use Markdown-like syntax for bold, italics, lists, or links if you prefer to type quickly.
Advanced organization: channels, groups, and special mentions
Slack stands out for its ability to organize teams of any size.Here are some tips to get the most out of it:
- Outdated: Spaces to centralize conversations about projects, departments, or specific topics. They can be public or private and are identified with a # before the name.
- Groups: Subsets of users created based on interests or tasks. You can mention a group to notify everyone at once.
- Individual and special mentions: Type @name to get someone's attention, or use @channel, @here, or @everyone for mass notifications based on availability and access level.
- Threads: Respond to specific messages by creating “threads” to keep conversations organized and avoid cluttering the main channel.
Master these tools, along with navigation shortcuts, and you'll have your workspace under control.
Automation and integrations: taking Slack to the next level
Slack's big advantage is its ecosystem of integrations.You can connect everything from calendars and CRMs to design, automation, and video calling tools, allowing you to execute actions without leaving the platform:
- Calendars (Google Calendar, Outlook): Sync events, receive reminders, and schedule meetings directly in Slack.
- Video calling tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts): Make calls or share links from the chat itself.
- CRM Systems: Integrate Pipedrive, Salesforce, Hubspot… for instant customer notifications and management.
- Custom Workflows: Automate repetitive processes with apps such as Zapier, IFTTT, or Slack's own workflow tool.
- Task and productivity managers: Add to-do lists, polls, or reminders to improve your daily flow.
- Integrations for remote workTools like Loom or Doodle Bot make it easy to record videos or schedule meetings without switching apps.
Set up all of these integrations from the Slack sidebar under More > Apps to unlock new possibilities.
Accessibility and tips for advanced users
Slack also has specific options for accessibility, designed for those who use screen readers or require keyboard-only navigation. Among the settings, the following options are available:
- Full keyboard access to move around the entire interface without using the mouse.
- Keyboard shortcuts to jump between sections (channels, users, direct messages, settings).
- Customize contrast, dark themes, and font size to enhance the viewing experience.
If you need additional support, Slack allows you to send comments on the accessibility experience to continue improving its platform.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them using shortcuts
As with any tool, it's easy to make mistakes or waste time if you don't know all the available resources. Some common errors and their shortcuts:
- Edit messages after sending: Use the up arrow (↑) to quickly edit your last message.
- Search for files among hundreds of messages: Ctrl+Shift+S / Cmd+Shift+S to go to saved items.
- Mark important messages: Alt/Cmd+Click to mark as unread and remember to review them later.
- Mark all as read before exiting: Shift+Esc.
- Avoid distractions: Turn on Do Not Disturb mode and use notification filters.
By applying these tricks, you'll see how your day-to-day Slack experience becomes much more fluid and efficient.
What to do if you work from your mobile?
La Most of the shortcuts described are optimized for desktop. In mobile devicesSlack limits keyboard shortcuts, but you can still take advantage of slash commands and some automations. Remember to check your mobile app preferences and customize notifications to receive only the essentials.
Slack's keyboard shortcuts and commands are essential for boosting your productivity. Taking advantage of them will allow you to work faster, avoid distractions, and become a benchmark for efficiency on your team.
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