Slack Keyboard Shortcuts
55+ Slack shortcuts for messaging, channels, search, and formatting. Mac and Windows reference.
Navigation
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Quick Switcher (jump to anything) | |
| Browse DMs | |
| Browse channels | |
| Previous channel/DM | |
| Next channel/DM | |
| Previous unread channel | |
| Next unread channel | |
| Open Threads view | |
| Open All Unreads | |
| Open Activity / Mentions | |
| Open Saved Items | |
| Toggle right sidebar | |
| Toggle sidebar | |
| Go back in history | |
| Go forward in history | |
| Open People directory |
Messaging
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Send message | |
| New line in message | |
| Edit last message | |
| Create code/text snippet | |
| Upload file | |
| React with emoji (on last message) | |
| Mention someone | |
| Link to channel | |
| Insert emoji by name | |
| Numbered list | |
| Bulleted list | |
| Block quote |
Formatting
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Bold | |
| Italic | |
| Strikethrough | |
| Inline code | |
| Code block | |
| Undo formatting | |
| Set status |
Calls
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Start/join Huddle | |
| Mute/unmute (in huddle) | |
| Toggle video (in huddle) | |
| Toggle screen share (in huddle) | |
| Toggle captions (in huddle) |
Search
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Search in current conversation | |
| Search workspace | |
| Search with filters |
Workspace
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Preferences | |
| Set custom status | |
| Channel info panel | |
| Move focus to next section | |
| Move focus to previous section | |
| Show all keyboard shortcuts |
Mark Read
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Mark channel as read | |
| Mark all as read |
Pro tips
Quick Switcher is Everything
Ctrl+K (⌘+K) is the fastest way to navigate Slack. Type channel names, people, or recent conversations. You'll never need to scroll the sidebar again.
Master the Up Arrow
Press Up Arrow to instantly edit your last message. No right-clicking, no hovering. Works in any channel or DM. Fix typos in seconds.
Use Threads Religiously
Reply in threads to keep channels clean. Ctrl+Shift+T opens all your threads in one view. Check 'Also send to channel' for important replies.
Mark Channels Read with Esc
Press Esc to mark the current channel as read. Shift+Esc marks everything as read. Keep your unread count at zero for sanity.
Schedule Messages
Click the dropdown arrow next to Send to schedule a message for later. Perfect for async teams across time zones - don't ping people at midnight.
Save Items for Later
Bookmark important messages with the save icon or Ctrl+S. Access them anytime with Ctrl+Shift+S. Great for to-dos, links, and reference messages.
Frequently asked questions
How do I search effectively in Slack?
Use Ctrl+G to search the workspace. Add filters: 'from:@person' for messages from someone, 'in:#channel' for specific channels, 'has:link' for messages with links, 'before:2024-01-01' or 'after:' for date ranges. Combine filters for precise results.
How do I format code in Slack?
For inline code, wrap text in backticks: `code`. For code blocks, use triple backticks: ```code block```. Use Ctrl+Shift+C for inline code and Ctrl+Shift+F for code blocks with the formatting toolbar.
What are Huddles and when should I use them?
Huddles (Ctrl+Shift+H) are lightweight audio calls within a channel or DM. They're meant for quick, informal discussions - like turning to a coworker at their desk. They support screen sharing and aren't recorded. Use them instead of scheduling a meeting for quick questions.
How do I manage notification overload?
Right-click a channel → Notification Preferences to mute or customize. Use 'Do Not Disturb' schedule in Preferences. Star important channels and use 'All Unreads' (Ctrl+Shift+A) to catch up efficiently.
Can I use Slack with keyboard only?
Yes! F6 cycles through sections (sidebar, message list, input). Tab navigates within sections. Ctrl+K for switching, Up Arrow for editing. Slack is fully keyboard-accessible - you rarely need the mouse.
How do I use Slack's Workflow Builder?
Go to Tools → Workflow Builder. Create automated workflows for standup reminders, onboarding checklists, or approval requests. Workflows can send messages, collect form responses, and trigger actions - no coding needed.
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