Tour the Slack app
Hi, there! 👋 If you are just getting started, this guide will help you get to know Slack like the back of your hand. Give the keyboard shortcuts a try to get around even faster!
Mac app
Windows app
Workspace Menu
Main Menu
Click your workspace name in the top left to find your profile and account settings, apps, and more.
Open Preferences ⌘,
Workspace Switcher
On the desktop app, hop between workspaces if you're on more than one. Click the plus icon to add more!
Switch workspaces ⌘1, 2etc.
Channel List
Public Channels
For conversations that are open to all members.
Move between channels → or ←
Private Channels
Best for topics that might be sensitive or confidential.
Previous channel or DM Alt↑
Direct Message (DM)
DM a member one-on-one. Or start a Group DM with up to eight others.
Open DM menu ⌘ShiftK
Channel Header
Channel Settings
Click the gear icon to adjust notifications, invite members, and more.
Open Preferences ⌘K
Star
Star the channels and DMs you visit frequently to place them at the top of your channel list!
Open Starred Items ⌘ShiftS
Message Input
Quick Switcher
Jump swiftly between channels and DMs with the Quick Switcher.
Open the Quick Switcher ⌘K
Upload Files
Upload files or create posts and snippets.
Upload a file ⌘U
Messages
Write and send your messages.
Jump to the input box Tab
Emoji
Click the smiley face icon to add an emoji (or two!)
Autocomplete emoji :[character]Tab
Mentions
Click the @ symbol in the input box to mention another member in messages to channels or DMs.
Jump to the input box Tab
Sidebar
Pinned Items
Quickly access Pinned Items, or scan the channel's Member List.
Open Preferences ⌘.
Channel Details
Learn more about a channel's purpose, shared files, and more.
Open Channel Info ⌘I
Activity
See new activity, like mentions and reactions, on your messages.
View activity ⌘M
Starred Items
Use stars to highlight important conversations or files.
Open Starred Items ⌘ShiftS
More Items
Access your files, directory, or see what's new in Slack!
Open the directory ⌘ShiftE
Workspace Menus
Main Menu
Click your workspace name in the top left to find your profile and account settings, apps, and more.
Open Preferences Ctrl,
Workspace Switcher
On the desktop app, hop between workspaces if you're on more than one. Click the plus icon to add more!
Switch workspaces Ctrl1, 2etc.
Channel List
Channels
For conversations that are open to all members.
Move between channels → or ←
Private Channels
Best for topics that might be sensitive or confidential.
Previous channel or DM Alt↑
Direct Message (DM)
DM a member one-on-one. Or start a Group DM with up to eight others.
Open DM menu CtrlShiftK
Channel Header
Channel Settings
Click the gear icon to adjust notifications, invite members, and more.
Open Preferences CtrlK
Star
Star the channels and DMs you visit frequently to place them at the top of your channel list!
Open Starred Items CtrlShiftS
Message Input
Quick Switcher
Jump swiftly between channels and DMs with the Quick Switcher.
Open the Quick Switcher CtrlK
Upload Files
Upload files or create posts and snippets.
Upload a file CtrlU
Messages
Write and send your messages.
Jump to the input box Tab
Emoji
Click the smiley face icon to add an emoji (or two!)
Autocomplete emoji :[character]Tab
Mentions
Click the @ symbol in the input box to mention another member in messages to channels or DMs.
Jump to the input box Tab
Sidebar
Pinned Items
Quickly access Pinned Items, or scan the channel's Member List.
Open Preferences Ctrl.
Channel Details
Learn more about a channel's purpose, shared files, and more.
Open Channel Info CtrlI
Activity
See new activity, like mentions and reactions, on your messages.
View activity CtrlM
Starred Items
Use stars to highlight important conversations or files.
Open Starred Items CtrlShiftS
More Items
Access your files, directory, or see what's new in Slack!
Open the directory CtrlShiftE