Slack is a popular communication tool used in the workplace to enhance collaboration and streamline communication. One of the best ways to increase productivity while using Slack is by utilizing its built-in shortcut keys. These shortcuts allow users to quickly navigate through channels, messages, and other features without constantly needing to use the mouse.
Slack Windows Shortcut Keys
Navigation
Shortcut
Action
Tab
Move focus to the next element
ShiftTab
Move focus to the previous element
Up/Down
Move focus through messages in a channel or DM
F6
Move focus to the next section
ShiftF6
Move focus to the previous section
Space
Take action or 'click' on buttons
Enter
Take action or 'click' on links
Esc
Close windows, menus, or the message field
Ctrl+/-
Zoom in/out
Home/PgUp
Scroll up
End/PgDown
Scroll down
CtrlK
Quick Switcher
CtrlShiftK
Open direct messages menu
CtrlShiftL
Browse all channels
CtrlShiftT
Open All Threads view
AltUp
Previous channel or DM
AltDown
Next channel or DM
AltShiftUp
Previous unread channel or DM
AltShiftDown
Next unread channel or DM
AltLeft
Previous channel or DM visited
AltRight
Next channel or DM visited
Ctrl,
Preferences (desktop apps only)
Ctrl.
Open or close right pane
CtrlShiftI
Channel info pane
CtrlShiftM
Activity
CtrlShiftE
Directory
CtrlShiftS
Starred Items
CtrlF
Search the current channel or conversation
CtrlG
Open previous search
CtrlShiftF
Toggle full screen view
All Unreads navigation
Shortcut
Action
CtrlShiftA
Open All Unreads view
Alt(click a message)
Mark message as unread
Left/Right
Move between channels
R
Toggle current channel read or unread
Switch workspaces
Shortcut
Action
CtrlShiftTab
Switch to previous workspace
CtrlTab
Switch to next workspace
Ctrl[number]
Switch to a specific workspace
Mark messages read or unread
Shortcut
Action
Esc
Mark all messages in current channel or DM as read
ShiftEsc
Mark all messages as read
Alt(click a message)
Set a message as your oldest unread message
Message shortcuts
Shortcut
Action
Up
Edit your last message
ShiftUp
Select text to beginning of current line
ShiftDown
Select text to end of current line
ShiftEnter
Create a new line in your message
CtrlShift\
Add emoji reactions to a message
CtrlB
Bold selected text
CtrlI
Italicize selected text
CtrlShiftX
Strikethrough selected text
CtrlShift>
Quote selected text
CtrlShiftC
Codeblock selected text
CtrlShift7
Turn selected text into a numbered list
CtrlShift8
Turn selected text into a bulleted list
CtrlShiftY
Set or edit your status
Message autocomplete
Shortcut
Action
[character]Tab
Autocomplete @display name beginning with [character]
#[character]Tab
Autocomplete channel beginning with [character]
:[character]Tab
Autocomplete emoji beginning with [character]
File and snippets
Shortcut
Action
CtrlU
Upload a file
CtrlShiftEnter
Create a new snippet
Call actions
Shortcut
Action
M
Toggle mute on and off
V
Toggle video on and off
+/A
Show the invite list
E1-9
View and select emoji reactions
Slack MacOS Shortcut Keys
Navigation Shortcuts
Shortcut
Description
Cmd+K
Jump to a conversation or channel
Cmd+T
Open the 'Jump to' search bar
Cmd+Shift+M
Open Direct Messages
Cmd+Shift+C
Open the channel browser
Cmd+1, Cmd+2, Cmd+3, ...
Switch between channels (use respective number)
Cmd+Shift+A
Open the Slack sidebar
Cmd+Shift+F
Open the channel or conversation search
Cmd+Left Arrow
Go to the beginning of the conversation
Cmd+Right Arrow
Go to the end of the conversation
Cmd+Up Arrow
Scroll up in the conversation
Cmd+Down Arrow
Scroll down in the conversation
Cmd+Shift+T
Open recent conversations
Cmd+[
Navigate to the previous channel or conversation
Cmd+]
Navigate to the next channel or conversation
Message Shortcuts
Shortcut
Description
Cmd+Enter
Send a message
Cmd+Shift+Enter
Create a new line without sending
Cmd+E
Edit the last message
Cmd+Z
Undo the last action
Cmd+Shift+Z
Redo the last undone action
Cmd+Shift+S
Save the current message
Cmd+Shift+R
Mark the current message as unread
Cmd+Shift+X
Remove the formatting from the current message
Cmd+Shift+V
Paste and match the formatting
Cmd+B
Bold text in a message
Cmd+I
Italicize text in a message
Cmd+U
Underline text in a message
Cmd+Shift+9
Open emoji picker to add reactions
Cmd+/
Show Slack keyboard shortcuts in a pop-up window
Channel Management Shortcuts
Shortcut
Description
Cmd+Shift+U
Mark all messages in a channel as unread
Cmd+Shift+Y
Mute or unmute a channel
Cmd+Shift+M
Mute or unmute the current conversation
Cmd+Shift+N
Open the notification settings
Cmd+Shift+L
Leave the current channel
Cmd+J
Join a new channel
Cmd+Shift+P
Toggle pinned items
Cmd+Shift+F
Toggle the file section in the sidebar
Search Shortcuts
Shortcut
Description
Cmd+F
Open the search bar
Cmd+Shift+F
Search within a specific channel or conversation
Cmd+Shift+S
Open saved messages and items
Cmd+Shift+A
Open advanced search options
File and Link Shortcuts
Shortcut
Description
Cmd+Shift+I
Open the file browser
Cmd+Shift+L
Attach a file to a message
Cmd+Shift+H
Upload a file from your computer
Miscellaneous Shortcuts
Shortcut
Description
Cmd+Shift+P
Open preferences
Cmd+Shift+X
Open the Apps section
Cmd+Shift+Z
Redo the action
Cmd+Shift+Q
Sign out of Slack
Cmd+Shift+V
Open the version history (if applicable)
Cmd+Option+Up Arrow
Expand the message thread
Cmd+Option+Down Arrow
Collapse the message thread
Cmd+R
Refresh Slack
Cmd+Option+I
Open Developer Tools (for advanced users)
Cmd+Option+Esc
Force quit Slack (use with caution)
Cmd+Shift+M
Open your notifications
Cmd+Shift+B
Toggle the sidebar
Cmd+Shift+L
Toggle the right sidebar
Cmd+Option+S
Open Slack status settings
Navigation & Window Shortcuts
Shortcut
Description
Cmd+Option+1
Switch to the first Slack window
Cmd+Option+2
Switch to the second Slack window
Cmd+Option+3
Switch to the third Slack window
Cmd+Option+4
Switch to the fourth Slack window
Cmd+Option+5
Switch to the fifth Slack window
Cmd+Option+6
Switch to the sixth Slack window
Cmd+Option+W
Close the current Slack window
Formatting Shortcuts
Shortcut
Description
Cmd+Shift+9
Add a reaction to a message
Cmd+Shift+8
Strikethrough the selected text
Cmd+Shift+E
Format the selected text as code
Cmd+Shift+C
Format the selected text as a code block
Cmd+Shift+T
Add a link to the selected text
About Slack
Slack is a collaboration software that connects teams through messaging, file sharing, and integrated tools. It's widely used for its simple interface and robust features, including channel-based conversations, direct messaging, and powerful search functionality. Teams can also integrate various apps to customize Slack for their specific needs.
How can I see all available Slack shortcut keys?
You can view all available shortcut keys by visiting the Slack help page or by pressing Ctrl+/ (Windows) or Cmd+/ (MacOS).
Are there any shortcuts for formatting messages?
Yes, you can use Ctrl+B (Windows) or Cmd+B (MacOS) for bold, Ctrl+I (Windows) or Cmd+I (MacOS) for italics, and Ctrl+Shift+X (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+X (MacOS) for strikethrough.
How do I mute or unmute a Slack channel?
Use Ctrl+Shift+Y (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Y (MacOS) to mute or unmute a channel.
Is there a shortcut to jump between channels?
Yes, use Ctrl+1, Ctrl+2, etc., (Windows) or Cmd+1, Cmd+2, etc., (MacOS) to switch between channels.
How do I create a new message?
Simply press Ctrl+Enter (Windows) or Cmd+Enter (MacOS) to send a new message.
How do I edit my last message?
Press Ctrl+E (Windows) or Cmd+E (MacOS) to edit your last message.
Can I search within specific channels?
Yes, use Ctrl+Shift+F (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+F (MacOS) to search within a particular channel.
What is the shortcut to open Slack preferences?
Use Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+P (MacOS) to open the preferences menu.
How can I go to a specific conversation or channel?
Press Ctrl+K (Windows) or Cmd+K (MacOS) to quickly jump to any conversation or channel.
Conclusion
Mastering Slack shortcut keys is a great way to boost your productivity while using the platform. Whether you're managing messages, navigating channels, or customizing preferences, there’s a shortcut for almost every task. By using these shortcuts, you can navigate Slack more efficiently and keep your focus on what matters most: communication and collaboration.
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