Boost Your Productivity with These Essential Slack Shortcuts

Slash your Slack navigation time with our sharp list of Slack shortcuts. 

Whether you’re a Windows, Linux, or Mac user, we’ll guide you through the keystrokes that streamline your Slack use. To further simplify your ticketing problems, consider Suptask. 

From channel hops to message management, learn how to do it all with less using these slack shortcuts.

Key Takeaways

• Mastering Slack keyboard shortcuts can significantly increase productivity by simplifying navigation and communication within the workspace.
• Specific shortcuts allow users to quickly handle messaging tasks such as navigating unread messages, marking messages, editing, and reacting on Windows/Linux and Mac systems.
• Some essential Slack shortcuts that are cross-platform include creating a new canvas (Ctrl+Shift+C), marking all messages as read (Shift+Esc), and uploading a file (Ctrl+U), simplifying everyday tasks and saving time.

Slack Keyboard Shortcuts For Windows and Linux

Slack has revolutionized the way we communicate in our workspaces. It’s not just a communication platform; it’s a productivity tool. 

Enhancing productivity is a breeze if you master Slack keyboard shortcuts. Once you master these shortcuts, you’ll navigate your Slack workspace faster.

Keyboard shortcuts embody speed and convenience, and knowing the correct keyboard shortcut can make all the difference. Imagine not having to reach for your mouse whenever you want to switch channels or mark a message as read. 

With these shortcuts, your hands remain on the keyboard, smoothing and accelerating your workflow. Accessing the shortcuts menu can further enhance your productivity.

Navigation

Knowing the right shortcuts can make navigating Slack channels and direct messages effortless. 

• Proceed to a Conversation: Ctrl+K
• Proceed to Direct Messages (DM): Ctrl+Shift+K
• Proceed to Channels: Ctrl+Shift+L
• Proceed to Mentions: Ctrl+Shift+M (Desktop app only)
• Proceed to People: Ctrl+Shift+E
• Proceed to Saved Items: Ctrl+Shift+S
• Proceed to next Section: F6
• Proceed to previous Section: Shift+F6
• Proceed to next Unread: Alt+Shift+Down
• Proceed to previous Unread: Alt+Shift+Up
• Proceed to next Channel/DM: Alt+Right
• Proceed to previous Channel/DM: Alt+Left
• Proceed to next Workspace: Ctrl+Tab (Windows), Ctrl+] (Linux)
• Proceed to previous Workspace: Ctrl+Shift+Tab (Windows), Ctrl+Shift+[ (Linux)
• Proceed to a specific Workspace: Ctrl+[number under workspace icon] (Desktop app only)
• Proceed to Channel Info: Ctrl+Shift+I
• Proceed to New Message: Ctrl+N
• Proceed to Preferences: Ctrl+, (Desktop app only)
• Proceed to Threads: Ctrl+Shift+T (Desktop app only)
• Toggle right pane: Ctrl+.
• Toggle Full-Screen View: Ctrl+Shift+F
• Search in current Channel/Conversation: Ctrl+F
• Proceed to previous Search: Ctrl+G

Unread Messages Control

Staying on top of unread messages, especially in multiple channels, is a common struggle. Fortunately, Slack offers shortcuts for effective unread message management, ensuring you’ll never miss the last message or a significant update in the next unread channel. 

• Toggle All Unread view: Ctrl+Shift+A
• Mark message as Unread: Alt+Left Click
• Move between messages: Up or Down arrows
• Open or collapse Channels: Left or Right arrows

Marking Messages

The feature of marking messages in Slack assists in tracking crucial information and follow-ups. Keyboard shortcuts simplify actions like starring a message.

• Mark all messages in the current Channel/DM Read: Esc
• Mark all messages Read: Shift+Esc
• Set message as oldest Unread: Alt+Left Click (Windows), Ctrl+Alt+Left Click (Linux)

Message Actions

Beyond being a messaging platform, Slack serves as an effective communication tool. And with shortcuts for message actions, you can enhance your messaging experience. 

• Edit message: E
• Add emoji: R
• Open thread: T or Right arrow
• Pin or Unpin message: P
• Share: S
• Save or Unsave message: A
• Mark Unread: U
• Delete message: Delete

Formatting Messages

Appropriate message formatting contributes to more precise and more effective communication. You can easily bold, italicize, or strikethrough your text with the right keyboard shortcuts.

• Edit last message: Ctrl+Up
• Select text to beginning of current line: Shift+Up
• Select text to end of current line: Shift+Down
• Insert return: Shift+Enter
• Add emoji: Ctrl+Shift+\
• Bold: Ctrl+B
• Italicize: Ctrl+I
• Create numbered list: Ctrl+Shift+7
• Create bulleted list: Ctrl+Shift+8
• Apply formatting to markdown text: Ctrl+Shift+F
• Undo message formatting: Ctrl+Z
• Strike-through: Ctrl+Shift+X
• Quote selected text: Ctrl+Shift+9
• Code selected text: Ctrl+Shift+C
• Code block selected text: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+C

Managing Files

In Slack, typical tasks include uploading documents, downloading files, and managing file attachments. Did you know you can perform these tasks faster with keyboard shortcuts?

• Upload file: Ctrl+U
• Create snippet: Ctrl+Shift+Enter

Call Shortcuts

Slack calls facilitate excellent team communication, particularly during remote work. And with the right shortcuts, you can enhance your huddle experience, whether muting, unmuting, or managing video calls.

• Toggle Mute: M
• Toggle Video: V
• Open Invites: + or A
• View and select an emoji: E+ (select 1-9)

Slack Keyboard Shortcuts For Mac

Are you a Mac user? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Slack offers a range of keyboard shortcuts specifically for Mac users. 

Much like the shortcuts for Windows and Linux, these are designed to enhance productivity and streamline communication.

Navigation

With the right shortcuts, Mac users can effortlessly navigate through Slack. Whether switching between channels and direct messages or navigating to the next workspace, the correct key combinations can simplify your Slack navigation.

• Proceed to a Conversation: Cmd+K
• Proceed to Direct Messages (DM): Cmd+Shift+K
• Proceed to Channels: Cmd+Shift+L
• Proceed to Mentions: Cmd+Shift+M (Desktop app only)
• Proceed to People: Cmd+Shift+E
• Proceed to Saved Items: Cmd+Shift+S
• Proceed to next section: F6
• Proceed to previous section: Shift+F6
• Proceed to next unread: Option+Shift+Down
• Proceed to previous unread: Option+Shift+Up
• Proceed to next Channel/DM: Cmd+[
• Proceed to previous Channel/DM: Cmd+]
• Proceed to next Workspace: Cmd+Shift+]
• Proceed to previous Workspace: Cmd+Shift+[
• Proceed to a specific Workspace: Cmd+[number under workspace icon] (Desktop app only)
• Proceed to Channel Info: Cmd+Shift+I
• Proceed to New Message: Cmd+N
• Proceed to Preferences: Cmd+, (Desktop app only)
• Proceed to Threads: Cmd+Shift+T (Desktop app only)
• Toggle right pane: Cmd+.
• Toggle Full-Screen View: Ctrl+Shift+F
• Search current Channel/Conversation: Cmd+F
• Proceed to previous Search: Cmd+G

Unread Messages Control

Especially when part of multiple channels, handling unread messages in Slack can be challenging. However, the right shortcuts allow Mac users to navigate and manage their unread messages smoothly, without missing any notifications.

• Toggle All Unread view: Cmd+Shift+A
• Mark message Unread: Option+Left Click
• Move between messages: Up or Down arrow
• Open or collapse Channels: Left or Right arrow

Marking Messages

The feature of marking messages in Slack assists in tracking crucial information and follow-ups. With the help of keyboard shortcuts, keeping messages as read or unread, or even starring them, becomes a piece of cake for Mac users.

• Mark all messages in the current Channel/DM Read: Esc
• Mark all messages Read: Shift+Esc
• Set message as Oldest Unread: Option+Click

Message Actions

Mac users can enrich their Slack messaging experience using app shortcuts for message actions and message shortcuts. Whether editing, deleting, or reacting to messages, the right shortcuts can speed up communication.

• Edit message: E
• Add emoji: R
• Open thread: T or Right arrow
• Pin or Unpin message: P
• Share: S
• Save or Unsave message: A
• Mark Unread: U
• Delete message: Delete

Formatting Messages

Appropriate message formatting contributes to more explicit and more effective communication. Mac users can easily bold, italicize, or strikethrough text with the right keyboard shortcuts.

• Edit last message: Cmd+Up
• Select text to beginning of current Line: Shift+Up
• Select text to end of current line: Shift+Down
• Insert return: Shift+Enter
• Add emoji: Cmd+Shift+\
• Bold: Cmd+B
• Italicize: Cmd+I
• Strike-through: Cmd+Shift+X
• Apply formatting to markdown text: Cmd+Shift+F
• Undo message formatting: Cmd+Z
• Quote selected text: Cmd+Shift+9
• Code selected text: Cmd+Shift+C
• Code block selected text: Cmd+Alt+Shift+C
• Create numbered list: Cmd+Shift+7
• Create a bulleted list: Cmd+Shift+8

Managing Files

Whether uploading a document or downloading a file, working with files is a frequent task in Slack. And guess what? Mac users can perform these tasks faster with keyboard shortcuts, too!

• Upload file: Cmd+U
• Create snippet: Cmd+Shift+Enter

Call Shortcuts

Slack calls facilitate excellent team communication, particularly during remote work. With the right shortcuts, Mac users can enhance their call experience, whether muting, unmuting, or managing video calls.

• Toggle Mute: M
• Toggle Video: V
• Open Invites: + or A
• View and select an Emoji: E+ (select 1-9)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a shortcut in Slack?

In Slack, shortcuts are quick ways to take action, such as using apps or running workflows. You can access shortcuts using the shortcut button (+ icon) to the left of the message field.

How do I create a custom shortcut in Slack?

You cannot set custom keyboard shortcuts for Slack now, but you can use the global shortcut from the composer menu or the search bar in Slack to create a custom shortcut.

How can I navigate channels in Slack using keyboard shortcuts?

To navigate channels in Slack using keyboard shortcuts, simply use `Ctrl` + `K` on Windows/Linux, or `Cmd+K` on Mac to open a conversation and type the name of the channel or person.

Are there keyboard shortcuts for managing unread messages in Slack?

Yes, you can use keyboard shortcuts in Slack to manage unread messages. Press `Alt` + `Shift` + `Up Arrow` or `Down Arrow` to navigate between individual messages and `Alt` + `Shift` + `U` to mark a single message as unread.