How to Use Slack Shortcuts and Commands on Windows

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Slack is a powerful communication tool used by teams and organizations worldwide. It facilitates seamless communication through various channels, direct messages, and threads. While Slack is already user-friendly, productivity and efficiency can be greatly improved by using shortcuts and commands. This guide will help you understand how to effectively use Slack shortcuts and commands on Windows systems.

Introducing Slack shortcuts

Slack shortcuts are keystrokes or clicks that perform a specific task faster than using the mouse. By mastering shortcuts, you can execute tasks faster, improving your workflow. Slack offers a wide range of shortcuts for navigation, communication, search, and even customization. Here's a comprehensive guide to each category of shortcuts:

Navigation shortcuts

These shortcuts help you move around in Slack without using the mouse.

• Go to a conversation: Use Ctrl + K or Ctrl + T to open the quick switcher. Start typing the name of the channel or user, and press Enter to go there.
• Switch to the next channel or DM: Press Alt + →.
• Go to the previous channel or DM: Press Alt + ←.
• Go to the latest unread message: Press Alt + Shift + ↓.
• Open the Quick Switcher: Use Ctrl + K or Ctrl + T.

Communication shortcuts

Increase your communication speed by using these shortcuts:

• Start a new direct message: Press Ctrl + Shift + K.
• Edit your last message: Press ↑ arrow key right after you send a message. This edits the most recent message you sent based on your current focus.
• Open or close the right sidebar: Press Ctrl + .

Search shortcuts

Find messages, files, and more using these search shortcuts:

• Open the search field: use Ctrl + F
• Search history: use Ctrl + /.

Customizable shortcuts

Customize your Slack workspace to suit your style and needs:

• Open Preferences: Press Ctrl , to quickly open Settings.
• Toggle full screen: Press Ctrl + Shift + F.

Introduction to Slack commands

Slack commands are text shortcuts that initiate actions or access information in Slack. They are typed into the message input field, beginning with a "/". Slack has a variety of built-in commands and also supports custom slash commands for third-party applications or services. Here's an overview of how commands work and the most useful commands.

Basic Slack commands

Here's how you can boost your Slack usage with a few simple commands:

• Slash commands: All Slack commands begin with "/". For example, /away sets your status to away.
• Set Do Not Disturb: Use the specified time after /dnd. For example, /dnd 30m puts you in Do Not Disturb mode for 30 minutes.
• Create a reminder: Use /remind to schedule a reminder. For example, /remind @me to take a break at 3pm.
• Invite users to a channel: Use /invite. For example, /invite @username #channel will invite a user to a channel.

Advanced Slack commands

Use these commands to take Slack management to the next level.

• Collapse or expand all files: Use /collapse and /expand to manage how files and images are displayed in Slack.
• Who's on your team: Use /who in a channel to show who has access to it.
• Leave channel: Use /leave to exit the channel.
• Open a support ticket (with integration): For example, if integrated, /zendesk ticket creates a new support ticket.

Creating custom commands

Slack's functionality can be extended by creating custom commands that integrate with external services. Custom commands can perform a variety of tasks, from fetching data from an external source to sending a notification to a third-party app.

To set up custom commands, follow these steps:

Step 1: Setting up the slash command

Creating custom Slash commands for integrated apps is a powerful way to streamline interactions within Slack.

• Visit the Slack API at api.slack.com.
• Go to "Your Apps" and then click "Create New App."
• Choose how you'll develop your app, either from scratch or from an existing configuration.

Step 2: Configuration of the command

Once you've set up an app, run the configure command:

• Go to “Slash Commands.”
• Click “Create New Command” and fill in the required details, such as the command and URL.

Step 3: Handling requests

The URL you set with the slash command will receive a request every time the command is used. The request will contain data such as the channel ID, the message of the command, and other useful details.

 { "token": "gIkuvaNzQIHg97ATvDxqgjtO", "team_id": "T0001", "team_domain": "example", "channel_id": "C2147483705", "channel_name": "test", "user_id": "U2147483697", "user_name": "Steve", "command": "/weather", "text": "94070", "response_url": "https://hooks.slack.com/commands/1234/5678" }

Based on the data, write server-side scripting to handle these inputs and generate responses appropriately.

Phase 4: Final testing and integration

Test your command and confirm that it works as expected. Monitor real-time usage and logs to ensure ideal operation and handle any necessary modifications.

Conclusion

Mastering Slack shortcuts and commands on Windows can greatly improve your productivity and streamline communication. Whether you're moving around channels, searching for messages, or communicating with teammates, these shortcuts and commands save you time and effort. Plus, using custom commands allows for integration with different services, making Slack a more powerful and versatile tool. Enjoy more efficiency in your daily use of Slack as you incorporate these shortcuts and commands into your workflow.

It is always beneficial to keep the Slack help directory and documentation handy. As Slack continues to update and evolve, they may introduce new shortcuts and commands, giving users better functionality.

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