Get around faster with keyboard shortcuts
At Slack, we like efficiency! So there are a number of keyboard shortcuts to help you move around Slack faster. We’ll introduce you to some of our favourites and show you just how time-saving they can be.
Tip: Take a look at the full list of our keyboard shortcuts we have available. If you only use your keyboard to get around, learn about keyboard accessibility in Slack!
View keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts allow you to quickly perform an action without ever touching your mouse. What magic! ✨
With the Slack app open on your desktop, type the keys below to see a list of available shortcuts on the right side of the screen:
| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
| View all keyboard shortcuts in Slack | ⌘/ | Ctrl/ |
Use the Quick Switcher
With the Quick Switcher, you can alternate between your different channels or conversations in a flash.
| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
| Open the Quick Switcher | ⌘K | CtrlK |
Navigate unread conversations
You can use a few shortcuts to navigate your unread conversations in Slack and catch up on everything you’ve missed.
| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
| Go to the next unread conversation | OptionShift↑ | AltShift↑ |
| Go to the previous unread conversation | OptionShift↓ | AltShift↓ |
Tip: Click All unread below your workspace name in the top left to see all of your unread messages in one place.
Mark messages as unread and set reminders
Need to follow up on a message? Mark it unread to save it for later and to help you keep track of it. To do so, use one of these steps:
Mac
Windows/Linux
- Hover over a message, hold down Option and click your mouse.
- Click the More actions icon and select Mark unread.
- Hover over a message, hold down Alt and click your mouse.
- Click the More actions icon and select Mark unread.
Note: If you tap and hold a message in one of the Slack mobile apps, you’ll see a special menu with the option to mark a message as unread.
To make sure you do come back to a message later, you can even set a reminder. Here’s how:
- Hover on a message and click the More actions icon.
- Hover on Remind me about this.
- Select when you want to be notified.
Hop back to your previous channel
Have you stumbled down a rabbit hole? In Slack, you can easily retrace your steps.
| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
| Navigate back to the previous channel | ⌘[ | Alt← |
There are a number of keyboard shortcuts to help you move around in Slack faster. Learn more about our full list of keyboard shortcuts and keyboard accessibility in Slack.
View keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts allow you to quickly perform an action without using your mouse. With the Slack app open on your desktop, type the keys below to see a list of available shortcuts on the right side of the screen:
| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
| View all keyboard shortcuts in Slack | ⌘/ | Ctrl/ |
Use the Quick Switcher
With the Quick Switcher, you can navigate between different channels and direct messages (DMs).
| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
| Open the Quick Switcher | ⌘K | CtrlK |
Navigate unread conversations
You can use a few shortcuts to navigate your unread conversations in Slack and catch up on what you've missed.
| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
| Go to the next unread conversation | OptionShift↑ | AltShift↑ |
| Go to the previous unread conversation | OptionShift↓ | AltShift↓ |
Tip: Click All unread below your workspace name in the top left of your sidebar on desktop to see all of your unread messages in one place.
Mark messages as unread
Need to come back to a message? Mark it unread to save it for later:
Mac
Windows/Linux
- Hover over a message, hold down the Option key and click your mouse.
- Click the More actions icon next to a message and select Mark as unread.
- Hover over a message, hold down the Alt key and click your mouse.
- Click the More actions icon next to a message, and select Mark as unread.
Note: You can long-press a message in the Slack iOS or Android app to see a menu with the option to mark a message as unread.
Tip: If you want to come back to a message later, you can set a reminder.
Hop back to your previous channel
Retrace your steps in Slack by going back to channels and DMs that you have recently visited.
| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
| Navigate back to the previous channel | ⌘[ | Alt← |