Picture this: you’re on Slack and want to open a channel, change your status, or add a reminder. Instead of taking the longer route of leaving the channel you’re in, you can simply type in Slack shortcuts to make this happen.
That is precisely what Slack slash commands are and what you can use them for. These commands begin with a forward slash ” / “, hence the name.
Keep reading to discover some essential built-in slash commands and how to use them. Let’s dive right into it!
How to Use Slack Slash Commands
To use slash commands, open a Slack channel or direct message and type the slash key (/) followed by the command keyword. Then, press “Enter” to execute the command. For example, if you write “/shrug” and hit “Enter”, a funny emoticon like ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ will be sent to the chat.
Read more on using shortcuts to take action from Slack.
As you type the forward slash, Slack will suggest different commands with their description. However, there are many more commands. That’s why we have prepared a curated list of everyday slash commands to use in Slack.
Useful Slack Slash Commands
Let’s look at essential Slack shortcuts that will save you a lot of time when using the platform.
1. Communication Commands
As the name suggests, these are used when communicating on the platform. Here’s a list of communication Slack slash commands and their uses:
- /dm @[name] [your message].
This is for sending a direct message to someone from a different channel or a private message. - /msg #[channel name]
It is useful when writing and sending a message to a channel from a different inbox. -
/giphy [text].
Use this Slack gif shortcut if you want to reply to a message with a silly or funny gif. Just replace [text] with any word you want, like “cat” or “dance”, etc. The app will provide different GIFs related to the word you wrote.
To use the Slack GIF shortcut or “/giphy” command, you must add the Giphy Integration to Slack. More information in the Slack page.
- /me.
For italicizing a text to emphasize it. - /shrug [your message].
To add an interesting shrug emoji “(¯\_(ツ)_/¯)” after your message. Shrugs are a great way to express an ‘I don’t care’ attitude. - /call.
This command initiates a call. If you want to switch from texts to a huddle, simply type this.
Extra Tip! To add a link to your text, simply use “Ctrl + Shift + U”, which is the Slack hyperlink shortcut
2. Commands to Set Your Status
Setting your status on Slack is an easy way to share your availability with fellow team members. Below are four simple commands to change your status:
- /away.
To mark yourself as away or unavailable. - /active.
This sets your status to active. - /status.
Use this to clear, and add an emoji or custom message next to your name to show your current status. For instance, a palm tree emoji could indicate you’re on vacation. Hovering around the emoji could display the dates you’re away on holiday as a custom message. - /dnd [description time].
Do not disturb (DND) pauses notifications for a specific time to avoid distractions. To continue getting notifications, use “/dnd”.
Find out more about setting your work hours on Slack here.
3. Reminders Commands
Reminders are a great way to nudge you or your team members about a task. The task doesn’t have to necessarily be work-related. For instance, you can add a reminder to drink water at 3 p.m.
Here are reminder Slack slash commands:
- /remind @someone to [What] [When].
This is to remind yourself or a teammate to perform a particular task at a certain time. Example: “/remind @me to submit report by 4 pm”. - /remind #channel to [What] [When].
Sends a reminder to an entire channel. - /remind list.
To view all set reminders. - /remind help.
If you have forgotten how to set a reminder, use this command to trigger the Slackbot for assistance or get more hints.
Get more direct messaging tips from Slack.
4. Slack Commands to Manage Channels
You can also use Slack commands to manage or navigate channels. However, some of these commands are only available to administrators.
Here are Slack commands for managing channels:
- /shortcuts.
To view all the keyboard shortcuts. - /mute.
To temporarily pause notifications on the channel you’re in. Use the same command to resume notifications. - /mute #[channel name].
This mutes a different channel than the one you’re in. Repeat the same command to unmute. - /leave.
To exit a channel. If you want to leave another channel or private message, use “/leave #[channel name]”. - /remove @[name].
This kicks out a member from a channel. You can also use “/kick @[name]”. - /who.
It shows the members available in a particular channel. - /search [term].
To search for certain messages in a channel. - /archive.
To archive the channel you’re in. - /invite @[name].
To invite another member to a channel. Use “/invite @[name] #[channel]” to invite someone to another channel. - /topic [text].
To set the topic for a channel. - /join #[channel].
To enter a channel from a private message or a different channel. You can also use “/open #[channel]”. - /rename #[new-channel-name].
To change the name of a channel. - /collapse.
To hide links or image previews in a message thread or channel. - /expand.
To view or show the preview of collapsed images and links in a private message and channel. - /apps [name].
This helps you find or install apps. - /feedback [message].
To send feedback to the Slack platform.
Slack Custom Slash Commands
Did you know that you can also create your own Slack custom slash commands in addition to the built-in shortcuts? Getting started with custom Slack slash commands is straightforward. Give it a try! They create a more personalized experience, increasing engagement at the same time.
Slack has various features you can use to make your work more accessible on the platform. Therefore, familiarize yourself with Slack slash commands to conveniently jump from one page to another!
