Slack

How To Use Slack App: Introduction & Quick Start Guide

William Westerlund
September 8, 2025
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How To Use Slack App: Introduction & Quick Start Guide

Slack has become the go-to hub for digital teamwork, but it can feel overwhelming at first. This guide walks you through the essentials so you can set up, join conversations, and get work done without missing a beat. In just a few minutes, you’ll know your way around channels, messages, and the features that make Slack more than just another chat app.

5 min
to basic proficiency
90%
less email clutter
2x
faster decisions

Why Slack Matters for Teams

Slack isn’t just a place to send messages. It’s a digital office where conversations, files, and tools live in one spot. Instead of juggling endless emails, you can hop into channels for different projects, ping teammates directly, and keep everything organized.

For remote and hybrid teams, it works like a virtual HQ that cuts down on chaos and helps everyone stay connected.

Your Slack Universe: Click to Explore

This is what Slack looks like. Click channels to see how they work!

New to Slack? Start here

Acme Corp
# general
# marketing-team
# project-alpha
🔒 hr-confidential
Direct Messages
Sarah Chen
# general
JD
Jane Doe 10:30 AM
Welcome to #general! This is your company-wide channel where everyone can see messages. 👋
MR
Mike Rodriguez 10:32 AM
Pro tip: Use threads to keep conversations organized. Just hover over any message and click "Reply in thread"!
Message #general
#
Open to everyone. Great for transparency and building company knowledge.
🔒
Invite-only spaces for sensitive topics like HR or finance discussions.
💬
Direct Messages
One-on-one or small group chats for quick, informal conversations.
Working with clients? Use Slack Connect and follow the setup guide.

Master the Art of Messaging

Learn to format messages like a pro

Bold
Italic
`Code`
• List
💡 Press Shift + Enter for new lines without sending
Type @ to mention someone and notify them
🎯 One complete message > multiple short ones

The Magic of Threads

Keep conversations organized - click a message to see its thread!

# design-team

See real workflow tips

Emma Wilson: New logo concepts are ready! 🎨
5 replies
Alex Kim: Starting user research for Q2
Sam Taylor: Design sprint next week - who's in?

The @ Mention Hierarchy

Use mentions wisely - with great power comes great responsibility!

@username
Notify one specific person directly
✅ Use freely for direct questions
@here
Notify only active members in the channel
⚠️ Use for time-sensitive requests
@channel
Notify EVERYONE in the channel
🚨 Use only for urgent matters

Search Like a Detective

Find anything in your team's collective brain

in:#channel
from:@user
has:link
during:thisweek
"exact phrase"

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Quick huddle shortcuts

Work faster with these power moves

🔍
Quick Search
Cmd/Ctrl + K
✏️
Edit Last Message
↑ (up arrow)
🧵
View All Threads
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + T
🔕
Toggle Mute
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + M
📌
View Pinned Items
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P
View Starred Items
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + S

Ready to Slack Like a Pro?

Remember: Search before you ask, use threads for replies, and respect the @mentions!

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