TABLE OF CONTENTS



In Slack, you communicate using channels and direct messages (DMs). You can create messages by clicking the Compose button or by typing into the message field. If you decide not to send a message right away, it will save as a draft. If there is an unsent message in a conversation, you will see a  pencil icon next to the channel name or direct message in the left sidebar.



Writing and Sending Messages on a Desktop

  • Create a message from the compose button 
    • From anywhere in Slack, click the “Compose” button next to your workspace name in the top left.
    • Type the name of a person (up to eight) or channel in the “To:” field.
    • Type and format your message in the message field.
    • Click the paper plane icon to send your message.
  • Type a message the message field 
    • Click the message field in a channel or direct message.
    • Type and format your message.
    • Press “Enter” to send it.



Writing and Sending Messages on a Mobile Device

  • Create a message from the compose button
    • From the Home tab, tap the “Compose” button at the bottom of your screen. 
    • Type your message.
    • Tap the paper plane icon to send.
  • Type a message in the message field
    • Tap the message field in a channel or direct message.
    • Type your message.
    • Tap the paper plane icon to send it.



Adding to Your Message Using Any Device

  • As you write a message, you can also use the icons below to:
    • Select a shortcut (lightning bolt icon).
    • Format your message (Aa - uppercase and lowercase letters icon).
    • Mention someone by adding the @ symbol.
    • Add an emoji (e.g., smiley face, thumbs up).
    • Add a file (paperclip icon).



Creating and Editing Drafts

  • Desktop
    • Click the “Drafts” icon (paper sheets) in the left Sidebar to view all your draft but unsent messages. Hover over any message for more options:
    • Delete draft (trash can icon).
    • Edit draft (pencil icon).
    •  Send a message (paper plane icon).
  • Mobile
    • From the Home tab, tap “Drafts” at the top. 
    • Tap a draft message to open it.



Reading and Managing Messages

  • Read a message
    • Click the bolded channel or direct message to open the conversation and view unread messages. When a channel or direct message name is bolded in your channel list, that means there are unread messages. 
  • Manage messages
    • You can change the preferences for how messages display after you read them. Otherwise, messages in Slack will be marked as read soon after you open a channel or direct message.
  • Mark messages as unread
    • Desktop
      • Hover over the oldest message you want to mark as unread to review later. You can also press alt and click a message to mark that message and any others sent after it as unread.
      • Click the icon with three vertical dots. 
      • Click “Mark Unread.” The selected message, and any others sent after it, will be marked unread.
    • Mobile
      • Tap and hold a message.
      • Tap “Mark Unread.” The selected message, and any others sent after it, will be marked unread.



Additional Support



Adapted from Slack