{"id":257,"date":"2024-07-30T16:34:09","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T16:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.socialintents.com\/blog\/?p=257"},"modified":"2024-10-18T15:02:52","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T15:02:52","slug":"best-slack-slash-commands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.socialintents.com\/blog\/best-slack-slash-commands\/","title":{"rendered":"28+ Essential Slack Commands to Boost Your Productivity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re like most people who use Slack, it might be surprising to learn just how much time you actually spend on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent data<\/a> from Slack’s Workforce Lab indicates that paid users spend about 1.5 hours per working day actively using Slack. That’s a significant chunk of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are ways to make those 90 minutes far more productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slack commands are shortcuts for specific actions that can save loads of time and make the workday much smoother. Whether you’re a Slack newbie or a seasoned pro, we have compiled 28+ Slack commands to help you boost productivity and keep everything running efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Slack Command?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Slack command (also known as a Slack slash command) is a shortcut for specific actions within the Slack platform. These commands can significantly reduce the time it takes to perform various tasks, helping you to boost productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The command text needs to include a forward slash (\/) followed by a keyword. For example, to set yourself as away, you can simply type \u201c\/away\u201d and press enter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These simple Slack keyboard shortcuts trigger specific actions and replace multiple steps you would typically follow, saving time and making your workflow more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can be used for a variety of functions such as setting statuses, inviting users to channels, creating polls, and integrating with other apps and services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

28+ Slack Commands You Need to Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From setting statuses to integrating with other tools, Slack slash commands are designed to save you time and effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s take a look at these essential Slack commands:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slack commands to set availability and status <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. \/away<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dot next to your display name in Slack indicates your availability status. By default, Slack sets this to \u201cactive\u201d when the app is open on your desktop or mobile device. It will change to \u201caway\u201d after ten minutes of inactivity on the desktop or if you close the app on your mobile device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To manually set your status to away, use the slash command \/away<\/strong>. Simply type “\/away” in the message box and press the return key. This command is a quick and easy way to manage your availability without navigating through multiple menus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. \/active<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your availability is set to \u201caway,\u201d people may wait for you to become active before reaching out. If you’ve manually set yourself as away, Slack won’t automatically change your status back to active even when you’re at your desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To switch your availability back to active quickly, use the Slack command \/active<\/strong>. Simply type “\/active” in the message box and hit enter. This command updates your status immediately, letting your coworkers know you’re available to engage in real-time conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. \/dnd<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Recent studies<\/a> have found that the average worker checks communication tools like Slack or Teams every 5 minutes, and some as frequently as every 3 minutes. This constant interruption can kill productivity and disrupt your flow of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One effective way to combat this is by using the \u201cDo Not Disturb\u201d (DND) feature. By setting yourself to DND, you can block all notifications and focus on your tasks without interruptions. You can easily activate this by typing the command \/dnd<\/strong> followed by the duration you want to pause notifications (e.g., “\/dnd 1 hour”).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, enter \u201c\/dnd for 10 minutes\u201d to pause notifications for the next 10 minutes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Slack<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you can use \/dnd until followed by a specific time to set your DND status until that time (e.g., “\/dnd until 2 PM”). This simple command helps create uninterrupted blocks of focus time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. \/status<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Setting<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Want to let your teammates know what you’re up to without constantly updating them? Setting a status on Slack is a perfect way to communicate your availability. For instance, you can set your status to \u201cIn a meeting\u201d so everyone knows not to expect an immediate response from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To add or update your status, use the slash command \/status<\/strong> followed by your status message. For example, typing \u201c\/status in a meeting\u201d will update your status accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can even add an emoji to make it more visual and fun, like this: \u201c\/status :meeting: in a meeting.\u201d This handy command helps keep everyone informed about your current availability in a quick and friendly way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slash commands related to channel management & navigation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

5. \/open or \/join<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Channel<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Need to quickly hop into a public channel or start a chat with a colleague? The commands \/open<\/strong> and \/join<\/strong> let you open or join public channels or channels you\u2019re a part of. Plus, you can easily start a direct chat with individuals you have access to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To open a channel and display it on your sidebar, just type \u201c\/open #[Channel]\u201d. For example, typing \u201c\/open #general\u201d will bring up the general channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, to open a chat with someone, type \u201c\/open @[Name]\u201d. For instance, \u201c\/open @JaneDoe\u201d will start a chat with Jane Doe and display it on your sidebar. These commands make navigating Slack super fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. \/leave<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve found yourself in a channel that’s no longer relevant, you can easily leave it with the slash command \/leave<\/strong>. Once you use this command, you won\u2019t receive any messages from that specified channel, and Slack will automatically remove it from your sidebar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you ever need to rejoin the channel and it\u2019s public, simply use the \/join or \/open command to get back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also use \/leave to exit individual chats. This way, you keep your Slack workspace tidy and focused on the channels and conversations that matter most to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. \/mute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you want to stay in a channel but avoid the constant notifications, you can mute specific channels and direct messages using the \/mute<\/strong> command. This way, you won’t be disturbed by new activity but can still check in whenever you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how to use it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n