How to Get Started with Slack

Applies to: Slack Desktop App, Slack Web, Slack Mobile
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-07-10

Summary

If your company uses Slack instead of Microsoft Teams, it serves as your digital office. It's where you ask quick questions, share files, and collaborate with your team without clogging up everyone's email inbox. This guide covers the basics of navigating Slack, sending messages, and keeping your workspace organized.

Prerequisites

• You must have an active Slack account provided by your company
• You must be signed in to your workspace (e.g., companyname.slack.com)

Instructions

1. Navigating the Slack Interface

When you open Slack, you will see a purple (or custom-colored) sidebar on the left and a large chat window in the center. The sidebar is divided into two main sections:

• Channels (The Hashtags #): Channels are group chat rooms. They are usually organized by topic, project, or department (e.g., #marketing-team, #project-phoenix, or #announcements). Anyone in a channel can see what is posted there.
• Direct Messages (DMs): These are private, 1-on-1 (or small group) conversations. If you DM your boss, no one else can read that conversation.

2. How to Join a Channel

When you first join your company's Slack, you are automatically added to default channels (like #general). You can browse and join other channels that are relevant to your job.

1. In the left sidebar, click the + icon next to the word Channels.
2. Select Browse channels.
3. A list of all public channels in your company will appear. You can use the search bar to find specific topics.
4. Click on a channel to preview it.
5. If you want to stay in that channel, click the green Join Channel button at the bottom of the screen.

3. How to Send a Message (and Edit It)

Sending a message in Slack is like texting on your phone.

1. Click on a channel or a coworker's name under Direct Messages.
2. Click into the message box at the very bottom of the screen.
3. Type your message and press Enter to send.
4. Made a typo? Hover your mouse over the message you sent, click the three dots on the right side of the message, and select Edit message. Fix the typo and press Enter. (It will show a tiny "(edited)" tag next to it).

4. How to Use Threads (Crucial Etiquette)

This is the most important rule of Slack etiquette. If someone asks a question in a busy channel (like #marketing-team), do not type your answer in the main chat box. This clutters the channel for everyone else.

Instead, use a Thread:

1. Hover your mouse over the question you want to answer.
2. Click the speech bubble icon (Reply in thread).
3. A panel will open on the right side of your screen.
4. Type your answer there. Now, your conversation is neatly tucked away under the original question, keeping the main channel clean.

5. Using Emojis for Quick Acknowledgments

You don't need to type "Got it!" or "Thanks!" every time your boss asks you to do something. You can react to their message with an emoji.

1. Hover over a message.
2. Click the smiley face with a plus sign icon (Add reaction).
3. Pick an emoji.
   • Common uses: Use 👀 (eyes) to say "I'm looking at this now." Use ✅ (check mark) to say "I finished this." Use 👍 (thumbs up) to say "Understood."

Troubleshooting

Symptom / Error	Potential Cause	Solution
"You've been removed from this channel"	Channel cleanup	A manager removed you because you no longer need to be in that project
A lock icon next to a channel name	Private channel	You cannot browse for this channel; a current member must invite you to it
Missing the desktop app	Using web browser	Go to slack.com/download to install the dedicated app for a better experience
Can't find a coworker in DMs	Misspelled name	Click the "+" next to Direct Messages and search their full email address

Related Articles

• How to Manage Slack Notifications and Do Not Disturb
• How to Search Slack for Old Messages and Files
• Understanding Slack Channels vs. Threads vs. DMs

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