Messaging Basics
Channels and DMs, composing, replies, mentions, files.
Channels and DMs
Room types
- Public channels: discoverable and joinable by anyone in the workspace; great for cross‑team topics.
- Private groups: invite‑only rooms for sensitive or focused work.
- Direct messages (DMs): 1:1 or small ad‑hoc group chats.
Create or join
- Click + in the sidebar → New Channel or New Group → name it and set privacy.
- Join public channels from the channel browser; request an invite for private groups.
Room housekeeping
- Topic & description: set context so newcomers understand the purpose.
- Archive vs. delete: archive to keep history read‑only; delete only when certain.
- Member roles: assign moderators for triage and topic curation.
Composing & Formatting
Compose efficiently
- Shift+Enter inserts a new line without sending.
- Press Up Arrow to edit your last message quickly.
- Use
Ctrl/Cmd + Kto navigate without leaving the keyboard.
Formatting (Markdown)
- Headings:
# Title,## Section - Bold/Italic:
**bold**,*italic* - Code: backticks for inline, triple backticks for blocks
- Lists:
- itemor1. item - Links:
[text](https://example.com)
Useful message tools
- Quote: select text → “Reply in thread” or
>in composer for blockquote. - Emoji/reactions: add signal without noise; great for quick polls.
- Edit/delete: hover a message to reveal actions (permissions apply).
Files & Pins
Share files
- Drag & drop into the composer or click the paperclip to attach files.
- Add a caption for context; large files may upload in the background.
Find files later
- Open the room header → Files to see recent uploads.
- Use search filters (type:file, by:user, in:room) to narrow results.
Pins and stars
- Pin key messages/files to the room so everyone sees them.
- Star messages to bookmark them for yourself (see your Starred).
Mentions & Reactions
Mentions
@usernamenotifies a person;@alland@hereare powerful—use sparingly.- Mention a role (if enabled) to notify a group of people.
Reactions
- Add emoji reactions to acknowledge or vote without new messages.
- Filter for reacted messages via the room’s search filters.
Status & availability
- Respect DND and away statuses; use threads instead of broad pings.
Threads & Replies
Why threads
- Keep channels tidy by moving side conversations into threads.
- Threads reduce notification noise for people not following the topic.
Start and follow a thread
- Hover a message → Reply in thread.
- The composer switches to the thread; send your reply.
- Click “Follow” to receive thread‑only notifications without muting the room.
Best practices
- Use threads for questions, decisions, and sub‑topics.
- Summarize outcomes back in the main channel to close the loop.