It’s an app that allows you to communicate with friends and coworkers alike, without either conversation appearing out of place. Overall, Slack’s messaging UI is solid, with a professional appearance without coming off as too boring or monotone. This will alert the user they’ve been tagged in a message automatically.

Tags, meanwhile, function like a tag on Twitter or Facebook: type an at symbol, which will load a list of usernames and contacts within that Slack channel, allowing you to tag them in a message. This will suggest a list of tags for you to use to communicate with your group or change how Slack operates.įor example, /apps open the app directory inside Slack, while /dm allows you to begin a direct message to another user. Entering a command is accomplished by using the “slash” (/) command within your text. The final two buttons within Slack’s toolbar allow you to quickly enter commands and tags. Slack’s wide support for file types is no secret, and attaching a file allows you to open all of your recent images within your device. You can also select images from your gallery using the third icon from the left. Six different icons along the bottom of the display give you options to send different files and other media to your other channel users.Ī permanent emoji icon allows you to select and view from Slack’s own emoji library, though you can also use your own device’s emoji collection if you’d rather access them from your keyboard of choice.Ī shortcut to your device’s camera (on mobile) allows you to take and send a picture right from your own device’s camera interface. Within the chat view, a taskbar along the bottom of the display gives you options for using the basic chat interface to communicate. The channel name is displayed at the top of the screen, and every user has their own avatars and chat colors below to designate who’s speaking and when.įinally, on desktop, you can open a “file-sharing” view to the right of messages, allowing for content to be shared within the app easily without using your computer’s file browser. The main chat interface takes up the majority of the app on both mobile and desktop, with an inline view of everyone’s conversations.

Along the bottom of the app are options for setting your online status and availability, allowing you to mute or hide your online presence. Listed below your channels are any and all direct messages you’ve shared with others.

Your starred channels are available at the top of the display, which allows you to quickly access your favorite channels within the app. Your available channels are open to the left of the messaging window. The basic chat interface is pretty simple to use, especially on mobile.

Slack desktop app vs browser 2017