How to Use Slack for Work

Use Slack to send messages, share files, and communicate with your team at work.

Steps

1
Download the Slack app
on your computer or phone. Sign in with the email and workspace name your employer provided.
2
Browse your channels
in the left sidebar. Each channel is a group conversation about a specific project or topic.
3
Send a message in a channel
by typing in the text box at the bottom. Press Enter to send your message to everyone in that channel.
4
Send a direct message
to a coworker by clicking their name in the sidebar. Private messages are only visible to you and that person.
5
Share a file in Slack
by dragging it into the message area. Your team can preview documents and images without downloading them.

Is Slack free to use?Show

Slack has a free version that keeps the last 90 days of messages. Paid plans unlock unlimited message history and more features.

How do I search for old messages in Slack?Show

Click the search bar at the top and type keywords. Use filters to narrow results by channel, person, or date.

Can I use Slack on my phone?Show

Yes, download the Slack app from the App Store or Google Play to send messages and get notifications on your phone.

What are Slack emoji reactions?Show

You can react to any message by clicking the smiley face icon. Reactions are a fast way to acknowledge a message without typing.

Written by the HowToDoStuff.online editorial team. Last updated May 18, 2026.