How to search on Slack

Before we explain how you can search Slack, we must explain what Slack is and how you can use it.

See also: How To Create a Slack Account.

What is Slack, and how do I use it?

Slack is a chat application usually used by companies to keep in contact. It is a platform that allows you to communicate with your boss, colleagues, and others via chat and not email. It is an easier and faster way of communicating than email. You can separate groups into channels. It is the same thing as a chat room. Information, files, documents, pictures, and even videos can be sent in a Slack chat room. Of course, you have the option of creating a private chat with some Slack members. You do not necessarily have to use the channel group chat tool.

How can you search on Slack?

We assume you already have the Slack app downloaded and installed on your computer or phone.

  • First, open the app and sign in to your account. Enter the domain of your work business and click on Continue when you type in all the necessary data.
  • Look for the search field somewhere on your screen and click on it.
  • When you click that search button, you will type in the keyword you want to search for.
  • The top matching results of the search will appear on your screen.
  • Look for the button Files. It should be located somewhere under the search bar on that window. Click on it when you find it.
  • You will now see the top search results of the files sent in some of your chats. To find the most recent files, click on the Recent button at the top of your computer/phone screen. Or press the Relevant button to find the best matches for your search and the best files that fit your search. If you are using Slack on your phone, these buttons will be right above your keyboard.
  • When searching on Slack, the search involves all your channels and chats. To exclude certain channels and search for one specific channel, you must go to your team name and click on it. It is usually in the top left corner of your screen. By clicking on it, you will open some more settings and options.
  • Next, look for the Preferences button and click on it. From the new settings, items will show up on the left toolbar of your screen, look for the Search section and tap on it.
  • You can see the Don’t search from these channels section. You can add as many channels as you want if you, perhaps, want to search from one channel only. If you are using Slack on your phone, the steps to doing this are slightly different. You will need to find the Slack logo in the top left corner of your screen. Tap on it. This will show you some new settings as well. You can remove the channels you do not want to search for by clicking on the X button next to their name.

There is an alternative way to search for items in chat rooms. You can open the channel you want to file a particular file, type in the text section this: /s, and then type the file’s name or keyword that you want to find.

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