Switching from Slack to Microsoft Teams? It can feel tricky at first, especially with different keyboard shortcuts disrupting your workflow. But here’s the good news: you can map Slack shortcuts to their Microsoft Teams equivalents, making the transition smoother and keeping your productivity intact.
Here’s a quick breakdown of key points:
- Keyboard shortcuts boost efficiency by reducing reliance on the mouse.
- Teams shortcuts differ from Slack, but many functions overlap (e.g., Ctrl+K for search).
- Customizable shortcuts in Teams (introduced July 2025) let you tailor commands to fit your preferences.
- Some Slack features, like marking messages as unread, don’t have direct Teams equivalents.
Quick Shortcut Comparison
| Function | Slack Shortcut | Teams Shortcut | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick switcher | Ctrl+K | Ctrl+K | Different behavior: search bar in Teams |
| Go to channel | Ctrl+K | Ctrl+G | Teams uses a different combo |
| Search messages | Ctrl+F | Ctrl+E | Simpler search in Teams |
| Bold text | Ctrl+B | Ctrl+B | Same in both |
| Italic text | Ctrl+I | Ctrl+I | Same in both |
| Code formatting | Ctrl+Shift+\ | Ctrl+Shift+M | Teams uses monospace formatting |
| Start/Reply to thread | T | R | Different keys for thread actions |
Tips for a Smooth Transition:
- Learn the basics first: Focus on the top 5 shortcuts you use daily.
- Customize shortcuts: Adjust Teams shortcuts in settings to match your Slack habits.
- Use built-in tools: Press Ctrl+Period (.) in Teams to view all available shortcuts.
- Address common issues: Be mindful of shortcut conflicts with other Microsoft apps.
By understanding these differences and customizing shortcuts where possible, you can maintain your workflow speed while getting familiar with Teams. Over time, these small adjustments will make Teams feel just as intuitive as Slack.
How Do I Migrate From Slack To Microsoft Teams? – Be App Savvy
Slack to Microsoft Teams Shortcut Mapping
Migrating from Slack to Microsoft Teams? While Slack offers a wide range of customizable shortcuts, Teams focuses on streamlined commands to keep things efficient. Learning how these shortcuts translate can help maintain your workflow and make the transition smoother for your team.
Common Slack Shortcuts and Their Teams Equivalents
Many Slack shortcuts have counterparts in Teams, though the key combinations may vary. For instance, in Slack, Ctrl+K opens the quick switcher to navigate between channels and direct messages. In Teams, Ctrl+K opens the search bar, while Ctrl+G is used for switching channels.
When it comes to composing messages, there are some differences. Slack uses Ctrl+Shift+\ to create code blocks, while Teams relies on Ctrl+Shift+M for monospace formatting. On the bright side, basic text formatting like Ctrl+B for bold and Ctrl+I for italics remains consistent across both platforms.
Search functionality also diverges a bit. In Slack, Ctrl+F opens an advanced search with filters and operators. Teams, on the other hand, keeps it simple with Ctrl+E, which brings up a basic search box.
Slack’s slash commands are another area where differences emerge. Slack allows for extensive customization, including user-created commands and workflows. Teams, however, sticks to built-in commands like /call and /files.
Thread management requires some adjustment as well. Slack might use a single key to start a thread, whereas Teams assigns R for replying within threads. Both platforms, however, use the Esc key to close dialogs and return to the main view.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to make things clearer:
Side-by-Side Shortcut Comparison Chart
| Function | Slack Shortcut | Teams Shortcut | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick switcher/Search | Ctrl+K | Ctrl+K | In Teams, opens the search bar instead of a channel switcher |
| Go to channel | Ctrl+K | Ctrl+G | Different key combination in Teams |
| Search messages | Ctrl+F | Ctrl+E | Teams focuses on a simpler search box |
| Bold text | Ctrl+B | Ctrl+B | Same in both platforms |
| Italic text | Ctrl+I | Ctrl+I | Same in both platforms |
| Code formatting | Ctrl+Shift+\ | Ctrl+Shift+M | Teams uses monospace formatting |
| Start/Reply to thread | T | R | Different keys for thread management |
| Mark as unread | Alt+Click | Not available | Teams doesn’t support this feature |
| Show shortcuts | Ctrl+/ | Ctrl+. | Different key combination |
| Close dialog | Esc | Esc | Same in both platforms |
| New message | Ctrl+N | Ctrl+N | Same in both platforms |
| Upload file | Ctrl+U | Not available | Teams requires clicking the attach button |
Teams also omits some Slack features, such as marking messages as unread with a quick shortcut. While some shortcuts will feel familiar, others will take a bit of getting used to. Adjusting to these differences will help you and your team align with Teams’ workflow more effectively.
Using Teams Shortcuts in Daily Work
Incorporating Microsoft Teams shortcuts into your everyday routine can make a world of difference in how efficiently you tackle tasks. From speeding up searches to managing conversations with ease, these shortcuts can quickly become a natural part of your workflow. Let’s break down how they can simplify your day-to-day activities.
Teams Shortcuts for Everyday Tasks
Kick off your day by hitting Ctrl+E to bring up the search bar instantly. Need to find a message, file, or colleague? This shortcut saves you from digging through menus and gets you what you need in seconds – especially handy if you’re familiar with Slack’s similar feature. For formatting messages, Ctrl+B makes text bold, and Ctrl+I adds italics, keeping your communication clear and professional. Want to start a new conversation? Just press Ctrl+N to open a fresh chat window without any hassle. While many tasks are streamlined with shortcuts, some actions, like uploading files, still require a quick click of the mouse.
Team Collaboration Made Faster with Shortcuts
When you’re in a meeting, shortcuts can help you stay focused and avoid fumbling with on-screen controls. Use Ctrl+Shift+M to mute or unmute your microphone, and Ctrl+Shift+O to toggle your camera on or off. These simple commands let you manage your presence seamlessly, ensuring smoother collaboration with your team.
Combining nBold Templates with Teams Shortcuts
For more advanced workflows, nBold templates take things up a notch by working hand-in-hand with Teams shortcuts. These templates help you set up channels and task boards that align perfectly with your Teams setup, allowing for quicker navigation and better organization. Plus, nBold’s compatibility with third-party apps ensures that all your essential tools are just a few clicks – or keystrokes – away, helping you maintain peak productivity.
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Setting Up Custom Shortcuts in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams has made it easier for users transitioning from Slack by introducing customizable shortcuts. Since July 2025, Teams allows you to adjust key combinations to better suit your workflow preferences. Here’s how you can tweak these shortcuts for a smoother experience.
Changing Teams Shortcuts to Match Your Preferences
Customizing your shortcuts in Teams is straightforward. Start by opening Settings in the Teams app, then head to the General section. Scroll until you find Keyboard Shortcuts and click on the hint labeled "See available keyboard shortcuts." This opens a customization interface where you can modify existing shortcuts to align with your habits.
Look for shortcuts marked with a pencil icon – these are the ones you can edit. Assign new key combinations, but make sure they don’t conflict with shortcuts you use in other apps. If you’re switching from Slack, consider mapping similar functions to the shortcuts you’re already familiar with. Focus on shortcuts for actions you use the most, like starting chats, searching, or managing meetings.
| Action | Default Shortcut | Customizable |
|---|---|---|
| Show keyboard shortcuts | Ctrl+Period (.) | Yes |
| Go to Search | Ctrl+E | Yes |
| Start a new chat | Ctrl+N | Yes |
| Open Settings | Ctrl+Comma (,) | Yes |
| Go back in history | Alt+Left arrow | Yes |
Once you’ve set up your shortcuts, test them out to ensure they work efficiently. If something feels off, you can reset individual shortcuts or all customizations through the same settings menu. Keep in mind that while many shortcuts are customizable, a few are fixed and cannot be changed.
Using nBold Templates to Improve Team Setup
Custom shortcuts are just the beginning. nBold templates can take your Teams setup to the next level by creating structured and organized collaboration spaces. With nBold’s template builder, you can design workspaces that include predefined channels, file structures, and task boards, making navigation quicker and more intuitive.
nBold also enforces governance policies, ensuring team structures remain consistent across your organization. This means once you’ve mastered your shortcuts in one nBold-created team, you’ll feel comfortable navigating any other team using the same setup. Plus, nBold templates support third-party app integrations, allowing you to use your shortcuts seamlessly across Teams and other tools.
For organizations with higher-tier nBold plans, CRM integrations extend the power of your customized shortcuts into customer relationship management workflows. This creates a unified environment where your shortcuts not only enhance collaboration but also streamline complex tasks, making your workspace more efficient as your team grows.
Making the Switch: Tips for Team Adoption
Switching your team from Slack to Teams can be a smooth process if approached with the right strategies. By focusing on effective learning methods and addressing common challenges, you can help your team adapt quickly while staying productive.
How to Learn New Shortcuts Effectively
Learning Teams shortcuts doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A great starting point is showing your team how to access the complete list of shortcuts directly within Teams. On Windows, they can press Ctrl+Period (.), and on Mac, Command+Period (.). This built-in feature ensures everyone has up-to-date information without needing external cheat sheets.
To make the learning process more engaging, create a training program that caters to different learning preferences. Use a mix of visual aids, on-demand modules, and instructor-led sessions to speed up the learning curve. For a more structured approach, consider online courses that provide detailed guidance on Teams features.
Highlight the benefits of using shortcuts, such as saving time and improving workflow efficiency. When people see how shortcuts can simplify their day-to-day tasks, they’re more likely to embrace them. Plus, shortcuts aren’t just about speed – they’re also essential for making Teams more accessible for users with mobility or vision challenges.
Once your team is comfortable with the basics, it’s time to tackle the common issues that might crop up during the migration.
Solving Common Migration Problems
Even with shortcut mastery, teams may encounter a few hurdles. One frequent issue is shortcut conflicts with other Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. These conflicts can cause unexpected actions, especially during tasks like screen sharing. To address this, encourage your team to use right-click menus or navigate manually when needed.
Another challenge comes from “Slack muscle memory.” For example, Slack users might be thrown off by differences like Ctrl+Enter sending messages in Teams versus Shift+Enter creating a new line. To ease this confusion, identify the Slack shortcuts your team uses most, then customize Teams’ shortcuts where possible or provide a simple guide to their Teams equivalents.
A gradual approach to introducing shortcuts can also help. Start by teaching the top five shortcuts for daily tasks. Once these become second nature, introduce more shortcuts tailored to specific roles. This step-by-step method not only reduces overwhelm but also helps counter the misconception that Teams requires too many clicks. Over time, your team will see how shortcuts can significantly speed up navigation and reduce reliance on the mouse.
How nBold Supports Your Teams Migration
For an extra boost in simplifying the transition, tools like nBold can make a big difference. nBold’s collaboration templates provide a structured framework that makes adopting shortcuts easier. These templates create a predictable and organized interface, helping your team apply their newly learned shortcuts more effectively.
nBold also enforces governance policies to ensure consistent team structures. Once someone masters shortcuts within one nBold-created team, they can confidently apply the same skills across others. This consistency reduces the learning curve and builds a sense of familiarity, making the transition smoother.
Additionally, nBold’s third-party app integrations extend the usefulness of shortcuts beyond basic collaboration. For example, if your organization uses nBold’s CRM plan, shortcuts can streamline customer relationship management tasks alongside everyday teamwork. This integration creates an optimized environment where your team can embrace shortcuts while boosting overall productivity.
Conclusion: Getting Comfortable with Microsoft Teams Shortcuts
Switching from Slack to Microsoft Teams doesn’t have to throw a wrench in your team’s productivity. By identifying and mapping familiar Slack shortcuts to their Microsoft Teams equivalents, you can maintain the workflow rhythm you’re used to while adjusting to a new platform. Most key functions – like quick messaging, navigating channels, and sharing files – have straightforward counterparts in Teams, making the transition smoother than you might expect.
A side-by-side comparison is a practical way to ease into the change. For instance, knowing that Slack’s Ctrl+K for the quick switcher is replaced by Ctrl+E in Teams simplifies the learning process. Instead of starting from scratch, your team can focus on adapting to these minor changes while keeping their momentum intact.
Shortcuts shine brightest when they’re seamlessly integrated into your daily routine. Whether you’re hopping between channels during a project discussion or formatting a message with Ctrl+B to make text bold, these commands quickly become second nature. Over time, the seconds saved here and there add up, especially when paired with Teams’ built-in collaboration tools.
Beyond individual shortcuts, structured tools can further enhance your team’s efficiency. For example, nBold’s collaboration templates provide a consistent team structure, ensuring your shortcuts function predictably across projects. This consistency eliminates the guesswork that often comes with adapting to new workflows. Together, customized shortcuts and structured templates create an environment where your team can hit the ground running. Instead of spending weeks figuring out where everything is, these templates offer familiar layouts, while the shortcuts handle navigation.
Getting comfortable with Teams shortcuts takes time, but it’s a gradual and manageable process. Start by mastering the top five shortcuts you use daily, and then expand your toolkit as these commands become second nature. With the right approach and tools like nBold’s templates, your team will find that Microsoft Teams can feel just as intuitive as Slack – maybe even more so, thanks to its collaboration features. By following these steps, you’ll ensure a seamless migration and keep your team’s productivity on track.
FAQs
How do I set up keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Teams to feel more like Slack?
If you’re transitioning to Microsoft Teams from Slack, you can make the experience more seamless by customizing the keyboard shortcuts to mirror your old setup. To do this, click on the More options button (the three dots in the upper-right corner), navigate to Settings, and select Keyboard shortcuts. Here, you can review the current shortcuts and tweak them or add new ones to better suit your workflow.
This tweak allows you to maintain your efficiency and comfort by tailoring Teams to feel more like the workspace you’re used to, making the adjustment process easier and more productive.
How can I help my team get comfortable with Microsoft Teams shortcuts after moving from Slack?
To ease your team’s transition from Slack to Microsoft Teams, start by providing straightforward guidance on the key differences in shortcuts between the two platforms. A simple comparison chart or cheat sheet highlighting commonly used commands can make adjusting much easier.
Encourage your team to practice these shortcuts in real-world tasks – like navigating channels, starting chats, or managing notifications. Hands-on experience often helps the new commands stick. Offering a structured onboarding session or a brief tutorial can also help everyone get comfortable with the platform. Lastly, make yourself available for questions and provide ongoing support to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible.
Are there tools available to simplify moving from Slack to Microsoft Teams?
Yes, there are tools and resources available to help ease the move from Slack to Microsoft Teams. These tools are designed to streamline the process, allowing you to import content efficiently while keeping disruptions to a minimum.
That said, while most tools handle the migration of channels and files effectively, transferring direct or group messages might not always go as smoothly. It’s smart to plan ahead and prepare your team for any potential adjustments during the transition.