What are slash commands?

Slash commands are quick-access shortcuts that let users perform actions, insert elements or apply formatting with minimal effort.

By typing a “/” followed by a word or shortcut (like “/h1” for a heading or “/todo” for a task list), users can instantly add elements or apply formatting as they type.

Slash commands" is a term often used interchangeably with "slash menu," but while the two are frequently paired, they serve slightly different purposes. Slash commands execute specific actions, while the slash menu is a UI feature that helps users browse and select commands more easily.

Examples of popular slash commands

In various writing apps and text-based interfaces, the specific slash commands and the actions they trigger can vary. However, there are a few popular ones — classics you’ll find in most of these apps.

Content formatting

/heading

Convert text to a heading (e.g., /h1, /h2)

/list

Create a bulleted list

/num

Create a numbered list

/callout

Make the content stand out

/quote

Capture a quote

/toggle

Create a collapsible toggle block for text

/divider

Insert a divider line

Embed media

/image

Insert or upload an image

/video

Embed a video (e.g., from YouTube or Vimeo)

/audio

Embed audio (e.g., from Spotify or SoundCloud)

/file

Upload a file

/table

Insert a table

/bookmark

Embed a web bookmark

/emoji

Insert emoji from the supported selection

Performing actions on content

/comment

Add a comment to a specific text or block

/duplicate

Duplicate a selected block or element

/delete

Delete the selected content block

/move

Move content to a different location or page

/turn into

Transform selected text into a different type (e.g., heading, list)

Calling for specific operations

/search

Open search within the document or workspace

/reminder

Add a timestamp or reminder

/export

Export the document or content

/publish

Set the document’s visibility or publish it

/print

Print the document

Slash commands use cases: Common and controversial

Slash commands might seem like a new tech trend, but they date back to the early days of IRC (Internet Relay Chat). Known then as IRC commands, they were triggered by typing a slash “/” (or sometimes brackets like “<” and “>”) to send instructions instantly. Users could “/invite” a friend to a channel, “/kick” a troublesome user, or quickly “/whois” someone to get their details—all without touching a mouse.

Fast-forward to today, and slash commands are having a serious comeback. They’re being reimagined and reinvented to streamline the user experience in all kinds of tools. Notion, the popular productivity app, is a big reason for this modern renaissance, giving users a way to fly through tasks, format content, and keep things organized—all without leaving the keyboard.

Notion

Category: Productivity tool

Notion sets a high standard for slash commands, offering a wide range of actions with a simple “/.” Users can create content, embed media, add inline elements (like tags, dates, and equations), transform or modify existing blocks, perform actions on content, and even call AI tools. This robust functionality turns Notion into a flexible, keyboard-driven workspace.

Tally

Category: Form builder

Tally.so takes a unique approach to form building by acting more like a text editor than a traditional form-based UI tool. Users type directly into the builder, using slash commands to add fields like text boxes and dropdowns or apply styling, making the process feel intuitive and streamlined.

Coda

Category: Document collaboration tool

Coda combines documents, spreadsheets, and apps in one platform. Through slash commands, users can insert templates, adjust layouts, embed media, create grid, kanban, and calendar views, fill tables with data from external sources, export the whole document to PDF, control settings, and much more—all within an efficient, text editor-like interface. Essentially, everything Coda has to offer can be accessed through slash commands. Even call the notification center 🤯

Whimsical

Category: Visual collaboration tool

Whimsical is a visual collaboration tool with mind maps, flowcharts, and project boards. While Whimsical Docs includes standard text editing slash commands, Whimsical Boards use the slash key to streamline text editing within diagrams, mind maps, and sticky notes. Pressing “/” also opens a pop-up to quickly search for tools, keeping visual creation fast and intuitive.

Google Docs

Category: Document collaboration tool

An honorary mention, Google Docs — one of the best-known collaborative writing apps — has introduced an “@” command to quickly insert smart chips, building blocks, files and more. While not a classic slash command, it reflects the same text-driven approach, signaling a revival of command-based workflows in modern, keyboard-first apps.

Does your app need slash commands?

Slash commands might seem like a tiny tweak to your writing app, but the impact on user experience can be huge.

And what makes life easier for your users usually works wonders for your business too!

For users, slash commands mean…

For businesses, this translates into…

Faster navigation

Which allows them to spend less time clicking and more time actually working.

A competitive edge

That allows for easier marketing of your app as a user-first tool.

Better user experience

Thanks to reduced on-screen clutter that makes the app feel more intuitive and accessible.

Fewer support queries

When users can find their way around your app, your team has more time to focus on innovation instead of attending to support requests.

Quicker onboarding

Into the tool and the ability to use it to its full potential from the get-go.

Reduced drop-offs

With less user friction and better first impressions, you get positive word-of-mouth marketing and reviews

Slash commands streamline workflows, reduce clicks, and keep users focused on their content—not the interface. With just a keystroke, they enable effortless formatting, inserting, and navigation, creating a faster and more engaging experience that users love.

Myron Mavko

Co-Founder & CEO, Flexum

But there are a few scenarios when adding the slash commands functionality might be redundant:

Basic writing apps

with limited features (e.g., quick notes or basic text editors)

Mobile-first apps

Software designed primarily for mobile users.

Highly visual apps

Where user interactions happen through the mouse/touchpad most of the time (like graphic editors)

For tools focused on simplicity or mobile-first experiences, alternative solutions like gestures or contextual menus may provide a better fit. The key is understanding your users’ needs and designing functionality that complements their workflows.

Anton Chuiko

Co-Founder & COO, Flexum

Slash commands in Flexum projects

Distribute

Category: Productivity tool

Distribute is a sales content platform that enables go-to-market (GTM) teams to swiftly create personalized digital sales rooms, transforming meetings into actionable follow-ups, business cases, and account plans.

Read Distribute case study

Slash commands were included in Distribute to eliminate the frustration of navigating complex menus for simple tasks. Inspired by tools like Notion, they streamline workflows with intuitive, keyboard-first operability—making tasks faster, easier, and more enjoyable for users

Natalia Donchenko

Product Designer, Flexum

Ready to add slash commands to your writing app?

Slash commands are a smart way to simplify workflows, boost collaboration, and give users exactly what they need with just one keystroke.

But getting them up and running? That’s not as easy as it sounds. Implementation of the slash commands functionality requires extensive experience with advanced text editors like TipTap, CKEditor, and Quill.

While these tools offer plenty of out-of-the-box functionality, they have a steep learning curve, so the implementation of slash commands can be complex, time- and effort-consuming.

That’s where Flexum steps in.

Tiptap

Quill

CKEditor 5

Why Flexum?

We’re here to take the complexity off your plate. With technical expertise and a solid understanding of real-time collaboration principles and SaaS design, we create a holistic collaborative experience (slash commands included) that makes your app a user favorite — keeping it smooth, responsive, and always a step ahead.

Fast results that users love

Slash commands integrated seamlessly and efficiently, enhancing user experience

Hassle-free integration

We handle design, deployment, and migrations — no effort needed from your team.

Ability to focus on what matters most

Your team builds business-critical features that make your app shine while we manage the editor customization.

Slash commands