Read

slk channels # List channels (alias: ch) slk dms # List DM conversations with IDs (alias: dm) slk read [count] # Read recent messages, default 20 (alias: r) slk read @username [count] # Read DMs by username slk read --threads # Auto-expand all threads slk read --from 2026-02-01 # Date range filter slk thread [count] # Read thread replies, default 50 (alias: t) slk search [count] # Search messages across workspace slk users # List workspace users (alias: u)

Activity

slk activity # All channels with unread/mention counts (alias: a) slk unread # Only unreads, excludes muted (alias: ur) slk starred # VIP users + starred items (alias: star) slk saved [count] [--all] # Saved for later items (alias: sv) slk pins # Pinned items in a channel (alias: pin)

Write

slk send # Send a message (alias: s) slk react # React to a message

Drafts (synced to Slack editor UI)

slk draft # Draft a channel message slk draft thread # Draft a thread reply slk draft user <user_id> # Draft a DM slk drafts # List active drafts slk draft drop <draft_id> # Delete a draft


Channel accepts name (`general`), ID (`C08A8AQ2AFP`), `@username` for DMs, or user ID (`U07RQTFCLUC`).

## Auth

Automatic — extracts session token from Slack desktop app's LevelDB + decrypts cookie from macOS Keychain.

**First run:** macOS will show a Keychain dialog asking to allow access to "Slack Safe Storage":
- **Allow** — one-time access, prompted again next time
- **Always Allow** — permanent, no future prompts (convenient but any process running as your user can extract credentials silently)
- **Deny** — blocks access, slk cannot authenticate

**Token cache:** `~/.local/slk/token-cache.json` — auto-validated, auto-refreshed on `invalid_auth`.

If auth fails (token rotated, Slack logged out):
```bash
rm ~/.local/slk/token-cache.json
slk auth

Slack desktop app must be installed and logged in. Does not need to be running if token is cached.

Reading Threads

Threads require a Slack timestamp. Use --ts to get it, then read the thread:

slk read general 10 --ts
# Output: [1/30/2026, 11:41 AM ts:1769753479.788949] User [3 replies]: ...

slk thread general 1769753479.788949

Agent Workflow Examples

Heartbeat/cron unread check — slk unread → slk read <channel> for channels that need attention
Save & pick up — Human saves threads in Slack ("Save for later"). Agent runs slk saved during heartbeat, reads full threads with slk thread, summarizes or extracts action items
Daily channel digest — slk read <channel> 100 across key channels → compile decisions, open questions, action items → slk send daily-digest "📋 ..."
Weekly DM summary — slk read @boss 200 --from 2026-02-01 --threads → extract action items, decisions, context
Thread monitoring — Watch specific threads for new replies (incidents, PR reviews, decisions)
Draft for human review — slk draft <channel> "..." posts to Slack's editor UI for human to review before sending
Search-driven context — slk search "deployment process" or slk pins <channel> to pull context before answering questions

Limitations

macOS only — uses Keychain + Electron storage paths
Session-based — acts as your user, not a bot. Be mindful of what you send
Draft drop may fail with draft_has_conflict if Slack has that conversation open
Session token expires on logout — keep Slack app running or rely on cached token

Missing Features & Issues

Create PR or Report Issue at: https://github.com/therohitdas/slkcli

slack-personal

slk — Slack CLI

Commands