Slack puts replies in threads by default, and there's no setting to turn threads off. But if you want your reply to a specific message to show up in the main channel, there are a few ways to do it.
1. Reply in the thread and also send it to the channel
This is the built-in way, and the best one in most cases.
- Hover over the message and click Reply in thread.
- Write your reply.
- Tick Also send to #channel under the message box, then send.
Your reply appears in the thread and in the main channel, with a small note showing which message it replied to.
2. Share the message with your comment
This is the closest thing Slack has to a quote reply.
- Hover over the message and click Share message (the forward arrow).
- Pick the same channel as the destination.
- Add your reply in the comment field and send.
The original message appears as a quoted preview under your reply.
3. Paste a link to the message
- Hover over the message, open More actions (⋮), and choose Copy link.
- Paste the link into a new message in the channel, along with your reply.
Slack expands the link into a preview of the original. This works across channels too, which is handy when you're answering something posted elsewhere.
4. Just reply in the channel
If the message was posted a minute ago, you don't need any of the above. Reply in the channel and @mention the person so it's clear who you're answering.
Which one to use
- You want the thread to stay complete and the channel to see your answer: use Also send to #channel.
- You're answering an older message, or one from another channel: share it or paste the link.
- It's a quick back-and-forth: reply in the channel.
