Using WhatsApp for desktop? Try these 5 messaging tricks
WhatsApp, the world's most-used messaging app, offers an excellent platform to chat and stay connected. The feature-packed service also comes in a desktop avatar to ensure quick messaging, without the hassle of picking up your phone time and again. The app is handy, but you can use some additional tricks to further expedite the whole chatting process on it. Let's check them out.
Toggle quickly between chats
As WhatsApp's desktop client has been designed for a mouse-free messaging experience, you can use the program and all its messaging options via a keyboard. This means you can hit the 'tab' button on repeat to toggle quickly between the search bar, chats, the emoji option, and finally, the textbox. This can come pretty handy when you're using the messaging app while working.
Sending emojis with quick shortcuts
You can access emojis by clicking on the emoji icon placed next to textbox. But, there are other ways of sending emojis - either by typing out classic emoticons or by entering emoji commands starting with a colon (:). Emoticons like :-) were used in the pre-emoji era and will be automatically converted into the intended emoji, while commands can show emoji suggestions.
Instant formatting of text
On WhatsApp mobile, it is difficult to select specific symbols to format text. But, when you're on a desktop, all keys are laid out in front, which makes formatting way easier. All you have to do is start and end the message you want to send with pre-defined symbols like ~ for strikethrough, _ for Italic, ``` for monospace, and * for bold.
How to write emoji commands?
As we said emoji icons work by using colon (:). But, do note that you'll have to enter the emotion name after that. For instance, you have to type ":angry" to get suggestions for angry emoji or ":love" for hearts or other love-related emojis.
Shortcuts for muting, archiving chats, creating groups
There are some additional shortcuts, which, if you remember, can further improve the experience of messaging via WhatsApp desktop. For instance, you can start a new chat with CTRL+N and create a new group by hitting CTRL+Shift+N. Plus, you can even mute and archive chats with Control+Shift+M and CTRL+E and open your profile with CTRL+P. It all gets way too easy with these shortcuts.
Additional customizations with ChatMate for Mac OS
In addition to shortcuts, WhatsApp for desktop can also work with a third-party app, called ChatMate, on Mac OS. It enables a dark mode and augments WhatsApp's function with Do Not Disturb and Touch bar-based capabilities. However, it is worth noting the app isn't available for those using the platform on Windows 10.
