# How can I Join new channels

![](https://1800072591-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2Fcrc%2F-M9R1vvZ6albbktixhwz%2F-M9cL2dlga-LtuIWkyTi%2F58.png?generation=1591962258811055\&alt=media)

* There are three ways of joining a public channel; through
  * Search,
  * Invites, or
  * Mentions.
* To search for channels and users, use the search bar under your account box. Alternatively you can press Ctrl/Cmd + k to access the search bar quickly.

![](https://1800072591-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2Fcrc%2F-M9R1vvZ6albbktixhwz%2F-M9cL2dmyf--hIKXJa1L%2F59.png?generation=1591962258814861\&alt=media)

* A search will find channels (including the ones you are part of) and users.

**You can not search inside private channels.**

When you click on a search result, the following can happen:

* If the result is a channel, and you already aren’t part of it, you will join that channel;
* If the result is a user, you will start a direct message with that user;