Create your workspace in Slack and efficiently manage your projects using this comprehensive collaborative tool.
The use of collaborative work tools has exploded with the various measures put in place to counter the spread of the coronavirus. Among the tools popular with users, Slack, a complete communication tool centralizing in one window all the tools essential to the smooth running of teamwork, remotely.
Based on a system of conversation channels that the different members of a team can feed, Slack makes it easy to follow the progress of a project thanks to a hierarchical management of messages. The utility, which allows the different members of a team, physically scattered, to work remotely as if they were in the same room,
because in addition to offering conversation channels where messages and files can be exchanged from one end of the planet to the other with a single click, Slack integrates everything necessary to create virtual meetings, both in audio and ‘in video, provided you opt for a paid offer. In its free version, Slack only allows you to view the last 10,000 messages, only allows connection to a dozen third-party applications, and only offers person-to-person video calls. Here’s everything you need to know to get started and master Slack.
1. Create a workspace
Before you can jump into the world of Slack with both feet, you will first need to create a workspace. To do this, go to the main page of the Slack website and click on Get Started.
On the page that appears, click Create a Slack workspace.
You will then be prompted to create an account. Enter your name, email address and set up a password strong enough to secure your account. Then validate the creation of your account by clicking on Create an account.
2. Verify your account
Before you can use Slack, the platform asks you to verify your account. Go to your mailbox to find the message containing the 6-digit verification code. Enter the code received in the dedicated page.
3. Enter a name for your team
You must then enter a name for your team or company, not exceeding 255 characters. Once entered, click Next.
4. Choose your use
The next step is to indicate the type of use you want to make of Slack. Choose two and click Next or click directly on Skip this step.
By choosing the type of use you will make of Slack, the application will automatically create a discussion channel dedicated to this task.
5. Invite your collaborators
Last step before you can start using Slack, invite collaborators. Enter the email addresses of your team members and click Add Collaborators.
Everyone for whom you’ve provided the email address will receive an email invitation to join your workgroup. You can also click directly on share an invitation link to copy the invitation URL, which you will then need to share with your collaborators in whatever way suits you best.
6. Log in to the app
After sending invitations, the interface for the web version of Slack should be loaded in your browser. For more convenience, you can install the dedicated application directly on your machine.
- Download Slack for Windows (Free)
- Download Slack for macOS (Free)
- Download Slack for Linux (Free)
- Download Slack for Android (Free)
- Download Slack for iPhone / iPad (Free)
7. Take control of the interface
Faced with the competition, Slack has the advantage of having a rather simple interface to understand. It is structured around two main areas: the left column groups access to the various discussion channels, to direct messages, as well as to the workspace address book or to the file manager in which all documents shared within the application are grouped together.
At the top of the column, you can access your profile, change your status and customize the various settings of the application.
Finally, a click on the New Message button (also accessible via the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + N), will allow you to open the global editor window, to send a message within a channel or a direct message.
8. Create channels
By default, Slack creates several channels that you might not find useful. You can easily remove them by right clicking and then choosing to Leave Channel. The channel will remain present in the workspace, but will no longer be displayed in the side column.
To create a new, more meaningful channel, simply click on the + button displayed next to the Channels menu. You will be able to Browse the channels (to find those you have left), or Create a channel.
You will then have to choose a name, possibly add a description to it, and choose whether or not you want to Convert it to a private channel. If you choose this option, collaborators in your workspace will not be able to join the private channel unless you invite them to do so. Then click on Create.
You can then manually choose the people to add to the Channel, or choose to automatically add all the people joining your workspace.
9. Create direct messages
Similarly, to send a new direct message to a collaborator, click on the + button grafted in front of the Direct Messages menu.
In the window that appears, type the first letters of the collaborator to whom you want to send a message and click on it to open the chat window.
10. Feed channels and send messages
Now that you know how to create channels and direct messages, learn how to use the compose bar. Identical on channels and direct messaging, the editorial bar offers basic layout options, but also allows you to integrate code, links, but also to share files.
As on all social networks, it is possible to mention a collaborator by using @ followed by the name of the person to be mentioned. She will then receive a notification indicating that a message is intended for her in Slack.
Clicking on the lightning bolt icon will also provide access to a number of shortcuts to convenient functions. It will thus be possible to create a memo, but also calendar events, survey notices and much more by linking Slack to third-party applications.
11. Make a call
In its free version, Slack only allows calls between two participants. To make an audio or video call, go to a direct message and click on the phone icon at the top right.
You can also initiate a call from one of the chat channels if you have opted for a paid subscription.
To do this, click on Details to deploy the detailed channel information pane on the right, click on the Call button and validate by choosing Start the call.
An invitation message to join the video call will automatically be posted to the channel. All employees who are members of that channel will then be able to join the conversation.