Slack is a popular chat app designed specifically for the workplace environment. Slack offers a variety of features that make collaboration easier, more organized, and more effective.

This guide will show you how to install and use Slack on Ubuntu 20.04.

Slack on Ubuntu

Slack is a popular communication tool in the workplace. It has all of the basic functionality you would expect from a chat app. However, what really sets it apart is its additional function. Slack, for example, comes with the channel function, which makes it possible to organize communication in subcategories. This helps keep information and communication organized.

In addition to text communication, Slack also supports voice / video calls. Slack also offers the ability to search your conversation. It also provides support for additional add-ins to expand its functionality. Check out Slack apps.

For ease of use, Slack offers a dedicated desktop client for various platforms. The official Slack client is free, but not open source. In the case of Ubuntu, there are three different ways to get it: DEB, Flatpak, and Snap packages.

Install Slack on Ubuntu

All three available methods are demonstrated here. Follow the one who suits you best.

Slack DEB package

We can get the official Slack DEB package from Slack. Installing this package will automatically configure the Slack repository for Ubuntu. This means that further Slack updates can be installed automatically by APT. Download Slack.

Once the download is complete, start the terminal and install the package with APT.

Slack snap package

Slack is also available as a snap package. A snap package is kind of a universal Linux package that you can enjoy regardless of the distribution. All you need is the preconfigured Snap service.

In the case of Ubuntu 20.04, Snap is preinstalled. In case you haven’t installed it for some reason, follow these steps. Otherwise, skip straight to the Slack Snap installation step.

At this point your system should be ready to install Snaps. Run the command to install Slack Snap. cash Slack in the Snapcraft Store.

Slack Flatpak Package

Similar to Snap, Flatpak is another type of universal Linux package that can be installed and used on any Linux distribution with the support of the Flatpak service. The Slack client is also available as a Flatpak package.

Ubuntu 20.04 does not come with a pre-installed Flatpak. Let’s quickly install and configure Flatpak.

This next step is optional and only applies if you are using the GNOME desktop.

Add the FlatHub repository.

Install Slack Flatpak. Check out Slack on FlatHub.

Use Slack

As soon as the installation is complete, start the client from the menu.

To enjoy Slack, you must have a Slack account. Slack will ask you to sign in to your account. Don’t have a Slack account yet? Sign in to Slack. Already have a Slack account? Click on “Register”.

The client opens a tab in the standard web browser. Enter the workspace url.

Next, log into your account.

After successfully logging in, the client presents the workspace and all of its channels.

To manage all of the apps connected to the Slack workspace, go to the Workspace menu >> Settings & Management >> Manage Apps.

To connect a new app to the Slack workspace, go to the link below.

Final thoughts

Slack is a powerful collaboration tool. In addition to the native client, you can always use the web browser to enjoy Slack. The Slack client offers convenience and a better user experience. Hopefully this article helped you configure Slack for Ubuntu 20.04.

Enjoy!