How to Share Files and Documents in Slack on Linux

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Slack is a popular messaging app used primarily for professional communication within teams. It's a great way to collaborate and share files and documents. While Slack is available on a variety of operating systems, some users prefer to use it on Linux due to its flexibility and open-source nature. This guide will show you how to share files and documents in Slack when using the Linux operating system.

Understanding Slack file sharing

Slack allows users to share a variety of files, including documents, PDFs, images, and videos, making it a versatile tool for collaboration. You can share these files directly with someone in a chat, in a group, or in a single channel. The platform supports direct uploads from your device, sharing through cloud storage services, and even sharing links.

Installing Slack on Linux

If you haven't installed Slack on your Linux machine yet, the first step is to install it. Slack provides downloadable packages for Linux distributions in both DEB and RPM formats, as well as directly via Snap. Here's how you can set it up:

<!-- Download Slack using DEB package for Ubuntu/Debian -->
wget https://downloads.slack-edge.com/linux_releases/slack-desktop-4.20.0-amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i slack-desktop-4.20.0-amd64.deb

<!-- RPM package for Fedora/CentOS -->
wget https://downloads.slack-edge.com/linux_releases/slack-4.20.0-0.1.fc21.x86_64.rpm
sudo rpm -i slack-4.20.0-0.1.fc21.x86_64.rpm

<!-- Using Snap package manager -->
sudo snap install slack --classic

Choose the appropriate package for your distribution. If you're unsure, DEB is commonly used on Ubuntu and Debian, while RPM is used on Fedora and CentOS. Snap works on a variety of distributions as long as you have Snap support set up on your system.

Share files directly from your device

The simplest way to share a file is directly from your local storage:

1. Open the Slack application on your Linux device.
2. Go to the channel or direct message where you want to share the file.
3. Find the file chooser icon, which usually looks like a paperclip, or click the text input box where you can see the option to attach files.
4. Select "Upload a file from your computer" or a similar option.

A file picker dialog will open, allowing you to navigate through your file system to select the desired file for upload. After selecting your file, confirm the upload. Once uploaded, the file is immediately available to you and all members of the channel or conversation.

Sharing files via cloud storage

Slack's integration with popular cloud storage solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox makes it easy to share files without downloading them locally first. Here's how you can share files stored in such services:

1. First, make sure the necessary app integrations are set up. You can do this through Slack's "Apps" section.
2. Once integrated, go to the channel or conversation.
3. Click on the "+" icon or a specific button to integrate into your message box.
4. Choose the cloud storage service you want to use.
5. Navigate to your files on the cloud and select the file you want to share.

Depending on your privacy settings, Slack will either ask for permission to access the file or share a link to it directly.

Sharing links

Sharing documents by link is another widely used method. This is especially useful for large files or files stored on external servers.

1. Copy the link to the file from your browser or cloud service.
2. Open the Slack application and go to the channel or conversation you want.
3. Paste the link into the message input box and press Enter.

The link becomes a clickable hyperlink, making it easier to access the file. This method avoids the need to upload the entire file to Slack, saving bandwidth and storage.

Troubleshoot file sharing issues

At times, users may face challenges while sharing files. Common problems include:

• File size limits: Slack has a 1GB file upload limit. If your file is larger than this size, consider using a cloud service and sharing a link.
• Network issues: Make sure your device is connected to a stable Internet connection.
• Attachment failures: Try uploading again if you're using cloud services, or make sure file permissions are set properly.

Best practices for file sharing in Slack

To maximize productivity and collaboration, consider these best practices:

• Descriptive file names: Use meaningful names for files to help colleagues understand their contents without opening them. For example, "Quarterly_Report_Q1_2023.pdf" instead of "Report.pdf".
• Version control: Include version numbers or dates to manage different file versions.
• Access permissions: When using cloud storage links, make sure your coworkers have permission to view the files.

Conclusion

Sharing files in Slack on a Linux device is easy and effective once you understand the different methods and tools available. Whether you're uploading directly from your device, using integrated cloud services, or sharing links, each method has its own advantages and ideal use cases. By implementing the guidelines and tips in this article, you can ensure a smooth, efficient file-sharing experience on Slack.

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