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How to download and install Slack on Mac

Slack for Mac is free to install and comes from Slack’s website or the Mac App Store. Here is which one to choose, how to install it and what to set up so it doesn’t get in your way.

Slack

  • macOS 13 or later
  • Apple Silicon and Intel
  • Free. Paid plans per workspace
Official Slack websiteslack.com ↗

Or the installer straight from the developer’s server:

For Apple Silicon.dmgFor Intel.dmg

The links go to the developer’s website (slack.com). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.

Open Terminal (Applications › Utilities) and run:

brew install --cask slack

Homebrew downloads the app from the developer’s server, checks the file and puts the app in Applications.

No Homebrew yet? How to install Homebrew: one command from brew.sh.

Website or App Store

Slack offers the same app in two places. The App Store version updates with your other apps. The website version updates by itself. Some companies require the website version, so if your IT team gave you a link, use it. For the website version, check your chip:

  1. Choose Apple menu › About This Mac.
  2. If you see Chip with Apple M1, M2 or later, take the version for Apple Silicon. If you see Processor with Intel, take the version for Intel.

Slack needs macOS 13 Ventura or later. On an older Mac, use Slack in the browser at app.slack.com.

How to install Slack

  1. Open the downloaded Slack .dmg in your Downloads folder.
  2. Drag Slack to the Applications folder.
The Slack disk image window: Slack and the Applications folder to drag it to
  1. Eject the Slack disk: click the eject button next to it in the Finder sidebar.
  2. Open Slack from Applications and click Open when macOS asks about an app downloaded from the internet.
  3. Click Sign in to Slack and enter your workspace’s address or your work email.

From the App Store, search for Slack, click Get, then Install. It appears in Applications by itself.

What to set up after the first launch

  • Notifications. Allow them when macOS asks, then choose what deserves one in Slack › Settings › Notifications.
  • Opening at login. If Slack starts with your Mac and you don’t want it to, remove it in System Settings › General › Login Items.
  • Several workspaces. Add them with the + under your workspace icons. Each one keeps its own messages and files.
  • The installer. Move the Slack .dmg from Downloads to the Trash once Slack runs.

If Slack won’t install or open

  • «Slack is damaged and can’t be opened». The download was incomplete. Delete the file and download it again from Slack’s website.
  • Slack is slow or shows old messages. Choose Help › Troubleshooting › Clear Cache and Restart.
  • Nothing helps. Remove Slack completely and install it again: see how to uninstall Slack on Mac. Your messages stay in the workspace.

Alternatives to Slack

Keep your Mac tidy

MacWashing, System Junk: Xcode junk, user caches, installers and logs found, 22.83 GB ready to be cleaned

Messengers keep a large cache of images and files. System Junk in MacWashing finds the caches apps build up, Slack’s included, and the Uninstaller removes Slack with its files if you no longer need it.

Download MacWashingHow it works

Free trial · macOS 14 or later

Questions and answers

Is Slack for Mac free?

The app is free. Each workspace has its own plan: the free one limits message history, paid ones are paid by the workspace, not by you.

Can I use Slack without installing it?

Yes, in a browser at app.slack.com. The app adds desktop notifications and works better with several workspaces.

Which is better, the App Store or the website version?

They are the same Slack. Pick the App Store for updates with your other apps, the website if your company asks for it.