FAQ: Import data from one Slack workspace to another
By utilizing Slack’s import and export functionalities, it is possible to extract member, message, and channel data from a certain workspace and subsequently import it into another workspace. Below, you will discover responses to frequently asked questions regarding imports. Continue reading to acquire further knowledge on this topic.
Before you get started
There are several terminologies that one must familiarize oneself with in the process of preparation for a Slack import.
| Term | Definition |
| Merging workspaces | Transferring data across workspaces may be accomplished using the export and import capabilities provided by Slack. |
| Origin workspace | The workspace that you’re exporting data from. |
| Destination workspace | The workspace to which the data is being imported. |
| External user | An individual external to your organization, who is a participant and has transmitted communications to a designated channel within your collaborative digital environment. |
General questions
Who can export and import data?
Both workspace owners/admins and organization owners have the capability to extract data from the Slack platform. The functionality exists for workspace owners to import data into the Slack platform. It should be noted that the functionality of importing data is not accessible for users subscribed to the Slack Enterprise Grid.
Please be advised that the ability to export data from all channels and discussions in Slack is restricted to individuals who hold the position of workspace owners or org owners.
How do I merge my Slack workspaces?
In order to consolidate your workspaces, it is necessary to extract user and channel data from the original workspace and afterwards employ Slack’s import tool to transfer this data to the target workspace. To get a detailed guide, please refer to the article titled “Importing Data from One Slack Workspace to Another” for a comprehensive set of steps.
Is there a maximum amount of data that I can import to a Slack workspace?
There is no predefined upper limit on the quantity of data that may be imported; however, the tool does have a restriction on the volume of data it can handle in a single operation. It may be necessary to partition the export file into numerous intervals of dates and execute multiple imports, or alternatively, contemplate reducing the amount of data being imported. If encountering any difficulties, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance in strategizing your import process.
Can I use the Slack imports tool in an Enterprise Grid organisation?
Imports to Enterprise Grid organizations are not supported by our platform. One possible approach is to import the data into a distinct workspace and afterwards transfer that workspace to your organization. If there is a requirement to import an export file from the Enterprise Grid organization, do reach out to us for assistance.
Will the user’s workspace settings and preferences be imported?
The user declined to provide any further information. In order to establish the desired workspace environment, it is necessary to configure many aspects such as workspace settings, preferences, access and security configurations, as well as additional customizations such user groups, emoji, profile fields, and channel prefixes. These configurations should be implemented inside the designated destination workspace.
Is it possible to import applications?
No, it is necessary to configure the applications in the target workspace once the import process has been finalized. To obtain further guidance on the installation process of applications, please refer to the section titled “Add an app to your workspace.”
Is there a possibility of importing files?
In order to import a file, it is necessary to import both the person who shared the file and the discussion in which it was shared. Nevertheless, it should be noted that files and their corresponding messages that are uploaded to Slack using applications such as Google Drive or Box will not undergo the import process.
Is it possible for pinned and saved things to be imported?
The import process will include the transfer of pinned messages and their associated channels. The importation of users’ stored messages and files will not occur.
May I do an examination on an imported item?
In order to evaluate the import procedure, it is recommended to establish a novel workspace utilizing the complimentary edition of the Slack platform. Please proceed with uploading your export file to the new workspace in order to access and evaluate the available import choices.
Conducting a test on the import process does not yield a dependable estimation of the duration required for importing data in a different workspace, due to potential variations in circumstances and data sets. Once the testing phase has been completed, it is permissible to remove the workspace.
Please ensure that you pick the option to create members as deactivated users when making import choices, in order to prevent individuals from receiving invites to join the test workspace.
The process of bringing in consumers from other sources
The process of importing people into Slack is a topic of inquiry.
Once the export file has been uploaded, users are given the option to select the method through which they import people. In the context of your destination workspace, there are two options available for incorporating users: merging them with existing accounts or inviting them as new members of Slack. Additionally, it is possible to generate accounts for users who have been deactivated, or alternatively, opt to refrain from importing specific people altogether.
Is the user’s role transferable from the original workspace to the destination workspace?
The outcome is contingent upon the manner in which the user is imported. Importing people as workspace owners or workspace admins is not a feasible option. In the event of merging users, it is ensured that their responsibilities inside the destination workspace will be preserved. By utilizing the “Import and invite to Slack” feature, all imported people will automatically become members. After the completion of the import process, it is possible for the owner or administrator of a workspace to modify the role of any member inside such workspace.
It is advisable to refrain from altering user roles until the import process has been fully executed. Modifying user roles in the destination workspace during the import process has the potential to result in failure of the operation.
What is the process for importing guests from the original workspace?
The merging of a user into an existing guest account is not feasible, as guests may only be imported as either active members or deactivated members. After the completion of the import process, it is possible to either convert the member into a guest or reactivate the member as a guest.
Is it possible to restrict user access to the destination workspace until the import process has been fully executed?
One option is to import users in a deactivated state and afterwards reactivate them once the import process has been finalized.
Please be aware that there is currently no available method for reactivating multiple members’ accounts simultaneously. Therefore, it will be necessary to revive each member’s account individually. If the user’s workspace is subscribed to the Business+ plan, the utilization of SCIM provisioning might expedite the process.
Is there an automated process for adding people to channels?
In the event that both the user and the channel are designated for import, the user will be included in the channel to which they belonged in the original workspace. The aforementioned event will occur with the completion of the import procedure, subsequent to the importation of all messages and files.
It should be noted that the individual responsible for the import process has the ability to be included in channels and assigned the role of channel creator.
Is it possible to import external users?
External users who have communicated through channels that are shared with external organizations inside the original workspace will not be discernible in the user import choices and cannot be included in the import process. The messages will be imported automatically if the necessary channels are also imported. However, it is not possible to merge or create user accounts in the destination workspace. Furthermore, the importation of direct messages (DMs) exchanged between external users and members of the original workspace is not possible.
The process of importing channels
The process of importing channels into Slack involves the transfer of channel data from external sources to the Slack platform.
Once the export file has been uploaded, users have the option to select the method by which they import channels. Users have the option to combine channels from their export file with pre-existing public channels in the designated workspace, or alternatively, they can generate new public or private channels. To exclude the importation of specific channels, choose the option “Don’t import.”
Please be advised that the merging of channels with an already established private channel is not feasible.
Is it possible to integrate channels into pre-existing channels inside the target workspace?
It is possible to combine channels within an export file with pre-existing public channels in the target workspace. The imported messages will be arranged in chronological order, potentially disrupting the continuity of ongoing conversations inside the target channel.
Is it possible to selectively import some channels while excluding others?
Indeed. Users have the ability to designate some channels as “Do Not Import,” while also having the option to merge particular channels with existing ones, create new public channels, or create new private channels.
Is it possible to import channels that have been shared with other organizations?
Once the import process is finished, these channels will be designated as public channels, allowing you to distribute them to other organizations. Incoming messages from external users will be imported into the target workspace without the creation of corresponding user accounts.
Is it possible to import old channels?
However, it should be noted that when channels are imported, any previously archived channels will be automatically unarchived. After the completion of the import process, it is possible to archive these channels once again inside the designated workspace.
Is it possible to import direct messages?
The importation of direct messages (DMs) is limited to export files that encompass all channels and discussions. For the successful importation of a direct message (DM), it is necessary to import all the users involved in the DM to the designated workspace. The selection of user import method will determine the specific direct messages that will be imported.
If all users in the direct messages (DMs) are assigned to either the “merge users” option, “import and invite to Slack” option, or “import as deactivated” option, the DMs of these users will be imported.
If a user is configured with the “Import just their messages” setting, any direct messages they are involved in will not be imported, and any files they have shared will also be excluded from the import process. The importation of messages to Slack is limited to those that are transmitted over channels.
The “Don’t import” setting prevents the importation of any direct messages (DMs) involving a user. This includes the exclusion of the user’s messages and files from being imported into channels.
Establishing an import
What batch import options are available to users?
Prior to commencing the import process, it is advisable to execute a batch operation that encompasses all users. It is important to note that modifying the batch action will result in the import choice being universally applied to all users, potentially overriding any default settings or specific user preferences. The initial drop-down menu provides a selection of batch activities that are currently accessible.
Consolidate the input from several users.
Consolidate user accounts that have identical email addresses.
The process involves importing individuals as new members and subsequently extending invitations to join the Slack platform.
Incorporate individuals from the exported file as novel members inside your Slack workplace.
The process of importing deactivated users
Integrate users’ communications into the Slack platform and establish their association with a deactivated account. Once prepared, users can proceed to reactivate their accounts, enabling them to commence use of their newly established workspace.
It is advisable to refrain from importing the individuals themselves, and instead focus just on importing their communications.
The objective is to import users’ messages into the Slack platform and establish a connection between the messages and the respective users’ names, without generating user accounts for them.
It is advised not to import these people or their communications.
The import process should exclude people, their messages, and their files.
If the import is being done from a workspace that has channels shared with individuals outside of the organization, this particular choice will be automatically used for external users. This particular option is not subject to modification. In the workspace, public messages from external users will be observable, while their direct messages and files will not be transferred, and no user accounts will be generated for them.
What are the available import options for individual users?
Prior to commencing the import process, it is necessary to choose an appropriate choice for each individual user. The following are the many import alternatives that can be considered on an individual basis:
The task at hand is to amalgamate or combine the many users into a single entity.
Integrate the user’s account with an already established account on the designated workspace.
The process of importing and inviting individuals to the Slack platform is an essential aspect of establishing effective communication and collaboration within a team or organization.
Incorporate the users listed in the export file into your Slack workspace as new members.
The act of importing in a deactivated state.
Integrate the messages sent by users into the Slack platform and establish their association with a deactivated user account. Once prepared, users may proceed to reactivate their accounts, so enabling them to commence utilization of their newly established workspace.
Please import just the messages they have sent.
The objective is to import users’ messages into the Slack platform and establish a correlation between the messages and the respective users’ names, without generating user accounts for them.
It is not advisable to engage in the act of importing.
The import process should exclude any users, their corresponding messages, and any files associated with them.
What are the available batch import options for channels?
Prior to commencing the import process, it is possible to employ a batch action that will be applicable to all channels. It is important to note that modifying the batch action will result in the import option being universally applied to all users, potentially overriding any default settings or particular channel configurations. The initial drop-down menu presents a selection of batch activities that are currently accessible.
Integrate more channels into the pre-existing Slack channels.
Integrate channels with pre-existing public channels.
In order to ensure privacy, it is imperative to establish novel communication methods.
Establish communication channels and transfer privacy configurations from your existing workplace.
Establishing more public channels is a pivotal endeavor in expanding the scope and reach of communication platforms.
Establishing public channels without considering the pre-existing privacy settings of the channels.
Establishing more private channels is a recommended course of action.
The ability to establish private channels is not contingent upon the pre-existing privacy settings of the channels.
It is advisable to refrain from importing these channels.
Please remove channels, as well as their associated messages and files, from your workspace.
This condition is applicable just to public channels, unless there is an import of an export file that encompasses all channels and chats. Once the export process has been completed for all channels and chats, it is possible to import both public and private channels into the designated workspace. At this juncture, users have the option to import direct communications as well.
What are the various import options available for particular channels?
Prior to initiating the import process, you must choose a certain channel choice. The following are the several import options that may be utilized on an individual basis:
Integrate more channels into the pre-existing Slack channels.
Integrate channels with pre-existing public channels.
Establishing additional public channels is a recommended course of action.
Establish public channels irrespective of the preexisting privacy settings of these channels.
Establishing more exclusive communication routes
The ability to establish private channels is not contingent upon the pre-existing privacy settings of these channels.
It is not advisable to engage in the act of importing.
Please remove channels, as well as their associated messages and files, from your workspace.
Engaging in the act of importing
The mechanism through which Slack handles imports is a topic of inquiry.
The import procedure in Slack is divided into distinct steps, which are executed sequentially.
Phase one of the project involves the establishment or consolidation of user accounts.
Phase two involves the creation of vacant channels, as well as direct messages (DMs), if utilizing an export file that encompasses all channels and discussions.
The third phase involves the importing of messages, threads, and files into channels.
Phase four involves the importing of messages, threads, and files into direct messages (DMs), especially when utilizing an export file that encompasses all channels and discussions.
In the fifth phase, people are incorporated into channels, and messages and files are organized and categorized to ensure their visibility in search results.
Phases three and four will be executed concurrently, and the transition to phase five will not occur until both phases are entirely concluded. It is anticipated that the addition of users to channels will not occur until the final stages of the import process. A notification will be sent to your email address at the completion of the import process, thereby obviating the need to maintain the import page open in your web browser.
Is it possible for users to do tasks in the destination workspace while the import process is in progress?
Affirmative. During the import process, users will have the capability to access the designated workspace and carry out their tasks without interruption. Nevertheless, it is advisable for users to abstain from engaging in any channel administration activities, including but not limited to altering channel names, eliminating channels, or converting channels to private or shared modes. In a similar vein, it is recommended that both workspace owners and workspace administrators refrain from engaging in any user administration activities, such as altering the responsibilities of members, modifying email addresses of members, or creating or cancelling accounts. Engaging in any of these behaviors has the potential to result in the failure of the import process.
What is the anticipated duration of the import process?
The determining factor for the duration of an export file is contingent upon the quantity of channels, users, and files being imported, rather than the file size itself. An estimation on the duration of an import process cannot be provided.
Is it possible to cancel an import?
To cancel and reverse an import, users can click on the “Reverse import” button. The execution of this operation will result in the removal of imported messages, files, and any channels that were formed during the import process but have not received any new messages. User accounts that are generated during the import process are not eligible for deletion, but they can be deactivated.
One suggestion is that if you want to execute a further import operation following a reversal, you have the option to configure the system to combine the newly formed user accounts with the pre-existing accounts that were generated from the prior import.
Is it possible to execute several imports inside the same workspace?
It is generally advised to execute a single import operation when integrating one workspace with another. However, there may arise certain situations when several import operations are necessary. In the event that the exports surpass the processing capacity of the import tool, it is possible to address this issue by downloading numerous export files. Each file might encompass a distinct date range, enabling the execution of multiple imports utilizing these files.
When considering the execution of numerous imports, it is important to bear in mind the following factors:
It is possible to combine channels with pre-existing public channels in a manner that avoids the duplication of message content. In the event that the channel names do not align precisely, it will be necessary to manually establish the necessary correspondence in order to facilitate their merging.
It is not possible to merge channels with pre-existing private channels inside the Slack platform. Alternatively, it is possible to import them as newly created private channels. The outcome of this process might potentially lead to the creation of two distinct private channels inside the workspace. The first import would generate a private channel, denoted as #privatechannel, while the second import would generate another private channel, referred to as #privatechannel2. It is advisable to archive the channel that is deemed unnecessary subsequent to the completion of the import process.
It is advisable to consult our staff in order to assess your import strategy if you intend to execute several imports to the same destination workspace.
What is the reason for my inclusion in an imported channel that I had not previously joined in the original workspace?
At the start of the import process, channels are established and assigned a sole channel creator. In the event that the channel creator from the original workspace is not included in the import process, the individual responsible for the import will be automatically assigned as the creator of the channel and their name will be shown accordingly. The remaining members of the channel will be included in the last stage of the import process.
The process of identifying and resolving issues related to importing modules or libraries in a computer program.
In the event that an individual has difficulties in uploading their export file, it is vital to explore potential solutions.
One prevalent issue encountered during the process of uploading an export file is the inadvertent unzipping, decompression, or modification of the file. It is imperative to ensure that the original zip file, obtained via the Slack export tool, is uploaded without any modifications.
In the event that the export file link fails to function, what course of action should be pursued?
If encountering difficulties in posting the link to the export file, it is advisable to ensure the utilization of a publicly accessible direct download link. In order to ascertain the public accessibility of a given link, one should proceed by opening it under an incognito or private browsing window. The provided hyperlink should initiate a direct download instead of redirecting to a webpage that requires the input of a password.
What were the reasons for the non-importation of certain messages?
through order to import a message, it is necessary to import both the user who initiated the message and the channel through which it was transmitted. For instance, in the scenario where all channels are configured to be newly created as public channels and all users are set to not be imported, the imported channels will lack any associated messages.
In the event that an export file encompassing all channels and discussions is utilized, and the option to import direct messages (DMs) is selected, it is imperative to import all people involved in a certain DM. If the user has selected the option to import only their messages or to not import any messages for any of the users, the direct messages (DMs) of those users will not be imported.
Likewise, direct messages (DMs) involving external users originating from your workplace will not be transferred. The import process will automatically designate external users as “Import” and just import their messages. These users will not be granted an account on the destination workspace.
In the event that the data is not imported according to the anticipated specifications or if the import process encounters an error, what would be the implications?
The most optimal course of action would involve reversing the import process and thereafter initiating a fresh import operation once the underlying cause of the mistake has been rectified. If uncertainty persists regarding the underlying source of the mistake, it is advisable to seek assistance by contacting our support team. Please ensure that you include any instances of unexpected outcomes or encountered error messages, and we will conduct additional investigation.