If you view your data as necessary, one of the key things you should be doing is backing it up. When stored correctly, a data backup is a copy of your data that can then be relied upon if something should happen to the original version. To restore all the data, or at least most of the lost information, the backup needs to be stored separately and in a way that can be accessed at short notice.
Slack offers a kind of backup feature that allows you to export your public workspace data, including message history and file links. Some bits of information aren’t included, such as direct message history and chat history for private channels. But this export is your best and only option as a backup of your Slack workspace.
Tip: If your workspace is on either the “Plus” or “Enterprise Grid” paid plan, you can also request a complete backup of your workspace through Slack support.
Being a cloud service provider, Slack’s service is generally protected against some loss forms, such as hard drive failure and fire. They can’t protect against all risk points, however, such as a rogue admin attempting to delete data or the entire workspace.
The workspace data export feature can also be useful if you’re in the process of combining workspaces as part of a corporate merger. It allows you the option to transfer across channels with message history that could be important or useful.
Export Your Workspace Data on Slack
If you want to export a copy of your workspace data, you can do so through the workspace settings. First, need to click on the workspace name in the top-right corner. Next, in the dropdown menu, select “Settings & administration.” Then “Workspace settings” to open the workspace settings in a new tab.
Once in the workspace settings, click the button to the settings’ top-right, labeled “Import/export data.”
The import-export feature defaults to the import tab, so switch to the “Export” tab at the top. Next, select or specify a date range with the “Export date range” dropdown box in the bottom left. Click “Start export.”
Once the export is ready, you’ll get an email with the JSON formatted export file’s download link.
Exporting your Slack data can be a good way to back it up occasionally if anything ever happens to your workspace. By following the steps in this guide, you can request an export of all messages and file links in your workspace’s public channels.
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