How to Install Slack on Arch Linux

Slack has become an essential collaboration and communication tool for many teams and organizations. With its modern interface, extensive feature set, and robust API, Slack provides a flexible platform for real-time messaging, file sharing, searchable message archives, and much more.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk through installing the latest version of Slack on Arch Linux using two methods: the AUR and Snap packages. We‘ll also cover post-installation configuration like autostarting Slack and troubleshooting any issues. Let‘s get started!

Prerequisites

Before installing Slack, your Arch Linux installation should be up-to-date. Run the following commands to refresh your package database and upgrade installed packages:

sudo pacman -Syu

Some Slack features like voice and video calls require additional dependencies. To install them:

sudo pacman -S alsa-lib pulseaudio pulseaudio-alsa

You‘ll also need Git to clone the AUR package repositories:

sudo pacman -S git

Method 1: Install Slack with an AUR Helper

The Arch User Repository (AUR) contains community-maintained packages like the Slack desktop app. AUR helpers like Yay automate the process of downloading, compiling, and installing packages from the AUR.

First install Yay:

git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/yay-git.git
cd yay-git
makepkg -si

Then install the Slack package:

yay -S slack-desktop

Yay will prompt you to review build files before compiling. Press enter to continue with the installation. Once finished, Slack will be installed under /opt/slack/ and launchable from your desktop environment‘s application menu.

Method 2: Install Slack with Snap

Snaps are containerized software packages that work across many Linux distributions. The Snap store hosts an official Slack Snap that installs cleanly without any compilation steps.

First, install Snap support on Arch:

git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/snapd.git 
cd snapd
makepkg -si

Enable automatic Snap service startup:

sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket

Then link the Snap directory:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Finally, install Slack:

sudo snap install slack --classic

The --classic flag allows access to system themes and icons for better desktop integration. Slack will be installed under /var/lib/snapd/snap/ and launchable from your application menu.

Post-Installation Setup

Autostart Slack

To launch Slack automatically on login:

Using a Desktop Environment

Most desktop environments like GNOME have a graphical option to add startup applications. Add Slack to your session either through the application menu entry or by directly adding /opt/slack/Slack for the AUR package or slack.slack for the Snap.

Using systemd (No Desktop Environment)

Create a systemd user service unit for Slack:

nano ~/.config/systemd/user/slack.service 

Paste this configuration:

[Unit]
Description=Slack desktop app

[Service]  
ExecStart=/full/path/to/slack

[Install]  
WantedBy=default.target

Be sure to update ExecStart with the full path to the Slack executable, either /opt/slack/Slack or /snap/bin/slack depending on your install method.

Save the file, reload systemd daemons, then enable automatic startup:

systemctl --user daemon-reload
systemctl --user enable slack

Troubleshooting Audio/Video Issues

If calls or conferencing in Slack don‘t seem to detect your microphone, webcam, or speakers, try switching audio backends by launching Slack with:

/full/path/to/slack --use-gl=disabled --use-gpu-bkend=disabled

This forces software rendering and CPU audio processing which resolves issues on some systems. Feel free to exclude those flags if hardware acceleration works for you.

Slack Theming

Change your Slack theme and sidebar icons with the native preferences found under your workspace name > Preferences > Sidebar > Theme & customization.

Be aware that desktop app themes only apply to the currently signed in workspace unlike the browser version theming your whole account.

For additional tweaks like transparent backdrops, see slack-tweaks on GitHub.

Conclusion

With Slack up and running, you‘re ready to boost your productivity and collaborate across projects, teams, and platforms. Invite your colleagues, integrate other tools and workflows, create custom channels, apps, and bots – the possibilities are vast with Slack‘s open and highly customizable nature.

If any post-install issues crop up like crashes or interface glitches, consult the Arch Wiki‘s Slack troubleshooting guide. The active Slack community can also provide linux-specific help via the builtin #linux user channel.

Now slack away on your fresh Arch Linux install! Collaborate smarter, build better, and release faster with a tightly integrated Slack workspace.