If you’re using a free workspace, there are specific usage limits to be aware of. Keep reading to learn more about message, file, data retention and app installation limits.  

Tip: Upgrading to a paid subscription will remove message, file and app limits, plus provide more data retention options.

Usage limits

• Message and file visibility limit
  You can view and search messages and files from the last 90 days. Files include things such as clips, PDFs, documents, images, screenshots, and audio and video files. When your workspace reaches the visibility limit, Slack will start hiding messages and files older than 90 days to make room for new ones.
• High-volume message limit
  The free version of Slack restricts use for storage and spam, and you may be prevented from sending too many messages or files in a short period of time. If you’re having trouble sending new messages, we recommend that you review your apps, bots and other systems that may be sending a high volume of messages.
• Data retention
  Workspace owners can use basic data retention settings: either keep all messages and files, or delete them after 90 days. If you choose to delete messages and files after 90 days, this will automatically delete any that become hidden by the message and file limit.
  
• App installation limit
  You can add up to ten third-party or custom apps. If your workspace reaches the app and integration limit, you can uninstall apps to make space for new ones.

Downgrading to a free workspace 

If you downgrade from a paid subscription to a free workspace (or cancel a trial), you’ll lose access to certain paid features. Here’s what to expect:

Messages, files and apps	Usage limits will be reapplied to your workspace.
Slack Connect	Slack Connect channels will disconnect. Each organisation will retain a copy of the channel.
Workflow Builder	Any workflows created with Workflow Builder will remain active and count towards the ten-app limit. You will not be able to create new workflows, but you can remove existing ones.
Slack canvas	Any standalone canvases will become read-only.
Customised sections	Conversations that were organised into custom sections will revert back to their default sections. Any starred conversations will remain starred.
Guest accounts	Guest accounts will be deactivated (but you can reactivate guests as full members if you like).
Channel email addresses	You can continue using existing channel email addresses, but you won’t be able to create any new ones.