Looking to merge two workspaces? Using Slack’s import and export tools, you can export member, message and channel data from one workspace and import it to another.

Before you get started

• Review our guide to Slack’s import and export tools for an overview of Slack’s imports and exports.
• Read our FAQ about importing data from one Slack workspace to another to find answers to common questions.
• Message your customer success manager if you have one or contact us to plan your merge. Timelines for a workspace merge project can range from a few days to months, so be sure to plan well in advance.

Note: We don't support imports to Enterprise Grid organisations. As an alternative, you can import data to a separate workspace, then migrate that workspace to your org.

Understand your export options

On any subscription, you can export data for public channels only. On the Business+ or Enterprise Grid subscription, you can apply to export data for all channels and conversations in your workspace or Enterprise Grid org. See what's included in each export type below:

Note: In channels shared with external organisations, any links to files and their associated messages will only be included in your export if they were sent by a member of your organisation.

Step 1: Export data from your origin workspace

To simplify the merging process, we recommend exporting data from your smaller or less active workspace and importing it to your larger or more active workspace. Follow the steps below to begin the import process:

Step 2: Upload your export file

Note: Modifying your export file in any way before uploading it may cause issues with your import. Once you've uploaded your file, you can choose which data to import.

Step 3: Choose members to import

Now you’re ready to import members to your destination workspace.

Default member import options

Below are the default import options for different types of users. You can apply a batch action from the first drop-down menu that you see, or manually select a different option for an individual user before starting your import. You can view all member import options in our FAQ.

Note: If you select a batch action in the first drop-down menu, this will override any default or individual user settings.

User type	Default import option
Users with a matching email address in the destination workspace	Merge users
Active users without a matching email address	Import just their messages
Deactivated users without a matching email address	Import as deactivated
External users in a shared channel*	Import just their messages

*External users will not be visible in the user import options and cannot be imported.

Note: Users cannot be imported as guests or merged into existing guest accounts. You can import guest users as deactivated full members, then reactivate them as guest users when the import is finished.

Choose members to add

Step 4: Choose channels to import

You can merge any channels into existing public channels. For privacy reasons, you can’t merge any channels with existing private channels or shared channels. Instead, a new channel will be created. You can view all channel import options in our FAQ.

Note: A batch action selected in the first drop-down that you see will apply to all users, overwriting any defaults or individual channels’ settings.

Default channel import options

Channel type	Default import option
Channels with the same name as a public channel in the destination workspace	Merge channels with existing Slack channels
Public channels on the origin workspace without matching names	Create new public channel
Private channels on the origin workspace without matching names	Create new private channel
Archived channels on the origin workspace without matching names	Don’t import

Note: Any archived channels that you choose to import will not be archived in your destination workspace. By default, archived channels will be set to Don’t import, but you can import them as regular channels and archive them when your import has been completed.

Choose channels to add

Note: When channels are created during an import, a channel creator is included in each channel. As the person running the import, you may be added to channels and listed as the channel creator if the original channel creator is not being imported.

Step 5: Review summary and run import

Slack will run your import in five phases and send you an email when your import is complete.

Note: Members can use the destination workspace as usual while the import is running, but should avoid making any changes to channels or user accounts. Making these changes may cause the import to fail.

Troubleshooting imports

• If you have any questions, or if you’re having trouble with imports, visit our FAQ for troubleshooting tips.
• If your import stops running before it has been completed, contact us so that we can help to get things back on track.
• To cancel and reverse an import, click on Reverse import. This action will remove imported channels and messages from your Slack workspace, but not members.