Slack for Linux (beta) – release notes

Slack 4.29.149

28 November 2022

Bug fixes

“What is this—a video player for ants?” YouTube videos embedded in Slack can now be expanded to play in full-screen mode, which we’re told is at least three times bigger.

Slack 4.28.182

26 September 2022

Security guidance

This release includes minor security improvements. Updating is beneficial.

Slack 4.28.171

31 August 2022

What’s new

On Sept. 1, we’ll be deprecating support for some older operating systems and outdated versions of Slack. Please visit our Help Center to get all the details: https://slack.com/help/articles/115002037526-System-requirements-for-using-Slack.
Starting with Slack for Linux version 4.28, a new code signing key will be used. Our Help Center has the new instructions on signature verification: https://slack.com/help/articles/115004809166-Verify-Slack-for-Linux--beta--package-signatures

Bug fixes

Trying to capture your screen with a third-party app while also sharing your screen in Slack may have resulted in the non-Slack app crashing. We’d like to say that this was because the idea of “capture” is antithetical to “sharing,” but in truth it was just a “bug.”

Security guidance

This release includes minor security improvements. Updating is beneficial.

Slack 4.27.156

5 July 2022

Bug fixes

We’ve tuned the engine and given the interior a thorough clean. Everything is now running smoothly again.

Slack 4.27.154

27 June 2022

What’s new

You may have noticed that with this release there’s a new, larger number at the end of the version string. Going forward, while you’ll still see the numbers laid out in a sequence, the “Build” numbers will now correspond to specific builds on our end as opposed to a small sequential number. TL;DR: A few more numbers for you, a bit more specificity for everyone.
We’ve added the most common Apple and Microsoft file extensions to our approved list so you won’t be asked to confirm each time you open a Word doc or Keynote presentation. Are you sure you’d like one less approval? YES/NO

Security guidance

This release includes minor security improvements. Updating is beneficial.

Coming soon

We’ll be using a new code signing key starting from release 4.28 to verify Slack for Linux package signatures. (See https://slack.com/intl/en-ca/help/articles/115004809166-Verify-Slack-for-Linux--beta--package-signatures)

Slack 4.26.1

16 May 2022

Bug fixes

If you tried to re-download a file that was already present in your Downloads folder, the app would pretend to download it again without actually producing a new file. Duplicitous duplication was never part of the plan—sorry about that.

Security guidance

This release includes minor security improvements. Updating is beneficial.

Slack 4.25.1

4 April 2022

Bug fixes

We’ve tinkered with the internal workings and polished some rough edges. The app is now better than it was.

Slack 4.25.0

4 April 2022

What’s new

Starting today, you’ll see a confirmation pop-up when a link in Slack is prompting another program to open. If you don’t want to see these each time because you enjoy living on the edge, just check the box “Always open files of this type.”

Bug fixes

We discovered that under very specific circumstances (stars being aligned, barometric pressure being just so, looking in a mirror and saying “Slackbot” 3 times), Active Directory users were ending up with a backslash in their Home directory, which was preventing the app from launching. However it happened, all slashes are welcome at the party, so Slack will run as expected now.

Slack 4.24.1

17 March 2022

What’s new

We’ve updated our Snap package to use strict confinement for additional security sandboxing and faster loading times. That’s what we call a Win/Win (or a Linux/Linux).

Bug fixes

Those using the Snap-installed client on Fedora noted that the file upload dialogue contained no fonts whatsoever, resulting in a bunch of empty boxes like the most challenging Wordle game ever. Today’s solution: FIXED

Slack 4.24.0

14 March 2022

Bug fixes

Perhaps you wanted to know which version of the app you had installed. Maybe we gave you an option to copy that version number to your clipboard. It’s possible the “Copy” button did nothing at all. One might say we fixed it.

Security guidance

This release includes minor security improvements. Updating is beneficial.

Slack 4.23.0

13 December 2021

Bug fixes

If you are someone who moved your app data directory and were using a symlink, you may have noticed that Slack would fail to open beyond the initial launch. Well, now it won’t do that anymore. We fixed it, you see.
Some external URLs were occasionally launching within the Slack app window, but will now load in your default web browser, as is proper. Slack cannot have a little web page, even as a treat.

Security guidance

This release includes security improvements. Updating is recommended.

Coming soon

Beginning with version 4.24.0, installation instructions will be changed for Snap packages users. Keep your eyes peeled.

Slack 4.22.0

16 November 2021

What’s new

Starting with Slack for Linux version 4.22.0, a new code signing key will be used. Please visit this Help Center article for new instructions on signature verification (https://slack.com/help/articles/115004809166-Verify-Slack-for-Linux--beta--package-signatures).

Security guidance

This release includes security improvements. Updating is recommended.

Slack 4.21.1

4 November 2021

Security guidance

This release includes security improvements. Updating is recommended.

Coming soon

A new way to verify package signatures for Linux - We’ll soon be using a new code signing key to verify Slack for Linux package signatures. (See https://slack.com/intl/en-ca/help/articles/115004809166-Verify-Slack-for-Linux--beta--package-signatures)

Slack 4.20.0

29 September 2021

What’s new

When opening SSH, FTP, SFTP or SMB links, you’ll now see the option to allow all future URLs from just that same domain instead of the whole wide world. A little more secure for us, a little more peace of mind for you.

Bug fixes

We fixed a crash that was occurring on certain Linux clients, as studies have shown that Slack works better when it doesn’t sporadically quit without warning.
Certain versions of the app were not correctly changing availability to “Away” after 10 minutes of inactivity. While this has been fixed, we’d like to remind you that you can use your Custom Status to let your teammates know your whereabouts beyond simply Active or Away. Examples include: walking the dog, catching up after PTO, taking a mental break, or tweeting nice things to the Slack social media team.

Security guidance

This release includes security improvements. Updating is recommended.

Slack 4.19.2

23 August 2021

Security guidance

This release includes significant security improvements. Updating is strongly recommended.

Slack 4.18.0

27 July 2021

Bug fixes

Certain menus were not being properly translated when switching languages in the app. You know what they say about menus — they’re most helpful when you can read them.

Slack 4.17.0

16 June 2021

What’s new

Bigger is better, or rather, closer is clearer. We now support additional zoom levels up to 200% to reduce the strain on your precious peepers.

Security guidance

This release includes security improvements. Updating is recommended.

Slack 4.16.0

11 May 2021

Bug fixes

Images and notifications were sometimes sharing real estate...inelegantly. We have given them both a talking-to, and they have agreed to joint custody of that section of the screen.

Security guidance

This release includes security improvements. Updating is recommended.

Slack 4.15.0

23 April 2021

Security guidance

This release includes minor security improvements. Updating is beneficial.

Slack 4.14.0

17 March 2021

Bug fixes

We improved the restart experience when you’ve gone offline or are having loading issues.
We all have to sign out sometimes. If you sign out of all of your workspaces, you should have an easier time signing back in.

Security guidance

This release includes minor security improvements. Updating is beneficial.

Slack 4.13.0

17 February 2021

Bug fixes

When you move or resize Slack, we assume that you are indeed trying to move or resize it – and so the crash that was regularly happening, instead, was unwelcome. We’ve fixed this. Here’s to properly-sized screens!
We’ve fixed several accessibility issues. Making Slack more accessible is a continuous journey, and we’re quite grateful that you’re along for the ride!

Slack 4.12.2

8 January 2021

Bug fixes

We tweaked some things too small to notice or too difficult to explain. We’ll return you to your regular, more interesting types of release next time (we hope).

Slack 4.12.1

7 January 2021

Bug fixes

We’ve tuned the engine and given the interior a thorough clean. Everything is now running smoothly again.

Slack 4.12.0

14 December 2020

What’s new

È pronto! Italian language support has landed!

Bug fixes

As a dancer gracefully recovers from a minor tumble, so shall our app gracefully reload whilst throttled by network failures.

Slack 4.11.3

25 November 2020

Bug fixes

We’ve tinkered with the internal workings and polished some rough edges. The app is now better than it was.

Slack 4.11.1

11 November 2020

Bug fixes

We tweaked some things too small to notice or too difficult to explain. We’ll return you to your regular, more interesting types of release next time (we hope).

Slack 4.11.0

9 November 2020

Bug fixes

We’ve tuned the engine and given the interior a thorough clean. Everything is now running smoothly again.

Slack 4.10.3

15 October 2020

Bug fixes

We’ve tinkered with the internal workings and polished some rough edges. The app is now better than it was.

Slack 4.10.0

8 October 2020

Bug fixes

We fixed some issues that caused window resizing of Slack to be difficult. We never want to be difficult.
Quickly switching workspaces caused problems. Switching workspaces should only cause opportunities, so we fixed that.
There were a few little bugs that caused crashes, like bugs do. We fixed those, and we’ll fix the next ones too.

Slack 4.9.1

17 September 2020

Bug fixes

We’ve tuned the engine and given the interior a thorough clean. Everything is now running smoothly again.

Slack 4.8.0

20 July 2020

Bug fixes

In rare cases, Slack would simply fail to start altogether. While we’re sure we could all use a coffee break, we know you could also use an application that runs. So we fixed that.
We made the screen you see when you have connection problems more useful. We also spruced it up a bit with a fresh coat of paint.
Our notifications system sprung a leak, so we brought it in for a tune-up. Everything should be running smoother now.

Slack 4.7.0

3 July 2020

What’s new

A preference that allows you to choose a unique save location per download, instead of choosing a folder for all of them. For the choosy types.
We’ve upgraded all the backend stuff that the apps run on, resulting in better performance and fewer bugs.
Our spell checker has been swapped out for a newer model that’s faster, leaner, and capable of fixing your typos in… wait, can this be right? “Multiple languages at the same time”! Open the “Language & Region” preferences to choose your languages. And for whoever it is out there requires that functionality: our hats are off to you. We can barely type in one language right now.

Bug fixes

After restoring the app window, some parts of it could lose their clickiness. Those parts have found their clickiness anew. Click away. Clickety clickety click.
If you found yourself, in some distant past, trying to start a song on Spotify with your keyboard’s play button, and it did not respond to your command while Slack was front and center, pesky hardware media keys were the problem. And this version is the cure.
The app should be less spicy to your CPU when you’re viewing certain network error pages.
When a download completes, we’ll show an in-app prompt rather than a bothersome system notification.

Slack 4.4.3

18 May 2020

Bug fixes

We’ve tinkered with the internal workings and polished some rough edges. The app is now better than it was.

Slack 4.4.2

31 March 2020

Bug fixes

We're always working on performance improvements – and this release repairs a previously broken performance diagnostic tool. You won't notice the difference, but we'll have an easier time improving Slack.

Slack 4.4.0

4 February 2020

Bug fixes

Fixed: If you zoomed right in or zoomed right out and then opened the About Slack window, the About Slack window would also be zoomed right in/out.

Slack 4.3.2

30 January 2020

What’s new

We've tinkered with the internal workings and polished some rough edges. The app is now better than it was.

Bug fixes

Slack would sometimes crash when the user right-clicked to see the context menu. In context, that was unhelpful. So it no longer does that.
When maximized, the app had developed a bit of a distracting flicker. That flicker is now part of Slack history.
Occasionally, a restart would result in connectivity issues for Slack… now you should be back online and back to work lickety-split.

Slack 4.2.0

5 December 2019

What’s new

Our newest, fastest, best-performing, shiniest, most nutritious and delicious version of Slack is now fully rolled out, so that’s the one you’re now using!
Like zooming in and out? Use a number pad? Great news! You can now do these things, on that.

Bug fixes

Notifications looked weird if your workspace name was long. Now, no matter what your team name is, notifications look lovely.
Some messages were being marked as read when Slack was hidden behind applications, or not visible on screen. Now we won’t mark it as read until you’ve actually seen it. Which seems fair.
In Linux, some components of the app were displaying menus when menus were not required. These items are now officially off menu. Or rather, the menu is now officially off them.
By popular demand (and because it was a bug), the --silent option is now available for muting terminal output.

Slack 4.1.2

18 October 2019

Bug fixes

Receiving a gif in a notification could mess with your notifications.
Long workspace names now no longer appear as incredibly long in menus.
Slack menus should now be showing up in the right language (meaning the one that is right for you).
Spellchecker stopped working for a small number of users, leading to a shorp increase in avoidabull erraz. With spellcheck now fully back online for those users, any remaining typos are officially not our fault.
Restarting when clearing cache now works again.

Slack 4.1.1

8 October 2019

What’s new

Thanks to a few tweaks to the engine, a polish of the pistons, and recalibrated valves, the app should be running smoother and faster, than before.
Spellcheck, revamped, is now a much better version of its old self (and back on Linux, to boot) — now it supports Greek, Portuguese and British English. So now spelling correctly should come more naturally to us all (which is good, because “correctly” can be a difacult word to spell).

Bug fixes

For a quicker connection, and less frustration, checking for network connectivity is more reliable than it was before.
After uploading a video into Slack some found it would give an infinite circle of loading, but not play, which was never our plan. Now: it works! It plays; no more circle! Because, it turned out, all circ and no play made Slack a null ‘ploy.

Slack 4.0.2

7 August 2019

Bug fixes

Videos in channels were found to be the cause of a minor (but annoying) memory leak that has now been well and truly plugged.
We’ve spruced up the notifications a little so now they’ll not only appear every time you need them to, they’ll also appear in whatever theme you’ve proudly decked your sidebar out in. Not too shabby.
When opening your computer, the app is now, thankfully, more likely to launch properly every time.
If opening Slack from a shortcut on your desktop or menu had become a thing of habit, you’ll know that we broke it recently. We’re really sorry. It works again now.

Slack 4.0.1

25 July 2019

Bug fixes

We’ve tinkered with the internal workings and polished some rough edges. The app is now better than it was.

Slack 4.0.0

8 July 2019

What’s new

Slack is now a little faster, thanks to a few small but important changes.

Bug fixes

Dragging and dropping files into Slack is now much more stable.
If you ever do need to reset the app’s data, this now works better. A bit better, at least.
We’ve improved the alignment of team icons in the sidebar for people in lots of workspaces. It’s a small thing, but much more aesthetically pleasing.
In a Cinnamon desktop environment, the Snap Slack app was missing a dock icon. We’ve found it and put it back where it belongs. (In the dock.)
Hardware acceleration can now be turned off without foregrounding Slack. If you know what that means, then you know it’s handy. If you don’t – it still is! Best to carry on reading.

Slack 3.4.2

23 May 2019

What’s new

Just as day follows night and winter gives way to spring, so have we updated Electron to 4.2.1.

Bug fixes

The push notification time between desktop and mobile has been changed for the better.
Like stability? Us too. So we’ve fiddled about with things and now everything is more stable in our app.
We’ve updated the RPM icon dependency for better a availability and icon experience. Because you’re worth it.

Slack 3.4.0

18 April 2019

Bug fixes

Launch (and hide) on login have been improved and are now just… better.
Pressing “Control+Shift+V” would cause copied text to paste twice. We’ve fixed that.
Pressing “Control+Shift+V” would cause copied text to paste twice. We’ve fixed that. In Slack.
Some teams were experiencing an issue where icons that belonged to other signed-in teams were appearing rather than their own. This was very confusing. Sorry about that.
Unhelpful keyboard and cursor actions that some people were experiencing have now, thankfully, been fixed.

Slack 3.3.8

12 March 2019

What’s new

When you sign in, you’ll now do it via your browser rather than in the app.

Bug fixes

The new loading animation was a little stretched, or a little squished, depending on how you looked at it. It’s practically perfect now.
Occasionally, the “Open the Slack app” browser button would not open the workspace in the desktop app. Silly, really. It does now.
If you use SSO (single sign-on) to log in, it should now work perfectly every time.