This guide will walk you through setting up the Slack desktop app on your computer and getting started with Slack at Inktavo.
Installing the Slack Desktop App
If you don't already have the Slack desktop app installed, follow these instructions:
For Mac:
- Go to the Slack download page for Mac: https://slack.com/downloads/mac
- Click the Download button.
- Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file (usually a
.dmgfile) in your Downloads folder. - Once the download is complete, locate the installer file (usually named something like
SlackSetup.dmg) in your Downloads folder. - Double-click the installer file to run it.
- Drag the Slack icon to the Applications folder.
- You can now launch Slack from your Applications folder.
For Windows:
- Go to the Slack download page for Windows: https://slack.com/downloads/windows
- Click the Download button.
- Once the download is complete, locate the installer file (usually named something like
SlackSetup.exe) in your Downloads folder. - Double-click the installer file to run it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Signing In
Once the Slack desktop app is installed, you can sign in using your Inktavo Google account:
- Open the Slack desktop app.
- Click on the Sign-in button.
- You'll be redirected to your default web browser to complete the sign-in process.
Note: This step usually works best using Chrome, but if that doesn't work, try using your OS's native browser (Microsoft Edge for Windows, and Apple Safari for macOS).
Click the "Sign in with Google" button. - Enter your Inktavo email address and Google password if prompted.
- You should now be logged in to the Slack app!
Connecting with Your Team
One of the first things you should do in Slack is organize your contacts. This makes it easy to find and message your manager and teammates. You can do this by creating a Slack Section:
- In the left sidebar, under Starred, click the dropdown arrow.
- Select Create > Create Section.
- Give your section a name (e.g., "My Team," "Marketing Team," "Sales Team").
- To add people to the section, you can drag and drop their name or you can search for them, and click on the triple dots in the top right corner and select Move conversation > your team name.
Note: This process will also work with sorting and managing channels, too.
Now you have a dedicated space to quickly find and communicate with your team!
Important Channels
Slack is great for company-wide communication and fun! Here are a few channels you might want to join:
- #recognition: Celebrate wins and acknowledge great work!
- #shenanigans: Share funny moments and lighthearted conversations.
- #celebrations: Mark birthdays, work anniversaries, and other milestones.
For full-time employees (FTEs), it's important to be included in the private channel #companywide-announcements. If you are not in this channel, please reach out to IT Support for assistance.
Using Slack for IT Support
While we use Slack for general communication, we do not use it as the primary channel for helpdesk requests. For IT support, please:
- Visit our Helpdesk portal: https://inktavoit.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
- Email us at helpdesk@inktavo.com
Troubleshooting
Having trouble with Slack? Here are some common issues and solutions:
Audio/Video Problems (Windows & Mac)
- Problem: I can't hear audio or my video isn't working correctly.
-
Solution: Often, this is caused by Slack using the wrong audio or video device.
- Check your device settings in Slack: Go to Preferences > Audio & Video (Windows) or Slack > Settings > Audio & Video (macOS). Make sure the correct microphone and camera are selected.
- Restart Slack: Sometimes, restarting the application can resolve these issues.
- Check your operating system's audio/video settings: Ensure your preferred devices are selected as the default on your computer as well.
Notification Issues (Windows & Mac)
- Problem: I'm not getting Slack notifications.
-
Solution:
- Check Slack's notification settings: Go to Preferences > Notifications (Windows) or Slack > Settings > Notifications (macOS).
- Ensure notifications are enabled and configured to your liking.
-
Check your operating system's notification settings:
- Windows: Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions. Make sure Slack notifications are turned on.
- Mac: Go to System Preferences > Notifications. Find Slack in the list and ensure notifications are allowed.
- Check your Do Not Disturb settings: Make sure Do Not Disturb mode is not active on either your computer or Slack.
We hope this guide helps you get started with Slack at Inktavo. If you have any other questions, please contact IT Support through our helpdesk channels mentioned above.