How to Migrate from Slack to Element

Why Migrate from Slack to Element?

Slack stores all your team’s communications on US servers owned by Salesforce, with data subject to US jurisdiction and the CLOUD Act. Slack’s free tier also limits message history, holding your data hostage behind paid plans.

Element is built on the Matrix protocol, an open, decentralised communication standard. You can host your own Matrix server entirely within the EU, giving you full control over your data. Element offers end-to-end encryption for all conversations, and because Matrix is federated, you can communicate with anyone on any Matrix server. There are no artificial message history limits, and the software is fully open source.

Detailed Migration Steps

Step 1: Set Up a Matrix Server or Use matrix.org

You have two options:

Option A: Use matrix.org (quickest start)

1. Go to app.element.io and register on the matrix.org homeserver
2. Suitable for small teams or evaluation purposes

Option B: Self-host a Matrix server (recommended for organisations)

1. Deploy Synapse (the reference Matrix server) on your own EU-hosted infrastructure
2. Use a managed hosting provider like Element Matrix Services (EMS) for a turnkey solution
3. Configure your domain (e.g., matrix.yourcompany.com)
4. Set up user authentication (LDAP, SSO, or local accounts)

Self-hosting gives you complete data sovereignty and is recommended for any team handling sensitive information.

Step 2: Install Element Clients

Ensure all team members have access:

• Desktop: Download from element.io for Windows, macOS, or Linux
• Web: Access via app.element.io or your self-hosted instance
• Mobile: Available on App Store and Google Play
• Sign in with your Matrix homeserver URL if self-hosting

Step 3: Create Rooms and Spaces

Replicate your Slack workspace structure:

1. Create a Space for your organisation (equivalent to a Slack workspace)
2. Create rooms within the Space for each team or topic (equivalent to Slack channels)
3. Set room permissions: public within the Space, invite-only, or encrypted
4. Pin important messages and set room topics
5. Create a #general room for company-wide announcements

Step 4: Migrate Channels and History

While there is no one-click Slack import, you can transfer essential content:

1. Export Slack data: Workspace admins can export from Slack’s admin settings
2. Review exported JSON files for important messages, files, and pinned items
3. Upload critical shared files to relevant Element rooms
4. Copy pinned messages and important resources into room topics or pinned messages
5. For automated migration, community tools like slack-matrix-migration can help convert Slack exports

Step 5: Onboard Your Team

A smooth human transition is the most important step:

1. Send invitations to all team members with clear instructions
2. Host a brief orientation session demonstrating Element basics
3. Set a transition timeline: run both platforms in parallel for 1-2 weeks
4. Designate Element champions in each team to help colleagues
5. After the parallel period, set Slack to read-only and make Element the primary platform

Tips for a Smooth Migration

• Use Element’s bridge feature to connect with external Slack, IRC, or Teams users during the transition
• Enable end-to-end encryption for sensitive rooms and ensure everyone verifies their devices
• Set up integrations (bots, webhooks) to replace Slack apps your team depends on
• Configure push notifications carefully to avoid notification fatigue during the transition
• Explore Element’s threads feature for organised discussions within rooms