# Channel types, default channels and multi-workspace channels

*Slack Consultant Study Guide · Channel Strategy · Last updated October 21, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/slack-consultant/channel-strategy/channel-types-default-channels-and-multi-workspace-channels*

Public versus private channels, why #general is fixed, how workspace and org-wide default channels behave, when a multi-workspace channel replaces a new workspace, and when the Channel Strategy Session runs and who attends.

- Certification: Salesforce Slack Consultant
- Exam section: Channel Strategy
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/slack-consultant

**Official exam objective:**

> Articulate channel basics and best practices.

## What the exam expects

- Recommend public or private for a channel from who must be able to find, read and join it.
- Explain what is fixed about #general and what a client can and cannot do with it.
- Set workspace default channels and org-wide default channels, choose required or optional membership, and predict who gets added.
- Recommend a multi-workspace channel (not a new workspace, an org-wide channel or Slack Connect) for cross-workspace work inside one Enterprise org.
- Explain why a client launches with an initial channel set, and place the Channel Strategy Session in the project with the right attendees.

Key terms:
- **Public channel:** findable, readable and joinable by every workspace member (not guests); content shows in members' search.
- **Private channel:** members are added by an existing member; content is searchable only by members.
- **Default channel:** a public channel that new members join automatically.
- **Multi-workspace channel:** one channel shared with selected workspaces of an Enterprise organization (Enterprise Grid or Enterprise+ plan).
- **Org-wide channel:** a channel present in every workspace of the org.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New channel visibility | Public by default; recommended unless content is for a private audience | [Channel types and settings](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-channel-strategy-basics/explore-channel-types) |
| Private channel access | Added by an existing member; searchable only by members | [What is a channel?](https://slack.com/help/articles/360017938993) |
| #general | Members auto-added, can't leave; can't be archived, deleted or made private | [What is a channel?](https://slack.com/help/articles/360017938993) |
| Default channel type | Public only; guests not added | [Set default channels](https://slack.com/help/articles/201898998) |
| Workspace defaults | Existing members are not added when a default is set | [Set default channels](https://slack.com/help/articles/201898998) |
| Org-wide defaults | Public org-wide multi-workspace channel; up to 25; Optional or Required | [Set default channels](https://slack.com/help/articles/201898998) |
| Recommended starting defaults | #announcements-global and #help-slack | [Channel types and settings](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-channel-strategy-basics/explore-channel-types) |
| Multi-workspace channel permission | Org Owners and Org Admins decide who can create them | [Manage multi-workspace channels](https://slack.com/help/articles/115004485887-Manage-multi-workspace-channels-on-Enterprise-Grid) |
| Posting permissions beyond #general | Business+ and Enterprise+ | [Slack plans and features](https://slack.com/help/articles/115003205446-Slack-plans-and-features) |
| Channel Strategy Session timing | After Grid Design Workshop, before Governance Session | [Develop a channel strategy](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-channel-strategy-basics/develop-a-channel-strategy) |

## Check yourself

- Why does Slack recommend public channels over private ones whenever possible?
- When a Workspace Admin sets a new default channel, who is added to it?
- Which three things can no one do to #general?
- When should a consultant recommend a multi-workspace channel instead of a new workspace?
- Who should attend the Channel Strategy Session?

## Sources

- [What is a channel?](https://slack.com/help/articles/360017938993)
- [Understand Channel Types and Settings for Effective Collaboration](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-channel-strategy-basics/explore-channel-types)
- [Set default channels for new members](https://slack.com/help/articles/201898998)
- [Create an Effective Channel Strategy for Slack Success](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-channel-strategy-basics/develop-a-channel-strategy)
- [Streamline Slack Channel Creation for Better Collaboration](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-channel-strategy-basics/create-channels-with-purpose)
- [Manage multi-workspace channels](https://slack.com/help/articles/115004485887-Manage-multi-workspace-channels-on-Enterprise-Grid)
- [Manage channel posting permissions](https://slack.com/help/articles/360004635551)
- [Slack plans and features](https://slack.com/help/articles/115003205446-Slack-plans-and-features)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 10 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Slack Consultant pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams