Users can search and join any public channels, without requiring permissions from an administrator, channel owner or moderator. Private channels (private groups) can only be joined by invitation and are not searchable to users who are not already a member. 

When a user joins a channel, they can read all the information previously shared by channel members. 

Joining a channel using the search bar

1. Click the Search icon in the left sidebar to search for a public channel. All public channels will appear in search.

2. Once the search bar opens, type in a name or topic to look for a channel. Channels are indicated by a "#" before the name. 

3. Click the channel you want to join. This will open the channel in the main application window where you can see a preview of the channel and scroll through previous messages.

4. If you wish to join the channel, click Join at the bottom of the page. 

Congratulations! You have now joined the public channel. You can now participate and start sending messages. This channel will now appear in the left sidebar under Channels. 

Joining a channel using the Directory

This is an alternative to the method above. 

If you don't know the exact name of the channel you wish to join, or you want to browse through available channels, the Directory may be useful. All public channels are listed in the Directory and can be browsed via search or various filters. 

1. Locate the Directory icon in the left sidebar. This will open the Directory panel in the main application window.

2. Use the search bar to find a channel, filter using the table headers, or simply scroll to browse through channels. Note: Make sure that the tab on the top is set to Channels.

3. Click the channel name to open it in the main application window. This will open the channel in the main application window where you can see a preview of the channel and scroll through previous messages. 

 4. If you wish to join the channel, click Join at the bottom of the page. 

Congratulations! You have now joined the public channel. You can now participate and start sending messages. This channel will now appear in the left sidebar under Channels.