Build a workflow

Workflow Builder offers a set of tools to help you automate routine processes into workflows you can use in Slack. Workflows can be as simple or as complex as you'd like, and can even be connected to other apps and services you use to get work done.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to:

  • Build a workflow
  • Publish a workflow

Tip: If you’re new to workflows, we recommend visiting the previous tutorial to learn about workflows and ways to use them.

 

Build a workflow

Whether you plan to create a workflow from scratch or use a template, it’s helpful to know some key terms.

Term Definition Example
Trigger This is how your workflow will start. A workflow could start by clicking a link or by an action, like joining a channel.
Steps The actions you want your workflow to take. A step could send a message or collect information using a form. You can also add steps from third-party apps.
Variables Any information submitted to your workflow that can be referenced somewhere else. A variable could be the name of whomever ran the workflow, and it could be included in a message welcoming them to a channel.
Collaborator A member of your workspace who has permission to manage your workflow. Any collaborator can edit, unpublish, or delete a workflow. They can also add and remove other collaborators.

 

Now that you’re familiar with the key terms, follow these steps to start building your workflow:

Use a template

Start from scratch

  1. From your desktop, click your workspace name in the top left.
  2. Select Tools from the menu, then click Workflow Builder.
  3. Click Create Workflow.
  4. Click More templates to see all workflow templates.
  5. Select a template from the left to see a preview, then click the Use this template button. Or you can click More templates to choose a template from the full list.
  6. Follow the prompts to customize the template if you'd like to change how the workflow starts, steps, or any variables.
  7. When you’re done customizing the template, continue to the following section to publish your workflow.
  1. From your desktop, click your workspace name in the top left.
  2. Select Tools from the menu, then click Workflow Builder.
  3. Click Create Workflow.
  4. Choose how your workflow will start from from the list, and fill in additional information when prompted.
  5. Add steps to your workflow.
  6. When you’re done setting things up, continue to the following section to publish your workflow.

 

Publish your workflow

When you publish a workflow, it will be available for people to use right away. Follow these steps to publish your workflow:

  1. If you haven’t already, build your workflow using the steps above.
  2. Click Publish near the top of the Workflow Builder window.
  3. Tell the people you work with what the workflow does and how they can start using it!

 

Learn more

If you’ve built your first workflow and you’re comfortable with diving in deeper, take a look at some of our other help resources for Workflow Builder.

Workflow Builder offers a set of tools to help you automate routine processes into workflows you can use in Slack. Workflows can be as simple or as complex as you'd like, and can even be connected to other apps and services you use to get work done.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to:

  • Build a workflow
  • Publish a workflow

Tip: If you’re new to workflows, we recommend visiting the previous tutorial to learn about workflows and ways to use them.

 

Build a workflow

Whether you plan to create a workflow from scratch or use a template, it’s helpful to know some key terms.

Term Definition Example
Trigger This is how your workflow will start. A workflow could start by clicking a link or by an action, like joining a channel.
Steps The actions you want your workflow to take. A step could send a message or collect information using a form. You can also add steps from third-party apps.
Variables Any information submitted to your workflow that can be referenced somewhere else. A variable could be the name of whomever ran the workflow, and it could be included in a message welcoming them to a channel.
Collaborator A member of your workspace who has permission to manage your workflow. Any collaborator can edit, unpublish, or delete a workflow. They can also add and remove other collaborators.

 

Now that you’re familiar with the key terms, follow these steps to start building your workflow:

Use a template

Start from scratch

  1. From your desktop, click your workspace name in the sidebar.
  2. Select Tools & settings from the menu, then click Workflow Builder.
  3. Click Create Workflow.
  4. Click See more templates to see all workflow templates.
  5. Select a template from the left to see a preview, then click the Use this template button. Or you can click More templates to choose a template from the full list.
  6. Follow the prompts to customize the template if you'd like to change how the workflow starts, steps, or any variables.
  7. When you’re done customizing the template, continue to the following section to publish your workflow.
  1. From your desktop, click your workspace name in the sidebar.
  2. Select Tools & settings from the menu, then click Workflow Builder.
  3. Click Create Workflow.
  4. Choose how your workflow will start from from the list, and fill in additional information when prompted.
  5. Add steps to your workflow.
  6. When you’re done setting things up, continue to the following section to publish your workflow.

 

Publish your workflow

When you publish a workflow, it will be available for people to use right away. Follow these steps to publish your workflow:

  1. If you haven’t already, build your workflow using the steps above.
  2. Click Publish near the top of the Workflow Builder window.
  3. Tell the people you work with what the workflow does and how they can start using it!

 

Learn more

If you’ve built your first workflow and you’re comfortable with diving in deeper, take a look at some of our other help resources for Workflow Builder.