Guide to Slack Workflow Builder

Workflow Builder helps you automate routine tasks and processes in your Slack workspace or Enterprise Grid organization. Workflows can be as simple or as complex as you’d like, and can even be connected to other apps you use to get work done.


Slack administration: Manage Workflow Builder in Slack

Slack admins can ensure members are building and using workflows in a way that complies with workspace or organization policies by reviewing the following options for Workflow Builder administration:


Build a workflow in Slack

By default, anyone can build a workflow in Slack, and there are two options to get started: you can create a workflow from a template, or, if you need further customization, you can build one from scratch. Either way, the guidance below will help get your workflow up and running, and ready to use in your workspace or org.


Get started with templates

If you’re new to building workflows, these tutorials will guide you through building a workflow using a template as your starting point:


Build from scratch

For more advanced workflows, or for tasks that don’t already have a template, you can build a workflow from scratch:


Add connector steps

Whether you start from scratch or use a template, the steps you add to workflow will accomplish a task. If you'd like the workflow to carry out an action in a third-party service, you can add connector steps.

These steps require you to authenticate your account with the third-party service, and may require additional approval or configuration before they can be used in a workflow. For additional guidance, see:  


Manage existing workflows

Once a workflow is published, the person who created it and any workflow managers can:


Use workflows in Slack

The workflows that can be found and used in your workspace or org are unique to your organization's needs and processes. If you aren't sure when to use a workflow, or what it's designed to accomplish, it's best to reach out to the person who built the workflow for more information.


Start workflows

If a workflow is designed to start with a link, you need to find and click that link to use the workflow. These links are designed to be shared anywhere in Slack, so that you can start them no matter what channel or direct message (DM) you’re working in.

You can add workflow links to a canvas, or send them in a message for yourself or others to click. You can also browse for workflows that start with a link in the following places in Slack:

  • Workflow gallery
    From your desktop, hover over   More in the sidebar, then click  Automations. Select  Workflows to browse all of the workflows in your workspace or org.
  • Search
    From your desktop, click the search bar. Type the name of a workflow and select it from the list of results. On mobile, tap Search, then tap Workflows
  • Shortcuts menu
    In any conversation, click the   slash icon in the message field, then start typing the name of a workflow to select it from the menu

Workflows that are built to start on a schedule will start automatically. Other workflows are tied to a conversation and will start based on common Slack actions that happen there. Some actions you might take to start a workflow are:

To see which workflows start or have steps that occur in a specific conversation, view the conversation details


Complete workflow prompts

Once the workflow starts, its steps will run automatically. As the workflow completes each step, you might be prompted to fill out a form, click a button, or authenticate with a third-party service to continue to the next step. 


Share or copy workflows

If someone in your workspace can't find a workflow, or you want to send a workflow to someone who would find it useful, you can share the workflow.

By default, you can also make a copy of any workflow so that you can use its steps, and modify them to suit your needs.

 

Who can use this feature?
  • By default, all members can create workflows, and members and guests can use them
  • Available on paid plans