Intermediate
How to create workflow automations on Slack
Quick Answer
Slack workflow automations are created using Workflow Builder, accessible from the main menu. You can set up triggers like new channel messages or scheduled times, then define automated actions like sending messages, creating channels, or updating user statuses.
Prerequisites
- Slack workspace admin or member permissions
- Basic understanding of Slack channels and messages
- Access to Slack's Workflow Builder feature
- Understanding of automation triggers and actions
1
Access Workflow Builder
Click on your workspace name in the top-left corner of Slack. From the dropdown menu, select Tools and then click Workflow Builder. If you don't see this option, contact your workspace admin to enable the feature or check if you have the necessary permissions.
Tip
You can also access Workflow Builder by typing /workflow in any channel's message box.
2
Create a new workflow
In the Workflow Builder interface, click the Create button or + New Workflow. Enter a descriptive name for your workflow in the Workflow name field, such as "Welcome new team members" or "Daily standup reminder". Add an optional description to help team members understand the workflow's purpose.
Tip
Use clear, descriptive names that explain what the workflow does to make it easier for team members to understand.
3
Choose a trigger
Select how your workflow will start by clicking Add Trigger. Choose from options like:
- New message posted to channel - triggers when someone posts in a specific channel
- Scheduled - runs at specific times or intervals
- Webhook - triggered by external applications
- Shortcut - manually triggered by team members
Tip
Start with simple triggers like shortcuts or scheduled messages before moving to more complex webhook integrations.
4
Add workflow steps
Click Add Step to define what happens when the workflow triggers. Select from available actions:
- Send a message - post to channels or DMs
- Send a form - collect information from users
- Create a channel - automatically create new channels
- Add people to a channel - invite users to specific channels
Tip
You can add multiple steps to create complex workflows, and use variables from previous steps in later actions.
5
Customize step variables
Use the Insert a variable button to add dynamic content to your workflow steps. Variables can include information like:
- User names and profiles
- Channel names
- Time and date stamps
- Form responses from previous steps
Tip
Variables make workflows more personalized and dynamic - use them to address users by name or reference specific channels.
6
Test your workflow
Before publishing, click Test workflow to ensure it works correctly. Follow the test prompts to verify each step functions as expected. Check that messages appear in the right channels, variables populate correctly, and any forms or actions work properly. Make adjustments if needed by editing individual steps.
Tip
Always test workflows in a private channel or with a small group before deploying to larger teams.
7
Publish and activate
Once testing is complete, click Publish to make your workflow active. The workflow will now run automatically based on your configured triggers. You can view workflow activity and performance in the Workflow Builder dashboard. To share the workflow with team members, use the Share button to provide access or instructions.
Tip
Monitor your workflows regularly and gather feedback from team members to optimize and improve automation effectiveness.
Troubleshooting
Workflow Builder option is not visible in the Tools menu
Contact your Slack workspace admin to enable Workflow Builder. This feature may be disabled in your workspace settings or you may need upgraded permissions to access it.
Workflow triggers are not firing as expected
Check that your trigger conditions are correctly configured and that the workflow is published (not just saved as draft). Verify channel permissions and ensure the triggering events are actually occurring in the specified channels.
Variables are not populating correctly in messages
Ensure you're using the Insert a variable button rather than typing variable names manually. Check that the variable source (like a previous form step) is properly configured and providing the expected data.
Team members cannot see or use the workflow
Verify the workflow is published and not in draft mode. Check that team members have appropriate permissions for the channels involved in the workflow. Use the Share feature to provide access instructions to team members.
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Put this tutorial into practice. Visit Slack and follow the steps above.
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