1. Slack
  2. Extras
  3. Additional info

Build a workflow

Workflow Builder offers a set of tools to help you automate routine processes into workflows that you can use in Slack. Workflows can be as simple or as complex as you like, and can even be connected to other apps and services that 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 that 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.
Workflow manager A member of your workspace who has permission to manage your workflow. Any workflow manager can edit, unpublish or delete a workflow. They can also add and remove other workflow managers.

 

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, hover over   More in the tab bar.
  2. Select   Automations.
  3. Click   Templates, then select a template you want to use.
  4. Click the Use this template button, then follow the prompts to customise the template if you'd like to change how the workflow starts, steps, or any variables.
  5. When you’ve finished customising the template, continue to the following section to publish your workflow.
  1. From your desktop, hover over   More in the tab bar.
  2. Select   Automations.
  3. Click Create Workflow near the top-right corner.
  4. Choose how your workflow will start from the list and fill in additional information when prompted.
  5. Add steps to your workflow.
  6. When you’ve finished 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 straight away. Follow these steps to publish your workflow:

  1. If you haven’t already, build your workflow using the steps above.
  2. Click Finish Up near the top of the Workflow Builder window, then give your workflow a name and click Next.
  3. Add workflow managers and edit permissions if you’d like to, then click Publish.
  4. Tell the people that 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.

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