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How to Automate Repetitive Tasks with Slack Workflow Builder

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Open Workflow Builder

    Click your workspace name, choose "Tools" or "Automations" from the menu, and select "Workflow Builder."

  2. Start creating a new workflow

    Click "Create" and give the workflow a name that describes the task it will handle.

  3. Choose a trigger

    Pick what will kick off the workflow -- a shortcut typed into a message, someone joining a specific channel, a scheduled date and time, or an incoming webhook.

  4. Add steps

    Use the "Add Step" button to stack up actions in order, such as sending a form to collect information, posting an automatic message, or connecting to another app.

  5. Test the workflow

    Before publishing, click "Test" to confirm the trigger fires correctly and that each step runs the way you intended.

  6. Publish the workflow

    Once testing looks good, click "Publish" to activate it -- you can always come back and edit or turn it off later.

Automation without writing a single line of code

Tasks that repeat in exactly the same way every time -- welcoming new hires, routing time-off requests, or asking for a weekly status update -- only need to be set up once in Workflow Builder, and after that they run themselves.

Start small and build up

It's easier to get a workflow right if you start with a single trigger and one or two steps, confirm it behaves the way you expect, and only then add more steps or branches. Trying to automate a whole complicated process on the first attempt is where most workflows go wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Workflow Builder available on a free plan?

The core Workflow Builder is included on most paid plans, while free plans tend to have limits on the features and the number of workflows you can create.

Can I edit a workflow after it's been published?

Yes -- you can open any existing workflow from the Workflow Builder list at any time to adjust its trigger or steps and republish it.