> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.xpander.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Slack

> Learn how to integrate AI agents with Slack using xpander.ai. Create seamless workflows that automate repetitive tasks, provide instant insights, and enhance team collaboration by leveraging AI-powered assistants directly within your Slack channels and conversations.

<Info>
  **Looking for Slack-native AI agents?** Check out our [Slack Agents](/guides/deploy/slack) feature for the fastest way to deploy AI agents directly to Slack with Smart Engage™ technology, built-in OAuth, and zero infrastructure setup.
</Info>

## About Slack

Slack is a cloud-based communication and collaboration platform designed to streamline team interactions, replacing traditional email chains and enhancing productivity.

Key features include:

* **Channels**: Organize conversations by topics, projects, or teams. Channels can be public (open to all members) or private (restricted access).

* **Direct Messaging**: Send private messages to individuals or groups for more focused discussions.

* **Huddles**: Initiate quick audio or video calls within channels or direct messages to facilitate real-time conversations.

* **File Sharing**: Easily share documents, images, and other files within conversations, with the ability to integrate with services like Google Drive and Dropbox.

* **Integrations**: Connect with over 2,400 third-party applications, including Google Calendar, Asana, and Salesforce, to centralize your workflow.

* **Searchable History**: Access and search through past messages and files, ensuring important information is always retrievable.

* **Automation**: Utilize tools like Workflow Builder to automate repetitive tasks and processes, enhancing efficiency.

## Authentication Options

Below are possible authentication options you can choose:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Built-in xpander.ai Auth">
    The simplest way to connect Slack is by using xpander.ai's built-in authentication:

    1. Go to the **Connectors** section in the sidebar of your xpander.ai dashboard.
    2. Select **Slack** from the available integrations.
    3. Click **Sign in with Slack**.
    4. Grant xpander.ai permission to access specific channels in your Slack workspace.
    5. Your Slack integration is now ready to use.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="API Access">
    ### Generate a Slack API Key

    1. Log in to [Slack Apps](https://api.slack.com/apps).

    2. Click **Create an App**, then select **From scratch**.

    3. Give your app a name, and select the Slack workspace you want to develop it in.

           <img src="https://mintcdn.com/xpanderai-099931d1/sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf/images/connectors/slack/img_1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf&q=85&s=156b7ab1cd26fde4155e33441a9d66f8" alt="Img 1" width="2915" height="1451" data-path="images/connectors/slack/img_1.png" />

    4. After clicking **Create App**, go to the **OAuth & Permissions** section in the sidebar.

           <img src="https://mintcdn.com/xpanderai-099931d1/sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf/images/connectors/slack/img_2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf&q=85&s=155f5e97877dc6876435bedfe4bb58de" alt="Img 2" width="2911" height="1449" data-path="images/connectors/slack/img_2.png" />

    5. Under the **Scopes** section, in **Bot Token Scopes**, click **Add an OAuth Scope** and select the permissions your app needs.\
       You can browse all available scopes [here](https://api.slack.com/scopes).

           <img src="https://mintcdn.com/xpanderai-099931d1/sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf/images/connectors/slack/img_3.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf&q=85&s=5900134a1667e75b134d4e8776fb1aa4" alt="Img 3" width="2893" height="1424" data-path="images/connectors/slack/img_3.png" />

    6. Still in **OAuth & Permissions**, scroll to **OAuth Tokens** and click **Install to \<YOUR-WORKSPACE>**.

           <img src="https://mintcdn.com/xpanderai-099931d1/sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf/images/connectors/slack/img_4.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf&q=85&s=dfd2b1148662a7410e979f235a02bb0f" alt="Img 4" width="2897" height="1890" data-path="images/connectors/slack/img_4.png" />

    7. After installation, your Slack access token will be displayed—make sure to save it securely.

           <img src="https://mintcdn.com/xpanderai-099931d1/sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf/images/connectors/slack/img_5.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf&q=85&s=44d63621c8b744d0fa01217b89f0a06a" alt="Img 5" width="2889" height="1900" data-path="images/connectors/slack/img_5.png" />

    ### Integrate Slack into xpander.ai

    1. Go to the **Connectors** section in the sidebar of your xpander.ai dashboard.
    2. Select **Slack** from the available integrations.
    3. Click **Other auth options**.
    4. Enter a **connector name**, e.g., "xpander-slack".
    5. Choose **Integration User** as the authentication mode.
    6. Select **API Key** as the authentication method.
    7. Paste the Slack access token into the provided field.
    8. Set the **Auth Type** to **Bearer**.
    9. Save the configuration.

           <img src="https://mintcdn.com/xpanderai-099931d1/sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf/images/connectors/slack/img_6.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf&q=85&s=2101c0d2c1dfb19056b4faa0d0c567ba" alt="Img 6" width="3815" height="1981" data-path="images/connectors/slack/img_6.png" />
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Integration of Slack into AI Agent

Once you've configured your Slack account with the authentication option(s) described above, you can integrate it into your AI agent with xpander.ai:

1. In your xpander.ai dashboard, go to the **Agent Configuration** tab and select **Tools**, then click **Add Tools**.
2. Select **Connectors**.
3. Choose **Slack** with the same **connector name** you configured in the previous section (e.g., xpander-slack).
4. Select the available Slack operations that suit your use case.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/xpanderai-099931d1/sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf/images/connectors/slack/img_7.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf&q=85&s=36af6d27ea3ddc0ade285bbb8a7f4898" alt="Img 7" width="2873" height="1458" data-path="images/connectors/slack/img_7.png" />

## Expose Slack as MCP Server

Alternatively, you can also expose your Slack account as an MCP server. To do so:

1. Go to the **Connectors** section in the sidebar of your xpander.ai dashboard.
2. Select **Slack** with the same **connector name** you configured in the previous section (e.g., xpander-slack).
3. Click **MCP Configuration**.
4. Enter the MCP configuration into the appropriate settings of the client app you want to use (e.g., Cursor, Windsurf, Claude Desktop, etc.).

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/xpanderai-099931d1/sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf/images/connectors/slack/img_8.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sRFk58mKeQVVrCwf&q=85&s=4e6e6f653873811d3e648246c44748e5" alt="Img 8" width="2850" height="1445" data-path="images/connectors/slack/img_8.png" />

## AI Agent Slack Prompt Library

Below are possible prompts or use cases you can try after integrating Slack into your xpander AI agent:

```
Could you invite {user_name} to the #marketing-team channel?
```

```
Can you create a new private channel called {channel_name} for our upcoming project?
```

```
Would you schedule a reminder message about the {event_name} for next Friday at 3pm?
```

```
Can you share the {document_name} file with the #product-team channel?
```

## Related Resources

* [Understanding Model Context Protocol (MCP)](/guides/deploy/mcp)
* [Slack API Documentation](https://api.slack.com/quickstart)