Slack Canvas Writer
This document outlines the functionality and characteristics of the Slack Canvas Writer node, which enables creating and sharing formatted documents in Slack channels & threads.
Channel Access Guide
Private Channels
To create canvases in private channels, both conditions must be met:
- You must be a member of the private channel
- The Gumloop bot must be in the channel
Important Notes:
- Private channels won’t appear in the dropdown if you’re not a member, even if the bot is present
- For sensitive automation, use your Personal workspace instead of shared workspaces
- To add the bot, you have two options:
- Type
/invite @Gumloopin the channel, OR - Click the channel name → Add integrations/Add app → Search for “Gumloop”
- Type
Public Channels
- All public channels where the Gumloop bot is present will be available
- Add the bot using either:
/invite @Gumloopcommand in the channel- Channel name → Add integrations/Add app → Search for “Gumloop”
Node Inputs
The Slack Canvas Writer node requires the following inputs:
- Channel: The Slack channel where the canvas will be posted
- Canvas Title: The title of your canvas document
- Canvas Content: The main content of your canvas in markdown format
- Thread ID (Optional): The thread ID if you’re posting the canvas as a reply
- You can fetch this from the Slack Message Reader node dynamically
- Canvas Access Level: The access level granted to members of the channel where the canvas is shared. Options include:
- Read Only: Members can view the canvas but cannot make changes.
- Read and Write: Members can both view and edit the canvas.
Node Output
The Slack Canvas Writer node produces the following output:
- Canvas Link: A URL linking to the created canvas in Slack
Node Functionality
The Slack Canvas Writer node creates rich, formatted documents directly in Slack using Slack’s Canvas feature.
Key features include:
- Markdown formatting support
- Thread reply capabilities
- Loop Mode support for creating multiple canvases
- Secure authentication with Gumloop
When to Use
The Slack Canvas Writer node is particularly valuable when you need to share well-formatted content in Slack. Common use cases include:
- Documentation: Share process documents or guides
- Reports: Post formatted reports with proper structure
- Meeting Notes: Share well-organized meeting summaries
- Project Updates: Create detailed project status updates
Some specific examples:
- Weekly status reports
- Team documentation
- Training materials
- Process guidelines
Example Implementation
Weekly Status Report
Preview in Slack Canvas:
🎯 Week 47 Team Update
Key Achievements
- Launched v2.1 of the API
- Reduced load times by 40%
- Onboarded 3 new enterprise clients
Project Status
API v2.1 ✅ Done - Released on Tuesday
Mobile App 🚧 80% - Testing in progress
Analytics ⏳ 45% - Dependencies blocking
Next Week’s Goals
- Complete mobile app testing
- Start analytics dashboard
- Plan v2.2 features
Reminders
- Team meeting moved to 2 PM on Tuesday
- Submit expense reports by Friday
- Holiday schedule planning starts next week
Questions or Issues?
Reach out in the thread below! 👇
Important Considerations
- Requires Authentication with Slack - Set up in the Credentials page
- When replying to threads, ensure the channel matches the original message
- For multiple canvases, utilize Loop Mode
- The Gumloop app must be invited to channels where canvases will be posted
- Private channels require both user and bot membership for access
- Canvas content supports markdown formatting for better organization and readability
How To Use
-
Authenticate with your Slack workspace on Gumloop: Go to the Credentials page and link your Slack workspace.
-
Invite the Gumloop app to your channel: Type
/invite @Gumloopin the channel where you want to post canvases.
In summary, the Slack Canvas Writer node enhances team communication by enabling the creation of well-formatted documents directly in Slack, perfect for situations where regular messages aren’t sufficient for complex or structured content.