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

# Slack Canvas Writer

The **Slack Canvas Writer** node creates and shares formatted documents in Slack channels and threads using Slack's Canvas feature.

## Channel Access Requirements

<Info>
  To post canvases to a channel, you must be a member of that channel AND the Gumloop bot must be invited to the channel.
</Info>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Authenticate with Slack">
    Go to the [Connectors page](https://www.gumloop.com/personal/connectors) and connect your Slack workspace.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Join the Channel">
    Make sure you're a member of the channel where you want to post canvases. Private channels require an invite from an existing member.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Invite the Gumloop Bot">
    Type `/invite @Gumloop` in the channel, or click the channel name and select Add integrations/Add app to search for "Gumloop".

    <div align="center">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/agenthub/jPoPAi23OST-yycZ/images/slack_integration_add_app.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=jPoPAi23OST-yycZ&q=85&s=ec243ef55f5327573a97641e64e60fe1" alt="Adding Gumloop app to Slack channel" width="700" data-path="images/slack_integration_add_app.png" />
    </div>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the Channel">
    The channel will now appear in the dropdown menu in the node configuration.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Node Inputs

| Input                    | Description                                                                                                      |
| ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **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 posting as a reply. Fetch from [Slack Message Reader](/nodes/integrations/slack_message_reader) |
| **Canvas Access Level**  | Access level for channel members: **Read Only** or **Read and Write**                                            |

## Node Output

| Output          | Description                                  |
| --------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| **Canvas Link** | A URL linking to the created canvas in Slack |

## Key Features

* Markdown formatting support for rich content
* Thread reply capabilities for contextual discussions
* Loop Mode support for creating multiple canvases
* Configurable access levels for collaboration

## When to Use

The Slack Canvas Writer is ideal for sharing well-formatted content:

| Use Case            | Example                                           |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **Documentation**   | Process documents, guides, SOPs                   |
| **Reports**         | Weekly status reports, performance summaries      |
| **Meeting Notes**   | Well-organized meeting summaries and action items |
| **Project Updates** | Detailed project status updates with milestones   |

## Example Implementation

### Weekly Status Report

```markdown theme={"dark"}
# 🎯 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
1. Complete mobile app testing
2. Start analytics dashboard
3. 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! 👇
```

**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
>
> 1. Complete mobile app testing
> 2. Start analytics dashboard
> 3. 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

1. **Authentication**: Set up Slack authentication in the [Connectors page](https://www.gumloop.com/personal/connectors)
2. **Channel Membership**: You must be a member of the channel for it to appear in the dropdown
3. **Gumloop Bot Required**: The Gumloop bot must be invited to the channel using `/invite @Gumloop`
4. **Thread Replies**: When replying to threads, ensure the channel matches the original message
5. **Loop Mode**: Use Loop Mode for creating multiple canvases

## Advanced Slack Features

<Info>
  Need more advanced Slack capabilities like managing channels, uploading files, or adding reactions? Use the [Slack MCP node](/nodes/mcp/slack) to create custom Slack integrations with natural language prompts.
</Info>

## Learn More

* [Slack Canvas Documentation](https://slack.com/features/canvas)