Connecting OpenClaw to Slack

Slack Integration

Bring OpenClaw into your Slack workspace as an AI assistant that your whole team can use.

Creating a Slack App

Step 1: Create the App

1. Go to api.slack.com/apps
2. Click "Create New App" → "From scratch"
3. Name your app and select your workspace

Step 2: Configure Permissions

Under OAuth & Permissions, add these Bot Token Scopes:

• chat:write — Send messages
• channels:history — Read channel messages
• groups:history — Read private channel messages
• im:history — Read direct messages
• app_mentions:read — Detect when mentioned
• files:read — Read shared files

Step 3: Install to Workspace

Click "Install to Workspace" and authorize. Copy the Bot User OAuth Token.

Step 4: Enable Event Subscriptions

Under Event Subscriptions:

• Enable events
• Subscribe to: message.channels, message.groups, message.im, app_mention

Configuring OpenClaw

{
  "channels": {
    "slack": {
      "enabled": true,
      "bot_token": "xoxb-YOUR-BOT-TOKEN",
      "app_token": "xapp-YOUR-APP-TOKEN"
    }
  }
}

Usage Patterns

Channel Assistant

Add the bot to specific channels. It responds when mentioned: @OpenClaw summarize the last 10 messages

Direct Messages

Team members can DM the bot for private AI conversations.

Thread Replies

The bot responds in threads to keep channels organized.

Team Configuration Tips

• Create a dedicated #ai-assistant channel
• Use Slack's channel permissions to control access
• Set up different skills for work-related tasks
• Consider per-channel behavior rules in your skills