## Set up the Slack connector

Configure the Slack connector in [AI Studio](https://app.writer.com/aistudio) under **Connectors & Tools**. The Slack connector supports two authentication options:

- **WRITER-managed OAuth** (recommended): Writer provides the OAuth application. No setup required - just authorize access to your Slack workspace.
- **Organization-managed OAuth**: Create your own Slack OAuth application for custom branding and control.

Most users should choose WRITER-managed OAuth for faster setup. Only use organization-managed OAuth if you need custom branding or have specific security requirements.

### Create a Slack OAuth application (organization-managed only)

Create an OAuth 2.0 application in Slack:

1. Navigate to the [Slack API Apps page](https://api.slack.com/apps)
2. Create a new app (select “From scratch”)
3. Navigate to **OAuth & Permissions** in the sidebar
4. Under **Scopes**, locate the **User Token Scopes** section (not Bot Token Scopes) and add the [required scopes](https://dev.writer.com/connectors/slack#required-oauth-scopes)
5. Add the Writer redirect URI to Redirect URLs:

```
   https://app.writer.com/mcp/oauth/callback
   ```

If your organization is deployed in the EU, use `https://app.eu2.writer.com/mcp/oauth/callback` instead.

6. Under **Advanced token security via token rotation**, enable **Token Rotation**
7. Navigate to **Basic Information**
8. Copy the client ID and client secret for use in [AI Studio](https://dev.writer.com/connectors/slack#configure-the-connector-in-ai-studio)

For detailed instructions, see [Slack’s OAuth documentation](https://api.slack.com/authentication/oauth-v2).

#### Required OAuth scopes

- `search:read.public` - Search public channel content
- `search:read.private` - Search private channel content
- `search:read.mpim` - Search multi-party direct messages
- `search:read.im` - Search direct messages
- `search:read.files` - Search files
- `search:read.users` - Search user information
- `chat:write` - Send messages as the user
- `channels:history` - View messages in public channels
- `mpim:history` - View messages in multi-party direct messages
- `im:history` - View messages in direct messages
- `canvases:read` - View Canvas documents
- `canvases:write` - Create and edit Canvas documents
- `users:read` - View users in the workspace
- `users:read.email` - View email addresses of users

OAuth scopes are fixed per connector and cannot be customized based on enabled tools. When users authorize the Slack connector, they will grant all the scopes listed above, even if you disable certain tools in AI Studio.

### Configure the connector in AI Studio

1. Navigate to **Connectors & Tools** in [AI Studio](https://app.writer.com/aistudio)
2. Select the Slack connector
3. Select who has access by default (all users or specific teams)
4. Select the connection type:
   - **Level**: User level (each user authenticates their own account) or org level (shared connection to a single account)
   - **Managed by**: WRITER-managed or self-managed (your own OAuth app)
5. Select which tools to enable for your agents
6. Enter your OAuth client ID and client secret (if using self-managed OAuth)
7. Complete the OAuth authorization flow

## Next steps

- [Set up connectors](https://support.writer.com/article/299-setting-up-connectors): Learn how to configure and enable connectors in AI Studio
- [Tool calling guide](https://dev.writer.com/home/tool-calling): Understand how AI agents use tools in conversations
- [WRITER Agent guide](https://support.writer.com/article/293-how-to-use-action-agent): Learn how to use WRITER Agent with connected tools
- [MCP gateway overview](https://dev.writer.com/home/mcp-gateway): Learn about Writer’s MCP gateway architecture