Slack messages are built from blocks — modular components you combine to build exactly what you need. This guide covers available block types, when to use them, and how to configure them.
Prerequisites
Block types overview
| Block Type | Purpose | Use Cases |
|---|
| Header | Large, bold title | Message titles, section headers |
| Section | Main content area | Text with optional image/button |
| Context | Small supplementary info | Metadata, timestamps, authors |
| Actions | Interactive buttons | User actions, navigation |
| Divider | Visual separator | Separating content sections |
| Rich Text | Formatted text | Lists, quotes, code blocks |
| Table | Structured data | Reports, comparisons, data lists |
Put the header at the top of your message. Use sentence case or title case.
Section block
The main content block. Sections contain text and can include an optional accessory (image, button, or select menu) on the right.
Basic text:
Your order has been shipped!
Hi {{customer.name}}! Your order #{{order.id}} has been shipped and will arrive on {{delivery.date}}.
Status: {{order.status}} · Right: Total: ${{order.total}}
Context block
Small, muted text for metadata like timestamps or authors. Place at the bottom of sections.
Example elements:
Created by {{author.name}} · • · {{created_at}}
Renders as: Created by Sarah Chen • January 15, 2025
Actions block
Contains interactive buttons. Each button needs:
- Label: Text on the button (e.g. “Approve”, “View Details”)
- Action ID: Unique identifier (e.g.
approve_request)
- Style: Primary (green), Danger (red), or Default (gray)
- Value: Optional data when clicked (e.g.
{{request.id}})
Limit to 5 buttons per Actions block. See Interactive buttons for connecting buttons to webhooks and modals.
Divider block
A horizontal line between sections. Use sparingly (1–2 per message).
Rich Text block
Formatted text with lists, quotes, code blocks, and inline styling.
Formatting: *bold* · _italic_ · `code` · <url|text> for links
Table block
Display tabular data. Configure data path (e.g. products) and columns with placeholders like {{this.name}}, {{this.quantity}}. See Table blocks for structure, columns, and advanced options (experimental feature).
Combining blocks
Typical layout:
- Header — message title
- Section — primary content
- Divider — visual break
- Section — additional details
- Context — metadata
- Actions — buttons
Next steps
