Previously, if you wanted easy access to content related to a project, you would create a Slack channel to share documents, links, and other relevant details. Unfortunately, finding the resources later would require extensive searching or scrolling through abundant information.
Recognizing this limitation, Slack has introduced an innovative tool called Canvas. What is Slack Canvas, and how can it help your organization work better? Let’s take a look.
What Is Slack Canvas?
On April 25th, 2023,Slack announcedSlack Canvas as the specific hub for knowledge generation and team-wide sharing in a bustling online work environment.
Instead of having resources scattered over a chat channel, you’re able to store files, links, people, plain text, and even in-app functions like service requests within the canvas. It’s like having a central system where you can track important tasks and share useful tools.
Every conversation or channel inthe Slack application—on all plans—now has its own Canvas for storing and organizing information. Alternatively, if you’re on a paid plan, you can create a canvas—not linked to any DM or channel—and share it with the necessary team members or bring them intoSlack huddle chats.
Canvas works without code prompts, so it’s easy for your colleagues or employees to discover, provide, and edit information and instructions. Like a cloud document app, you’re able to add comments, view the change history, and control who can see and interact with the canvas.
you may also view and edit Canvases on your Android and iOS devices. However, the current functionality doesn’t allow deletion of Canvases on mobile platforms.
How Does Slack Canvas Work?
There are two ways to use Slack Canvases. Here’s how to use a canvas in a conversation:
Head to the channel, group, or DM in which you want to use Slack Canvas. You’ll find the canvas icon in the top-right corner.
If you’re using a mobile device, this icon will only be visible if you’ve already created a canvas in the chat.
When you click the canvas icon, you can choose a blank page, notes template, to-do list, or resources template.
Anyone who can post in the channel, group, or DM can edit the canvas. If you are restricted from posting, you’ll also be unable to edit canvases; you’ll only be able to view them.
You can mention specific team members in the canvases, and they’ll be notified.
Alternatively, you can create an individual canvas.
ClickCanvasesin your Slack sidebar or homepage if you’re using a mobile device. This feature is only available on paid plans.
Then, clickNew Canvas. This option will only be available on mobile if you’re creating a canvas for the first time. Once you have available canvases, you can only view and edit them on mobile.
After creating a canvas, you’ll need to determine who can view, comment, or edit it.
Slack Canvas works seamlessly, and you’ll find it quite easy to use.
4 Ways You Can Use Slack Canvas to Improve Your Workflow
Slack Canvases enhance the sharing, organization, and use of information in channels andDMs (direct messages). This empowers your team to reduce the time spent on information retrieval and allows them to allocate more time to propel their work forward.
Here are four ways Slack Canvas can improve your workflow.
1. Single-View Database
Slack Canvas provides a unified view where all essential information is captured in one place. This eliminates the need to search through multiple sources, such as emails, chats, and shared documents, saving time and reducing information fragmentation.
2. Monitor Team Processes
Slack Canvas allows teams to track and monitor their processes effectively. It provides a dedicated space to log meeting notes, track action items, share relevant links and resources, and create overviews with frequently asked questions (FAQs).
This streamlines team workflows and ensures that everyone has access to up-to-date information. Teams often need help keeping track of action items discussed during meetings.
With Slack Canvas, team members can document and update action items in real-time, ensuring accountability and progress tracking. This helps the team stay organized and aligned toward achieving their goals.
3. Foster Real-Time Collaborations
Remote or distributed teams face challenges in collaborating effectively and maintaining clear communication.
Slack Canvas promotes real-time collaboration within teams. It allows team members to bring a Canvas directly into a huddle, enabling simultaneous viewing, live discussions, and real-time edits.
4. Share Knowledge Across Teams
Slack Canvas facilitates the sharing of knowledge and information across teams. Teams can document and curate knowledge specific to a topic or project by creating a Canvas. This knowledge can include best practices, guidelines, and key stakeholder information.
For instance, in a company-wide product launch, various teams need access to information about the product, its features, and its target audience. Canvas allows the marketing, sales, and customer support teams to collaborate, store relevant resources, and share valuable insights easily.
Get Organized With Slack Canvas
Every organization seeks to push its productivity bar to the furthest reach. One way to get your team to work more efficiently is to improve communication, and the Canvas feature on Slack helps you do this!
