# Create an agent on Slack

import { Steps } from "@astrojs/starlight/components"
import Prereqs from "@docs/Prereqs.astro"

In this tutorial you'll build a custom agent in the Ren UI, connect it to a Slack channel, and start a conversation with it directly from Slack. Everything here happens in the UI. No CLI required.

<Prereqs>
  - A Ren account - A Slack workspace where you can install apps (or an admin who can approve the Ren Slack app)
</Prereqs>

## 1. Create a custom agent

In the Ren dashboard, open **Agents** and click **New agent**.

<Steps>

1. Give the agent a **name** and an **icon** so it's easy to recognize in Slack.
2. Write a **system prompt** that defines what the agent does and how it should behave. Keep it specific.
3. Pick a **model** for this version.
4. Save to publish the agent's first version.

</Steps>

{/* TODO(demo): screen recording – creating an agent in the UI, ~15s loop */}

Your agent now lives in your default project on your auto-provisioned pod. You can attach [skills](/docs/deep-dives/concepts/agents/skills/) and [MCP servers](/docs/deep-dives/concepts/agents/mcps/) later to expand what it can do.

## 2. Connect Slack

Open **Integrations → Slack** and click **Connect**. Ren walks you through installing the Slack app and authorizing your Slack workspace.

<Steps>

1. Approve the Ren Slack app in your Slack workspace.
2. Choose the **channel** where the agent should be available.
3. Select the **agent** you created in step 1 as the channel's agent.

</Steps>

Once connected, the agent is a member of that channel and listens for messages directed at it.

## 3. Start a chat from Slack

In the connected Slack channel, mention the agent or send it a direct message:

```text
@your-agent Summarize the latest release notes and post the highlights here.
```

The agent runs on Ren, streams its work back into the Slack thread, and replies in the channel. Every exchange is captured as a [session](/docs/deep-dives/concepts/agents/sessions/) you can open and replay from the dashboard.

{/* TODO(demo): screen recording – mentioning the agent in Slack and getting a reply, ~15s loop */}

## What you built

| Piece         | What it does                                            |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| Agent         | A custom agent with your system prompt and model        |
| Slack channel | Where teammates talk to the agent in their own workflow |
| Session       | A recorded, replayable record of each conversation      |

## Next steps

- Give the agent more capability with a [skill](/docs/guides/build-and-run/create-a-skill/) or a [custom MCP](/docs/guides/build-and-run/create-a-custom-mcp/).
- Let it run on a schedule with [Schedule tasks](/docs/guides/automate/schedule-cron-trigger/).
- Connect more tools from the [Integrate](/docs/guides/integrate/slack/) guides.