Make file management easier with the integration of Slack and Google Drive!

For companies that utilize Slack in their operations, managing the files shared in daily interactions can be a significant challenge. As the number of files increases, it can become difficult to know where they are stored, and managing them can become cumbersome.
By integrating Slack with Google Drive, files posted on Slack can be automatically saved to Google Drive. This makes organizing files easier and eliminates unnecessary hassle, potentially greatly improving work efficiency!
This article provides a detailed explanation of the setup process using no-code tools, so be sure to give it a try!

Recommended for

Those who use both Slack and Google Drive
Those who want to manage files centrally in Google Drive without switching between the two tools
Those who want to prevent files posted on Slack from getting lost in messages

For those who want to try it immediately

This article introduces the integration method using the no-code tool "Yoom".
No complicated settings or operations are required, and even non-engineers can easily achieve this.
You can start immediately using the template below, so please give it a try!

[About Yoom]

How to Create a Slack and Google Drive Integration Flow

We will introduce the flow using Yoom's flow bot template, which allows you to automatically save files added to Slack into Google Drive.

Preparation

・Have a Slack account and post a file in the channel where you want to download data
・Google Drive account information and a dedicated folder to store files

Once you're ready, copy the flow bot and start editing!

The flow bot will be copied to My Projects.

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First, start with the Slack settings.

Slack Account Integration ① - Obtaining the Download URL

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(1/2) Select Your Account

・App Trigger → When a file is posted to a channel
・App → Slack
・Account information connected to Slack → Can be integrated with email address and password.
　Registering your app in the Yoom dashboard beforehand will make the process smoother.
・Trigger Action → "When a file is posted to a channel" is selected by default, so it's okay to leave it as is.

(2/2) API Connection Settings for the App Trigger

・Trigger Interval → The timing for trigger interval can be set to 5, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minutes.
※ Depending on your plan, the shortest interval for setting the trigger may vary, so please check that point. It is generally recommended to use the shortest activation interval for your plan.

・Channel ID → Clicking the blank will pick up candidate channels from the Slack workspace you just integrated.

Select the dedicated channel you created in advance.
Testing!

Success!

Looking at the output content, you can see that the necessary items for saving the file are automatically generated.
Next, we will set up the second Slack flow.

Slack Account Integration ② - Obtaining the Download URL

(1/2) Select the Integrated Account and Action

・Select the same Slack account as before.
・Action → Download posted file (default)‍

(2/2) API Connection Settings

・File Download Link → The link extracted earlier can be set by default.

Testing!

Success! The file name can be set later.

Setting the Storage Location in Google Drive - Uploading the Obtained File

(1/2) Select Integration and Action

・Title → Upload the file
・Select a Google Drive account
・Action → Upload file (default)

(2/2) API Connection Settings

・Destination Folder ID → Clicking the blank will pick up candidate folders to specify.
　If not found, please enter /folders/(string)/ from the URL.
・File Name → Clicking the blank will show retrieved values from Slack.
　This time, we used the file name, but for invoices, which often have duplicate names, using an ID might be better.
・File Attachment Method → It's okay to leave the default settings as is.

Testing!

Success!

Turn the template trigger 【ON】.

Result

Let's check Google Drive.

The file in the red frame is the one obtained during the test.

This file corresponds to the one on Slack.

Other Automation Examples Using Slack and Google Drive

In addition to the integrations introduced today, it is possible to achieve various automations by utilizing the APIs of Slack and Google Drive.

If you find something interesting, please give it a try!

‍‍Automation Examples Integrating Slack and Google Drive

You can store forms received via email in Google Drive and notify Slack, or notify Slack when a file is saved in Google Drive.
It is also possible to read document data posted on Slack using OCR, update the file name, and save it to Google Drive.

Automation Example Using Slack

Notify Slack When Information is Registered in the Database

Automatically notify Slack when information is added to Google Sheets, Salesforce, etc.

Notify Slack of Form Submissions

Automatically notify Slack of responses submitted through Google Forms or HubSpot forms.

Notify Slack when a task is updated in the project management app

Automatically notify Slack when a task is updated in Asana, Trello, or similar apps.

Automation Example Using Google Drive

Save files stored in Google Drive to other cloud storage

When a file is saved in Google Drive, it is automatically saved to services like Box or Dropbox.

Upload attachments received by email to Google Drive

Automatically upload attachments received in Gmail, Outlook, etc., to Google Drive.

Create a folder in Google Drive when an account is registered in another app

Automatically create a folder in Google Drive when an account is registered in Salesforce, HubSpot, or other apps.

Benefits of Integrating Slack with Google Drive

‍(1) Smoother Communication

Slack allows for active communication, which can sometimes cause posts to get buried. If you forget to download a file you received, it can be quite a hassle to find it later. In the end, you might find yourself awkwardly asking, "I'm sorry to bother you, but could you resend the file you sent the other day?" By setting up automatic saving to Google Drive, you can rest assured knowing the file is safely stored.

(2) Efficient File Sharing

When sending files, you might share a Google Drive link. While sharing folders or files in progress is convenient, sending files directly via Slack is quicker for those you want to send swiftly. If the recipient is also integrated with Google Drive, you can send files without hesitation. ‍

(3) Centralized Data Management

Integrating Slack with Google Drive allows for centralized data management. It streamlines setting access permissions, reducing the frustrating time spent saying, "I'll share it now, sorry for the wait!"

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Conclusion

Slack makes data exchange easy and supports various file extensions, allowing for the transfer of .ai and .psd files. However, large files can take time to upload and download. If a file is sent while you're busy and needs immediate downloading, it can disrupt your workflow priorities. Automatically storing files in Google Drive would be a great help!

With Yoom, you can integrate apps without coding and automate daily tasks. Automating tasks can help create time for studying, discussions with colleagues, and communication. Use Yoom to enrich your and your team's time!