Reference: block elements & interactive components

Block elements can be added to certain app surfaces and used within certain block types.

Interactive components are block elements that add interactivity. All block elements are interactive components except for one: the static image element. Our handling user interactivity guide will help you prepare your app to use interactive components.

This page lists the JSON payloads that your app can use to generate each element. Select the block element you'd like to build:

Elements

Element	Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Button	Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions
Checkboxes	Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input
Date pickers	Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input
Datetime pickers	Modals	Actions Input
Email input	Modals	Input
Image	Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Context
Multi-select menus	Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input
Number input	Modals	Input
Overflow menu	Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions
Plain-text input	Modals Messages Home tabs	Input
Radio buttons	Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input
Select menus	Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input
Time pickers	Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input
URL input	Modals	Input
Workflow button	Messages	Section Actions

Button element

Allows users a direct path to performing basic actions.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions

Example:

Three buttons showing default, primary, and danger color styles

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `button`.	Yes
`text`	Object	A text object that defines the button's text. Can only be of `type: plain_text`. `text` may truncate with ~30 characters. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 75 characters.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for this action. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`url`	String	A URL to load in the user's browser when the button is clicked. Maximum length for this field is 3000 characters. If you're using `url`, you'll still receive an interaction payload and will need to send an acknowledgement response.	No
`value`	String	The value to send along with the interaction payload. Maximum length for this field is 2000 characters.	No
`style`	String	Decorates buttons with alternative visual color schemes. Use this option with restraint. `primary` gives buttons a green outline and text, ideal for affirmation or confirmation actions. `primary` should only be used for one button within a set. `danger` gives buttons a red outline and text, and should be used when the action is destructive. Use `danger` even more sparingly than `primary`. If you don't include this field, the default button style will be used.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog after the button is clicked.	No
`accessibility_label`	String	A label for longer descriptive text about a button element. This label will be read out by screen readers instead of the button `text` object. Maximum length for this field is 75 characters.	No

Examples

A regular interactive button:

{
  "type": "button",
  "text": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Click Me"
  },
  "value": "click_me_123",
  "action_id": "button"
}

A button with a primary style attribute:

{
  "type": "button",
  "text": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Save"
  },
  "style": "primary",
  "value": "click_me_123",
  "action_id": "button"
}

A link button:

{
  "type": "button",
  "text": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Link Button"
  },
  "url": "https://api.slack.com/block-kit"
}

View an example in Block Kit builder

Checkboxes element

Allows users to choose multiple items from a list of options.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input

Example:

An example of a checkbox element

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `checkboxes`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when the checkbox group is changed. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`options`	Object[]	An array of option objects. A maximum of 10 options are allowed.	Yes
`initial_options`	Object[]	An array of option objects that exactly matches one or more of the options within `options`. These options will be selected when the checkbox group initially loads.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after clicking one of the checkboxes in this element.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No

Example

A section block containing a group of checkboxes:

{
	"type": "modal",
	"title": {
		"type": "plain_text",
		"text": "My App",
		"emoji": true
	},
	"submit": {
		"type": "plain_text",
		"text": "Submit",
		"emoji": true
	},
	"close": {
		"type": "plain_text",
		"text": "Cancel",
		"emoji": true
	},
	"blocks": [
		{
			"type": "section",
			"text": {
				"type": "plain_text",
				"text": "Check out these charming checkboxes"
			},
			"accessory": {
				"type": "checkboxes",
				"action_id": "this_is_an_action_id",
				"initial_options": [{
					"value": "A1",
					"text": {
						"type": "plain_text",
						"text": "Checkbox 1"
					}
				}],
				"options": [
					{
						"value": "A1",
						"text": {
							"type": "plain_text",
							"text": "Checkbox 1"
						}
					},
					{
						"value": "A2",
						"text": {
							"type": "plain_text",
							"text": "Checkbox 2"
						}
					}
				]
			}
		}
	]
}

View an example in Block Kit builder

Date picker element

Allows users to select a date from a calendar style UI.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input

Example:

An example of a datepicker element

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `datepicker`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_date`	String	The initial date that is selected when the element is loaded. This should be in the format `YYYY-MM-DD`.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after a date is selected.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the datepicker. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A section block containing a datepicker element:

{
  "type": "section",
  "block_id": "section1234",
  "text": {
    "type": "mrkdwn",
    "text": "Pick a date for the deadline."
  },
  "accessory": {
    "type": "datepicker",
    "action_id": "datepicker123",
    "initial_date": "1990-04-28",
    "placeholder": {
      "type": "plain_text",
      "text": "Select a date"
    }
  }
}

View an example in Block Kit builder

Datetime picker element

Allows users to select both a date and a time of day, formatted as a Unix timestamp.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

On desktop clients, the time picker will take the form of a dropdown list and the date picker will take the form of a dropdown calendar. Both options will have free-text entry for precise choices. On mobile clients, the time picker and date picker will use native UIs.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals	Actions Input

Example:

An example of a date time picker element

Fields

Fields	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `datetimepicker`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the input value when the parent modal is submitted. You can use this when you receive a `view_submission` payload to identify the value of the input element. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_date_time`	Integer	The initial date and time that is selected when the element is loaded, represented as a UNIX timestamp in seconds. This should be in the format of 10 digits, for example `1628633820` represents the date and time August 10th, 2021 at 03:17pm PST.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after a time is selected.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No

Example

An input block containing a date-time picker element, with the initial time date set to August 10th, 2021 and time set to 03:17pm PST:

{
  "type": "input",
  "element": {
    "type": "datetimepicker",
    "action_id": "datetime_input",
	"initial_date_time": 1628633820
  },
  "label": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Pick a date & time for the deadline"
  }
}

Email input element

Allows user to enter an email into a single-line field.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals	Input

Fields

Fields	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `email_text_input`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the input value when the parent modal is submitted. You can use this when you receive a `view_submission` payload to identify the value of the input element. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_value`	String	The initial value in the email input when it is loaded.	No
`dispatch_action_config`	Object	A dispatch configuration object that determines when during text input the element returns a `block_actions` payload.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown in the email input. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

An input block containing a email-text input element.

{
  "type": "input",
  "block_id": "input123",
  "label": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Email Address"
  },
  "element": {
    "type": "email_text_input",
    "action_id": "email_text_input-action",
    "placeholder": {
      "type": "plain_text",
      "text": "Enter an email"
    }
  }
}

Image element

Displays an image as part of a larger block of content.

Use the image block if you want a block with only an image in it.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Context

Example:

An example of an image element

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `image`.	Yes
`image_url`	String	The URL of the image to be displayed.	Yes
`alt_text`	String	A plain-text summary of the image. This should not contain any markup.	Yes

Example

{
  "type": "image",
  "image_url": "http://placekitten.com/700/500",
  "alt_text": "Multiple cute kittens"
}

View an example in Block Kit builder

Multi-select menu element

Allows users to select multiple items from a list of options.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

Just like regular select menus, multi-select menus also include type-ahead functionality, where a user can type a part or all of an option string to filter the list.

There are different types of multi-select menu that depend on different data sources for their lists of options:

Menu with static options
Menu with external data source
Menu with user list
Menu with conversations list
Menu with channels list

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input

Example:

An example of a multi-select element

Static options

This is the simplest form of select menu, with a static list of options passed in when defining the element.

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `multi_static_select`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`options`	Object[]	An array of option objects. Maximum number of options is 100. Each option must be less than 76 characters. If `option_groups` is specified, this field should not be.	Yes
`option_groups`	Object[]	An array of option group objects. Maximum number of option groups is 100. If `options` is specified, this field should not be.	No
`initial_options`	Object[]	An array of option objects that exactly match one or more of the options within `options` or `option_groups`. These options will be selected when the menu initially loads.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears before the multi-select choices are submitted.	No
`max_selected_items`	Integer	Specifies the maximum number of items that can be selected in the menu. Minimum number is 1.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the menu. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A static multi-select menu

[
  {
    "type": "section",
    "block_id": "section678",
    "text": {
      "type": "mrkdwn",
      "text": "Pick items from the list"
    },
    "accessory": {
      "action_id": "text1234",
      "type": "multi_static_select",
      "placeholder": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Select items"
      },
      "options": [
        {
          "text": {
            "type": "plain_text",
            "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
          },
          "value": "value-0"
        },
        {
          "text": {
            "type": "plain_text",
            "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
          },
          "value": "value-1"
        },
        {
          "text": {
            "type": "plain_text",
            "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
          },
          "value": "value-2"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
]

View an example in Block Kit builder

External data source

This menu will load its options from an external data source, allowing for a dynamic list of options.

Setup

To use this menu type, you'll need to configure your app first:

Go to your app's settings page and select Interactivity & Shortcuts from the sidebar.
Add a URL to the Options Load URL under Select Menus.
Save changes.

Each time a menu of this type is opened or the user starts typing in the typeahead field, we'll send a request to your specified URL. Your app should return an HTTP 200 OK response, along with an application/json post body with an object containing either an options array, or an option_groups array. The array can have a maximum number of 100 options or option groups.

Here's an example response:

{
  "options": [
    {
      "text": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
      },
      "value": "value-0"
    },
    {
      "text": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
      },
      "value": "value-1"
    },
    {
      "text": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
      },
      "value": "value-2"
    }
  ]
}

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `multi_external_select`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`min_query_length`	Integer	When the typeahead field is used, a request will be sent on every character change. If you prefer fewer requests or more fully ideated queries, use the `min_query_length` attribute to tell Slack the fewest number of typed characters required before dispatch. The default value is `3`.	No
`initial_options`	Object[]	An array of option objects that exactly match one or more of the options within `options` or `option_groups`. These options will be selected when the menu initially loads.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears before the multi-select choices are submitted.	No
`max_selected_items`	Integer	Specifies the maximum number of items that can be selected in the menu. Minimum number is 1.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the menu. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A multi-select menu in a section block with an external data source:

[
  {
    "type": "section",
    "block_id": "section678",
    "text": {
      "type": "mrkdwn",
      "text": "Pick items from the list"
    },
    "accessory": {
      "action_id": "text1234",
      "type": "multi_external_select",
      "placeholder": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Select items"
      },
      "min_query_length": 3
    }
  }
]

User list

This multi-select menu will populate its options with a list of Slack users visible to the current user in the active workspace.

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `multi_users_select`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_users`	String[]	An array of user IDs of any valid users to be pre-selected when the menu loads.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears before the multi-select choices are submitted.	No
`max_selected_items`	Integer	Specifies the maximum number of items that can be selected in the menu. Minimum number is 1.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the menu. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A multi-select menu in a section block showing a list of users:

[
  {
    "type": "section",
    "block_id": "section678",
    "text": {
      "type": "mrkdwn",
      "text": "Pick users from the list"
    },
    "accessory": {
      "action_id": "text1234",
      "type": "multi_users_select",
      "placeholder": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Select users"
      }
    }
  }
]

Conversations list

This multi-select menu will populate its options with a list of public and private channels, DMs, and MPIMs visible to the current user in the active workspace.

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `multi_conversations_select`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_conversations`	String[]	An array of one or more IDs of any valid conversations to be pre-selected when the menu loads. If `default_to_current_conversation` is also supplied, `initial_conversations` will be ignored.	No
`default_to_current_conversation`	Boolean	Pre-populates the select menu with the conversation that the user was viewing when they opened the modal, if available. Default is `false`.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears before the multi-select choices are submitted.	No
`max_selected_items`	Integer	Specifies the maximum number of items that can be selected in the menu. Minimum number is 1.	No
`filter`	Object	A filter object that reduces the list of available conversations using the specified criteria.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the menu. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A multi-select menu in a section block showing a list of conversations:

[
  {
    "type": "section",
    "block_id": "section678",
    "text": {
      "type": "mrkdwn",
      "text": "Pick conversations from the list"
    },
    "accessory": {
      "action_id": "text1234",
      "type": "multi_conversations_select",
      "placeholder": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Select conversations"
      }
    }
  }
]

Public channels select

This multi-select menu will populate its options with a list of public channels visible to the current user in the active workspace.

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `multi_channels_select`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_channels`	String[]	An array of one or more IDs of any valid public channel to be pre-selected when the menu loads.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears before the multi-select choices are submitted.	No
`max_selected_items`	Integer	Specifies the maximum number of items that can be selected in the menu. Minimum number is 1.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the menu. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A multi-select menu in a section block showing a list of channels:

[
  {
    "type": "section",
    "block_id": "section678",
    "text": {
      "type": "mrkdwn",
      "text": "Pick channels from the list"
    },
    "accessory": {
      "action_id": "text1234",
      "type": "multi_channels_select",
      "placeholder": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Select channels"
      }
    }
  }
]

Number input element

Allows user to enter a number into a single-line field.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

The number input element accepts both whole and decimal numbers. For example, 0.25, 5.5, and -10 are all valid input values. Decimal numbers are only allowed when is_decimal_allowed is equal to true.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals	Input

Example:

An example of a Number input element

Fields

Fields	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `number_input`.	Yes
`is_decimal_allowed`	Boolean	Decimal numbers are allowed if `is_decimal_allowed`= `true`, set the value to `false` otherwise.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the input value when the parent modal is submitted. You can use this when you receive a `view_submission` payload to identify the value of the input element. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_value`	String	The initial value in the plain-text input when it is loaded.	No
`min_value`	String	The minimum value, cannot be greater than `max_value`.	No
`max_value`	String	The maximum value, cannot be less than `min_value`.	No
`dispatch_action_config`	Object	A dispatch configuration object that determines when during text input the element returns a `block_actions` payload.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown in the number input. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

{
"type": "input",
  "element": {
    "type": "number_input",
    "is_decimal_allowed": false,
    "action_id": "number_input-action"
  },
  "label": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Label",
    "emoji": true
  }
}

Overflow menu element

Allows users to press a button to view a list of options.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

Unlike the select menu, there is no typeahead field, and the button always appears with an ellipsis ("…") rather than customizable text. As such, it is usually used if you want a more compact layout than a select menu, or to supply a list of less visually important actions after a row of buttons. You can also specify simple URL links as overflow menu options, instead of actions.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions

Example:

An example of an overflow element

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `overflow`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`options`	Object[]	An array of up to five option objects to display in the menu.	Yes
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after a menu item is selected.	No

Example

A section block with an overflow menu:

{
  "type": "section",
  "block_id": "section 890",
  "text": {
    "type": "mrkdwn",
    "text": "This is a section block with an overflow menu."
  },
  "accessory": {
    "type": "overflow",
    "options": [
      {
        "text": {
          "type": "plain_text",
          "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
        },
        "value": "value-0"
      },
      {
        "text": {
          "type": "plain_text",
          "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
        },
        "value": "value-1"
      },
      {
        "text": {
          "type": "plain_text",
          "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
        },
        "value": "value-2"
      },
      {
        "text": {
          "type": "plain_text",
          "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
        },
        "value": "value-3"
      },
      {
        "text": {
          "type": "plain_text",
          "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
        },
        "value": "value-4"
      }
    ],
    "action_id": "overflow"
  }
}

View an example in Block Kit builder

Plain-text input element

Allows users to enter freeform text data into a single-line or multi-line field.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals Messages Home tabs	Input

Example:

An example of a plain-text element

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `plain_text_input`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the input value when the parent modal is submitted. You can use this when you receive a `view_submission` payload to identify the value of the input element. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_value`	String	The initial value in the plain-text input when it is loaded.	No
`multiline`	Boolean	Indicates whether the input will be a single line (`false`) or a larger textarea (`true`). Defaults to `false`.	No
`min_length`	Integer	The minimum length of input that the user must provide. If the user provides less, they will receive an error. Maximum value is 3000.	No
`max_length`	Integer	The maximum length of input that the user can provide. If the user provides more, they will receive an error.	No
`dispatch_action_config`	Object	A dispatch configuration object that determines when during text input the element returns a `block_actions` payload.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown in the plain-text input. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

An input block containing a plain-text input element.

{
  "type": "input",
  "block_id": "input123",
  "label": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Label of input"
  },
  "element": {
    "type": "plain_text_input",
    "action_id": "plain_input",
    "placeholder": {
      "type": "plain_text",
      "text": "Enter some plain text"
    }
  }
}

View an example in Block Kit builder

Radio button group element

Allows users to choose one item from a list of possible options.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input

Example:

An example of a radio button element

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `radio_buttons`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when the radio button group is changed. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`options`	Object[]	An array of option objects. A maximum of 10 options are allowed.	Yes
`initial_option`	Object	An option object that exactly matches one of the options within `options`. This option will be selected when the radio button group initially loads.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after clicking one of the radio buttons in this element.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No

Example

A section block containing a set of radio buttons:

{
  "type": "modal",
  "title": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "My App",
    "emoji": true
  },
  "submit": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Submit",
    "emoji": true
  },
  "close": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Cancel",
    "emoji": true
  },
  "blocks": [
    {
      "type": "section",
      "text": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Check out these rad radio buttons"
      },
      "accessory": {
        "type": "radio_buttons",
        "action_id": "this_is_an_action_id",
        "initial_option": {
          "value": "A1",
          "text": {
            "type": "plain_text",
            "text": "Radio 1"
          }
        },
        "options": [
          {
            "value": "A1",
            "text": {
              "type": "plain_text",
              "text": "Radio 1"
            }
          },
          {
            "value": "A2",
            "text": {
              "type": "plain_text",
              "text": "Radio 2"
            }
          }
        ]
      }
    }
  ]
}

View an example in Block Kit builder

Select menu element

Allows users to choose an option from a drop down menu.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

The select menu also includes type-ahead functionality, where a user can type a part or all of an option string to filter the list.

There are different types of select menu elements that depend on different data sources for their lists of options:

Select menu of static options
Select menu of external data source
Select menu of users
Select menu of conversations
Select menu of public channels

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input

An example of a select menu element

Select menu of static options

This is the simplest form of select menu, with a static list of options passed in when defining the element.

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `static_select`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`options`	Object[]	An array of option objects. Maximum number of options is 100. If `option_groups` is specified, this field should not be.	Yes
`option_groups`	Object[]	An array of option group objects. Maximum number of option groups is 100. If `options` is specified, this field should not be.	No
`initial_option`	Object	A single option that exactly matches one of the options within `options` or `option_groups`. This option will be selected when the menu initially loads.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after a menu item is selected.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the menu. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A static select menu

[
  {
    "type": "section",
    "block_id": "section678",
    "text": {
      "type": "mrkdwn",
      "text": "Pick an item from the dropdown list"
    },
    "accessory": {
      "action_id": "text1234",
      "type": "static_select",
      "placeholder": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Select an item"
      },
      "options": [
        {
          "text": {
            "type": "plain_text",
            "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
          },
          "value": "value-0"
        },
        {
          "text": {
            "type": "plain_text",
            "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
          },
          "value": "value-1"
        },
        {
          "text": {
            "type": "plain_text",
            "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
          },
          "value": "value-2"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
]

Select menu of external data source

This select menu will load its options from an external data source, allowing for a dynamic list of options.

Setup

If you don't have Socket Mode enabled, you'll need to configure your app to use this menu type:

Go to your app's settings page and select Interactivity & Shortcuts from the sidebar.
Add a URL to the Options Load URL under Select Menus.
Save changes.

Each time a select menu of this type is opened or the user starts typing in the typeahead field, we'll send a request to your specified URL. Your app should return an HTTP 200 OK response, along with an application/json post body with an object containing either:

an options array
an option_groups array

The array can have a maximum number of 100 options or option groups.

Here's an example response:

{
  "options": [
    {
      "text": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
      },
      "value": "value-0"
    },
    {
      "text": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
      },
      "value": "value-1"
    },
    {
      "text": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "*this is plain_text text*"
      },
      "value": "value-2"
    }
  ]
}

Refer to options and option_groups for more information about their related fields.

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `external_select`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_option`	Object	A single option that exactly matches one of the options within the `options` or `option_groups` loaded from the external data source. This option will be selected when the menu initially loads.	No
`min_query_length`	Integer	When the typeahead field is used, a request will be sent on every character change. If you prefer fewer requests or more fully ideated queries, use the `min_query_length` attribute to tell Slack the fewest number of typed characters required before dispatch. The default value is `3`.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after a menu item is selected.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the menu. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A select menu in a section block with an external data source:

[
  {
    "type": "section",
    "block_id": "section678",
    "text": {
      "type": "mrkdwn",
      "text": "Pick an item from the dropdown list"
    },
    "accessory": {
      "action_id": "text1234",
      "type": "external_select",
      "placeholder": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Select an item"
      },
      "min_query_length": 3
    }
  }
]

Select menu of users

This select menu will populate its options with a list of Slack users visible to the current user in the active workspace.

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `users_select`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_user`	String	The user ID of any valid user to be pre-selected when the menu loads.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after a menu item is selected.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the menu. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A select menu in a section block showing a list of users:

[
  {
    "type": "section",
    "block_id": "section678",
    "text": {
      "type": "mrkdwn",
      "text": "Pick a user from the dropdown list"
    },
    "accessory": {
      "action_id": "text1234",
      "type": "users_select",
      "placeholder": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Select an item"
      }
    }
  }
]

Select menu of conversations

This select menu will populate its options with a list of public and private channels, DMs, and MPIMs visible to the current user in the active workspace.

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `conversations_select`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_conversation`	String	The ID of any valid conversation to be pre-selected when the menu loads. If `default_to_current_conversation` is also supplied, `initial_conversation` will take precedence.	No
`default_to_current_conversation`	Boolean	Pre-populates the select menu with the conversation that the user was viewing when they opened the modal, if available. Default is `false`.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after a menu item is selected.	No
`response_url_enabled`	Boolean	This field only works with menus in input blocks in modals. When set to `true`, the `view_submission` payload from the menu's parent view will contain a `response_url`. This `response_url` can be used for message responses. The target conversation for the message will be determined by the value of this select menu.	No
`filter`	Object	A filter object that reduces the list of available conversations using the specified criteria.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the menu. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A select menu in a section block showing a list of conversations:

[
  {
    "type": "section",
    "block_id": "section678",
    "text": {
      "type": "mrkdwn",
      "text": "Pick a conversation from the dropdown list"
    },
    "accessory": {
      "action_id": "text1234",
      "type": "conversations_select",
      "placeholder": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Select an item"
      }
    }
  }
]

Select menu of public channels

This select menu will populate its options with a list of public channels visible to the current user in the active workspace.

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `channels_select`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a menu option is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_channel`	String	The ID of any valid public channel to be pre-selected when the menu loads.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after a menu item is selected.	No
`response_url_enabled`	Boolean	This field only works with menus in input blocks in modals. When set to `true`, the `view_submission` payload from the menu's parent view will contain a `response_url`. This `response_url` can be used for message responses. The target channel for the message will be determined by the value of this select menu.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the menu. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

A select menu in a section block showing a list of channels:

[
  {
    "type": "section",
    "block_id": "section678",
    "text": {
      "type": "mrkdwn",
      "text": "Pick a channel from the dropdown list"
    },
    "accessory": {
      "action_id": "text1234",
      "type": "channels_select",
      "placeholder": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Select an item"
      }
    }
  }
]

Time picker element

Allows users to select a time of day.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

On desktop clients, this time picker will take the form of a dropdown list with free-text entry for precise choices. On mobile clients, the time picker will use native time picker UIs.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals Messages Home tabs	Section Actions Input

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `timepicker`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the action triggered when a time is selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_time`	String	The initial time that is selected when the element is loaded. This should be in the format `HH:mm`, where `HH` is the 24-hour format of an hour (00 to 23) and `mm` is minutes with leading zeros (00 to 59), for example `22:25` for 10:25pm.	No
`confirm`	Object	A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after a time is selected.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown on the time picker. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No
`timezone`	String	A string in the IANA format, e.g. "America/Chicago". The timezone is displayed to end users as hint text underneath the time picker. It is also passed to the app upon certain interactions, such as `view_submission`.	No

Example

A section block containing a time picker element, with the initial time set to 11:40am:

{
  "type": "section",
  "block_id": "section1234",
  "text": {
    "type": "mrkdwn",
    "text": "Pick a date for the deadline."
  },
  "accessory": {
    "type": "timepicker",
    "timezone": "America/Los_Angeles",
    "action_id": "timepicker123",
    "initial_time": "11:40",
    "placeholder": {
      "type": "plain_text",
      "text": "Select a time"
    }
  }
}

View an example in Block Kit builder

URL input element

Allows user to enter a URL into a single-line field.

Interactive component - see our guide to enabling interactivity.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Modals	Input

Fields

Fields	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `url_text_input`.	Yes
`action_id`	String	An identifier for the input value when the parent modal is submitted. You can use this when you receive a `view_submission` payload to identify the value of the input element. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length for this field is 255 characters.	No
`initial_value`	String	The initial value in the URL input when it is loaded.	No
`dispatch_action_config`	Object	A dispatch configuration object that determines when during text input the element returns a `block_actions` payload.	No
`focus_on_load`	Boolean	Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the `view object`. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`.	No
`placeholder`	Object	A `plain_text` only text object that defines the placeholder text shown in the URL input. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 150 characters.	No

Example

An input block containing a URL-text input element.

{
  "type": "input",
  "element": {
    "type": "url_text_input",
    "action_id": "url_text_input-action"
  },
  "label": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Label",
    "emoji": true
  }
}

Workflow button element

Allows users to run a link trigger with customizable inputs

Interactive component - but interactions with workflow button elements will not send block_actions events, since these are used to start new workflow runs.

Available in surfaces	Works with block types
Messages	Section Actions

Example:

Three buttons showing default, primary, and danger color style

Fields

Field	Type	Description	Required?
`type`	String	The type of element. In this case `type` is always `workflow_button`.	Yes
`text`	Object	A text object that defines the button's text. Can only be of `type: plain_text`. `text` may truncate with ~30 characters. Maximum length for the `text` in this field is 75 characters.	Yes
`workflow`	Object	A workflow object that contains details about the workflow that will run when the button is clicked.	Yes
`style`	String	Decorates buttons with alternative visual color schemes. Use this option with restraint. `primary` gives buttons a green outline and text, ideal for affirmation or confirmation actions. `primary` should only be used for one button within a set. `danger` gives buttons a red outline and text, and should be used when the action is destructive. Use `danger` even more sparingly than `primary`. If you don't include this field, the default button style will be used.	No
`accessibility_label`	String	A label for longer descriptive text about a button element. This label will be read out by screen readers instead of the button `text` object. Maximum length for this field is 75 characters.	No

Example

{
  "type": "workflow_button",
  "text": {
    "type": "plain_text",
    "text": "Run Workflow"
  },
  "workflow": {
    "trigger": {
        "url": "https://slack.com/shortcuts/Ft0123ABC456/xyz...zyx",
        "customizable_input_parameters": [
          {
            "name": "input_parameter_a",
            "value": "Value for input param A"
          },
          {
            "name": "input_parameter_b",
            "value": "Value for input param B"
          }
        ]
    }
  }
}