> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.brightpathaisolutions.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use DeskMate in Slack

> Add the DeskMate Slack app to your workspace.

DeskMate works inside Slack as a bot user. Your team can `@mention` it in a channel or DM it directly.

## Prerequisites

* You must be a **Workspace Owner** or **Workspace Admin** in Slack to install third-party apps (or your admin must have enabled app installs by regular users).

## Step 1 — Install the app

Your BrightPath account manager will send you an **Add to Slack** link. Click it.

Slack will show a consent screen listing the permissions DeskMate requests (see [the Slack connector page](/connectors/slack#permissions-slack-requests) for the full list). Click **Allow**.

You'll be redirected back to DeskMate — the connector tile turns green and the bot is now in your Slack workspace.

## Step 2 — Invite the bot to channels

By default, the bot is installed but not added to any specific channels. To use it in a channel:

```
/invite @DeskMate
```

Or, for personal use, just open a direct message with DeskMate from the Slack sidebar.

## Step 3 — Talk to the bot

```
@DeskMate summarise this week's invoices
```

Or in a DM, just type the request directly:

```
summarise this week's invoices
```

## Features

### File uploads

Upload a file in your chat with DeskMate (PDF, DOCX, XLSX, CSV, image). DeskMate downloads, parses, and uses it as context for your next question.

### Switching LLM provider per user

Each user can pick their own LLM provider:

```
/model gemini
/model anthropic
/model openai
/model reset
```

### Approvals

When a skill needs human sign-off, the approval card is posted to the channel where the skill was triggered. Approvers click **Approve** or **Reject** inline — no need to leave Slack.

## Troubleshooting

### Bot doesn't respond when @mentioned

The bot needs to be invited to the channel first:

```
/invite @DeskMate
```

### Bot responds in DM but not channels

The `app_mentions:read` Slack permission is missing — the install was done with an old manifest. Ask your account manager for a refreshed install link and reinstall.

### "channel\_not\_found" when sending notifications

The skill is trying to send a notification to a channel the bot isn't in. Either invite the bot to that channel, or change the skill's notification target.

### Multiple Slack workspaces

DeskMate can only be installed to one Slack workspace per DeskMate workspace. If you have multiple Slack workspaces, you'll need a DeskMate workspace per Slack workspace.

## Uninstalling

In Slack: **Settings → Manage apps → DeskMate → Remove app**. The DeskMate connector will go yellow ("disconnected") within \~30 minutes. To clean up DeskMate's side, click **Disconnect** on the Slack tile in **Workspace → Connectors**.