Slack Handle Management

What is a Slack handle?

A Slack handle is the display identity your Claw uses inside Slack. It includes the bot's display name, avatar image, and status text. By default, WorkClaw uses your Claw's identity settings for the Slack handle, but you can customize them independently to create a distinct Slack presence.

How do I configure a handle?

1. Navigate to Settings > Integrations > Slack > Handles.
2. Select the Claw you want to configure.
3. Set the display name -- this is what appears in Slack conversations and the member list. Keep it recognizable so your team knows they are talking to an agent.
4. Upload a custom avatar or use the Claw's default avatar.
5. Optionally set a status message that appears next to the bot's name (e.g., "Always available" or "Research assistant").
6. Click Save.

Changes propagate to Slack within a few seconds.

Can I have multiple handles for different Claws?

Yes. If your team operates multiple Claws, each can have its own Slack handle with a unique name and avatar. This is especially useful with handle-based DM routing so team members can identify and message specific agents.

Each handle must have a unique display name within the Slack workspace.

What are the naming restrictions?

Slack enforces the following constraints on bot display names:

• Must be between 1 and 80 characters.
• Cannot contain special characters like @, #, or backticks.
• Cannot duplicate the name of an existing Slack user or bot in the workspace.

WorkClaw validates these rules before saving and shows an error if the name conflicts.

How do handles interact with channel bindings?

When a Claw is bound to a channel, it appears in that channel under its configured handle name. If you change the handle, the new name appears in all bound channels and DM conversations going forward. Previous messages retain the old name per Slack's behavior.

Can I reset the handle to match the Claw's identity?

Yes. On the handle configuration page, click Sync from Identity. This copies the Claw's current identity settings (name and avatar) to the Slack handle. Future identity changes are not automatically synced -- you must click the button again or update the handle manually.