Slack doesn't have an in-built print option, but you can print documents directly from Slack. The HP Print Bot [Broken URL Removed] makes it possible with a single slash command.

It is surprising that a team collaboration tool does not have a quick print solution. Perhaps, it's not necessary because you can use the browser's own Print command or download the document and then print it in the old way. The HP Bot for Slack just simplifies it for you when office productivity is at stake.

Printing is, after all, a chore when you are pressed for time and do not have the patience to dig through the menu for the Print function. The screenshot below shows the one-click Print button that does your print job.

HP Print Bot

The simple three-step process is:

  1. Integrate the bot with Slack and invite it to your channels.
  2. A Print button appears when a file is uploaded and shared.
  3. Click the Print button for direct printing or use the Slash commands for file and print job management.

The HP Bot landing page lists all the other commands you can use other than the one required for printing documents or photo.

For instance, you can list the printers available and choose a default printer. You can list all printable files and change print settings per the file type.

The HP Slack bot requires the use of the web-enabled printer HP ePrint. So, you can print remotely from anywhere.

The Rise of the Bots

The HP Bot is a first release. It is not yet conversational as the HP's Facebook bot. And the Slack bot still does not appear to have a Facebook page of its own! Future versions will bring in customized print jobs and the feature to collate or print on both sides. If you are on Slack, do fit this productivity boosting Slack bot in your workflow. Tell us how seamless it is now.

Do you think that Slack needed a print push from a company like HP? Or, do you drill into the File menu for any print job?

Image Credit: Tofiq Quliyev via Shutterstock