Create a New Channel

Prev Next

You can create a new channel in Rocket.Chat from the web, desktop, or mobile app.

To create a channel from the browser or desktop app:

  1. On the menu bar, click the Create new icon .

  2. From the drop-down, select Channel.

  3. Enter a Name for the channel. (Required.)

  4. Optionally, add a Topic that will be displayed in the channel header.

  5. Add Members to the channel.

  6. Choose if the channel is Private (invite-only) or Public (open to all workspace members).

  7. Expand Advanced settings to configure the Security and permissions settings:

    • Federated: Share the channel across federated workspaces.

    • Encrypted: Enable end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for all messages.

    • Read-only: Allow only authorized users to post.

    • Broadcast: Restrict posting to authorized users; others can reply via DM only.

  8. When finished, click Create.

To create a new channel from the Rocket.Chat mobile app:

  1. Tap the   Create new icon from the main menu.

  2. Select Channel from the list of rooms.

  3. Enter a Channel name (required).

  4. (Optional) Add members to the channel. You can also skip this step and invite members later.

  5. Configure the security and permission settings:

    • Private: Restrict the channel so only invited members can join.

    • Broadcast: Allow only authorized users to post new messages. Other users can reply via direct message (DM).

    • Read-only: Restrict posting so only channel owners can send messages.

  6. Tap Create channel.

Channels have restrictions on their naming. To update the regex used for channel name validation, go to:

Administration > Workspace > Settings > General > UTF8

Join a channel

You can join channels in Rocket.Chat through search, invites, or mentions:

  • Use the search bar (Ctrl/Cmd + K) to look up channels and users. Public channels appear in the results; private channels do not.

  • If you select a public channel you are not a member of, click Join to enter the channel.

  • You can also join channels when another user invites or mentions you in them.

Mark a channel as favorite

Favoriting channels helps you organize and prioritize your workspace. Favorited channels, groups, and DMs appear at the top of the sidebar for quick access.

To favorite a channel:

  1. In the sidebar, hover over the channel name and click the three-dot menu.

  2. Select Favorite.

To remove a channel from favorites, repeat the same steps and select Unfavorite.