Create and configure a public space

This short guide walks you through the creation and basic configuration of a public space on the Ubuntu Matrix homeserver. This guide assumes you are using the Element desktop client.

Note

A Matrix Space is technically a type of room. Reference to rooms in this guide are intentional, to stay aligned with the Element client interface.

Create a public space

  1. Click on the + icon on the left panel, below your user avatar.

  2. Select Public.

  3. In the Name field, type the display name of the space. This name can contain upper and lower case characters, spaces, and can be changed later.

  4. In the Address field, type a space address. This should be all lower case. Parts of the name can be separated by using dash characters.

  5. In the Description field, you can add a description of this space. This field is optional and can be filled later.

  6. Make sure the address is available, then click Create.

  7. In the next screen, you can create rooms within your space. Click continue when ready.

Space configuration

General settings

  1. After your space is created, click on the space name drop-down on the left side of your Element desktop client, under the search bar, and select Settings.

  2. In the General settings, you can change “Name”, “Description”, and upload an image.

  3. Once all changes are confirmed, select Save changes.

Visibility

In the Visibility settings, you can:

  • Change your space from Public to Private, or Space members.

  • Enable or disable space preview. Keeping this option enabled is recommended for public spaces.

  • Add, remove, or modify local and published addresses.

  • If you cannot enable the Publish this room to the public in the ubuntu.com’s room directory? toggle, please note this is intended behavior. Check the steps in the Room publishing and listing under spaces section to complete this task.

Room publishing and listing under spaces

Please check How to publish and list rooms and spaces if you’d like to:

  • Protect your space and rooms from abuse.

  • Publish your space in the server directory.

  • Add your space to the Ubuntu Community space.

Further reading

Congratulations! Your public space is now ready! If you would like to learn more about the Ubuntu Matrix homeserver, check our documentation.