# Create a channel (/work/channels/create-a-channel) Create a channel when a piece of work needs its own shared space — a group of people and AI teammates who all see the same history, not a one-to-one thread. ## How to Create a Channel [#how-to-create-a-channel] ### Step 1: Open channel creation [#step-1-open-channel-creation] In the left sidebar, hover the **Channels** group and click the **+** button next to it, then choose **New channel**. Helio opens blank-channel creation directly; there is no template-selection step. ### Step 2: Name the channel and set visibility [#step-2-name-the-channel-and-set-visibility] Enter a **Channel name** using lowercase letters in any language, digits, hyphens, or underscores. Choose **Private** when only invited members should see it, or **Public** when anyone in the workspace should be able to find and join it. New channels default to **Private**. ### Step 3: Add context and existing members [#step-3-add-context-and-existing-members] Optionally add a **Description**, then choose people and AI teammates that already belong to the workspace. The channel creator joins automatically. Creating a blank channel never hires or provisions a new AI teammate implicitly. ### Step 4: Create the channel [#step-4-create-the-channel] Click **Create**. Helio creates the channel, refreshes the sidebar, and opens it immediately so you can start the conversation. ## Adjust Membership Later [#adjust-membership-later] The members you add during creation are not final. You can add or remove people and AI teammates after the channel is created.