Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create Group in GitLab

by Devop · 19/08/2024

Creating a group in GitLab can help you manage multiple projects and set permissions all in one place. When you set up a group, anyone with access to it can access all the projects within that group. This guide will walk you through the steps to create and manage a GitLab group, from setup to advanced management.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Creating a group in GitLab helps you manage multiple projects and permissions in one place.
Groups allow you to view all issues and merge requests across all projects within them.
You can personalize your group by setting roles, usage, and inviting members.
Managing group settings lets you edit details, change visibility, and update the group avatar.
Adding projects to your group can be done by creating new projects or assigning existing ones.

Navigating to the Group Creation Page

Accessing the Menu

First things first, you need to get to the right place. On the left sidebar, look for the Create new option. This is your starting point. Click on it, and a dropdown menu will appear. From this menu, select New group. This will take you to the group creation page.

Finding the Groups Option

Once you’re in the menu, finding the groups option is a breeze. Just look for the Groups section. It’s usually listed among other options like Projects and Issues. Click on Groups to proceed.

Starting the Group Creation Process

Now that you’re in the Groups section, it’s time to start creating your group. Click on the Create group button. This will open up a new page where you can enter all the details for your new group. Follow the prompts, and you’ll be well on your way to setting up your new GitLab group.

Setting Up Your New Group

Choosing a Group Name

First things first, you need to pick a name for your group. This name should be unique and represent the purpose of your group. Make sure it’s something memorable because it will be used frequently. If the name you choose is already taken, you’ll need to come up with a different one.

Entering the Group URL

Next, you’ll need to enter a URL for your group. This URL will be used as the namespace for your group. Don’t worry too much about this at first; you can always change it later. Just make sure it’s relevant to your group name.

Selecting the Visibility Level

Now, decide on the visibility level for your group. You have three options:

Private: Only members can see the group and its projects.
Internal: Any logged-in user can see the group and its projects.
Public: Everyone can see the group and its projects.

Choose the one that best fits your needs. If you’re unsure, you can always change it later in the settings.

Setting up your group correctly from the start can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Take your time to make the right choices.

Personalizing Your Group

Defining Your Role

When setting up your group, you can choose your role from a dropdown list. This helps GitLab tailor the experience to your needs. Select the role that best matches your responsibilities within the group. This step ensures that you have the right permissions and tools at your disposal.

Specifying Group Usage

Next, you’ll need to specify what your group will be used for. This helps GitLab provide relevant features and recommendations. From the dropdown list, select the option that best describes your group’s purpose. This could range from software development to project management.

Inviting Members

Finally, you can invite members to join your group. Enter the email addresses of the people you want to invite. You can add multiple members by selecting ‘Invite another member’ and entering their email addresses. This step is crucial for fostering collaboration within your group.

Personalizing your group settings ensures that you and your team have the best tools and permissions for your specific needs.

Managing Group Settings

Editing Group Details

To edit your group’s details, you need to have the Owner role. Navigate to your group by selecting it from the left sidebar. Then, go to Settings > General. Here, you can change the group name, description, and avatar. The description is optional and can be up to 500 characters. For the avatar, choose an image file up to 200 KB in size. Once you’ve made your changes, click Save changes.

Changing Visibility Settings

Adjusting the visibility settings of your group is straightforward. In the same Settings > General section, find the visibility level options. You can set your group to be public, internal, or private. Public groups are visible to everyone, internal groups are visible to all logged-in users, and private groups are only visible to members. Choose the setting that best fits your needs and save your changes.

Updating Group Avatar

Personalizing your group with an avatar helps in easy identification. To update the group avatar, go to Settings > General. Under the Group avatar section, click on Choose file and select an image. The ideal size for the avatar is 192 x 192 pixels. After selecting the image, click Save changes to update your group avatar.

Adding Projects to Your Group

Creating a New Project

To add a new project to your group, you have two options. First, you can select your group and then click on New project. This will guide you through the project creation process. Alternatively, while creating a project, you can choose your group from the dropdown list. This way, your project will be automatically added to the selected group.

Assigning Existing Projects

You don’t have to start from scratch. You can move your existing projects to your group. This is especially useful if you want to take advantage of the added benefits of group management. To do this, go to your project settings and select the option to transfer the project to a group. Follow the prompts to complete the transfer.

Managing Project Permissions

When you add a group to a project, every group member gets access based on their role. The role they have in the group determines their permissions in the project. For example, if a member has a Guest role in the group, they will have limited permissions in the project, even if the project allows for higher roles. To manage these permissions, go to the project settings and adjust the roles as needed.

Remember, you must have the Maintainer or Owner role to add projects to a group. Make sure sharing the project with other groups is not restricted.

By following these steps, you can easily add and manage projects within your GitLab group, ensuring that all members have the appropriate access and permissions.

Monitoring Group Activity

Viewing Activity Logs

To keep track of what’s happening in your group, you need to check the activity logs. On the left sidebar, select Search or go to and find your group. Then, select Manage > Activity. This will show you a list of all the recent activities in your group. It’s a great way to see who did what and when.

Filtering by Contribution Type

Sometimes, you only want to see specific types of activities. You can filter the activity logs by contribution type. After navigating to the activity page, you can choose from several tabs:

All: Shows all contributions by group members.
Push events: Displays push events in the group’s projects.
Merge events: Shows accepted merge requests.
Issue events: Lists issues opened and closed.
Comments: Displays comments posted by group members.
Wiki: Shows updates to wiki pages.
Designs: Lists designs added, updated, or removed.
Team: Displays group members who joined or left.

This helps you focus on the activities that matter most to you.

Accessing Analytics

For a deeper dive into your group’s performance, you can access analytics. This feature provides insights into various metrics, such as the number of merge requests, issues, and comments. To access analytics, go to your group’s main page and look for the Analytics option. This data can help you understand how your group is performing and where improvements are needed.

Keeping an eye on your group’s activity is crucial for maintaining productivity and security. Regularly checking logs and analytics ensures you’re always in the loop.

Advanced Group Management

Removing Members

To remove a member from your group, you need to have the Owner role. Navigate to your group, select Manage > Members, and find the member you want to remove. Click the three dots next to their name and select Remove from group. This action is permanent, so make sure you really want to remove the member before proceeding.

Transferring Projects

Transferring projects between groups is straightforward. Go to the project you want to transfer, select Settings > General, and scroll down to the Advanced section. Here, you’ll find the option to transfer the project to another group. Make sure the destination group has the appropriate permissions to accept the project.

Deleting a Group

Deleting a group is a serious action that cannot be undone. To delete a group, navigate to Settings > General in your group, scroll down to the Advanced section, and select Delete group. Confirm your decision by typing the group’s name. Be cautious, as this will remove all projects and data associated with the group.

Note: Always double-check before making irreversible changes like deleting a group or removing members. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Managing groups effectively can be a game-changer for your team. With the right tools, you can streamline communication, delegate tasks, and keep everyone on the same page. Want to learn more about how to take your group management skills to the next level? Visit our website for more information and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a group in GitLab?

To create a group in GitLab, go to Menu > Groups > Create group. Click the plus sign next to the search box and select New group. Enter a group name, URL, and choose a visibility level. Personalize your group and invite members, then click Create group.

What is the benefit of creating a group in GitLab?

Creating a group in GitLab helps you manage multiple projects and permissions in one place. It allows all group members to access every project within the group and view all issues and merge requests collectively.

How can I invite members to my GitLab group?

After creating your group, you can invite members by entering their email addresses in the invite section. You can add multiple members by selecting ‘Invite another member’ and entering additional email addresses.

Can I change the visibility level of a GitLab group after it’s created?

Yes, you can change the visibility level of your GitLab group after it’s created. Go to the group settings, select General, and then adjust the visibility level as needed.

How do I add a project to a GitLab group?

You can add a project to a GitLab group by selecting the group and clicking New project. Alternatively, while creating a project, you can choose the group from the dropdown list.

What happens if I leave a GitLab group?

If you leave a GitLab group, you will no longer be a member of the group, its subgroups, or projects. You will also lose access to contribute to the group’s projects, and any issues or merge requests assigned to you will be unassigned.