# Instance management

Learn how to create, edit, configure, and manage your [instances](/features/nuvolos-basic-concepts/organisational-hierarchy.md#instances).

## Create a new instance

{% hint style="info" %}
**Before you begin:**

* Instances support two permission types: Instance Editor and Instance Viewer. Learn more about [instance-level roles](/administration/roles.md#instance-level-roles).
* Make sure the correct permissions are set before granting access. Only space administrators can grant instance access rights.
  {% endhint %}

**Step-by-step instructions:**

1. Navigate to the space where you want to create the instance.
2. On the sidebar click the Cogwheel icon (**Manage space**).
3. Click the **Project Users / Instances** menu item.
4. Click **+ ADD NEW INSTANCE**.
5. Choose whether to start from a snapshot or create an empty instance.
6. Fill in the instance name and description. These can be modified later.

## Create a shared instance

**Here's how to create an instance and add collaborators:**

1. Open your space (course or research project).
2. On the sidebar click the Cogwheel icon (**Manage space**).
3. Click the **Project Users / Instances** menu item.
4. Click **+ INVITE**.
5. On the **Option 1 - User Invitation** screen, click **+ ADD NEW INSTANCE**.
6. Choose between creating an empty instance or one with snapshot contents, then click **CONTINUE**.
7. Enter a name and description for your instance. Then click **+ ADD NEW INSTANCE**.
8. Choose the role you want to invite users with - collaboration generally requires **Editor** role. Learn more about [instance-level roles](/administration/roles.md#instance-level-roles).
9. Enter the email addresses of users who will share this instance and click **+ INVITE**.

## Edit an instance

{% hint style="info" %}
**Important notes:**

* Instance Editors and space administrators can edit instance names and descriptions.
* Master and Distributed instances cannot be changed - the names and descriptions are both fixed for these.
* Both name and description fields have a maximum length of 1023 characters.
  {% endhint %}

**To edit an instance:**

1. Navigate to the space where you want to edit the instance.
2. On the sidebar click the Cogwheel icon (**Manage space**).
3. Click the **Project Users / Instances** menu item.
4. Navigate to the **INSTANCES** Tab.
5. Locate the instance you want to edit in the instance list.
6. Click the Pencil icon on the instance list.
7. Make changes to the instance name and description. The instance name needs to be unique in the project.
8. When done, click **SAVE CHANGES**.

The changes will take effect immediately, and the instance list will refresh to show the updated information.

## Delete an instance

{% hint style="info" %}
**Important notes:**

* Only space administrators can delete instances.
* Master and Distributed instances cannot be deleted. To remove these, delete the space itself.
  {% endhint %}

**To delete an instance:**

1. Navigate to the space where you want to delete the instance.
2. On the sidebar click the Cogwheel icon (**Manage space**).
3. Click the **Project Users / Instances** menu item.
4. Navigate to the **INSTANCES** Tab.
5. Locate the instance you want to delete in the instance list.
6. Click the Trash can icon on the instance list.
7. Read the instructions carefully and check the **I Understand** checkbox.
8. If you are sure, click **DELETE**.


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