# Create and Manage Channels
Source: https://docs.chain.link/crec/guides/channels/manage-channels
Last Updated: 2026-08-31

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt).

A **channel** is a logical container for the watchers, events, and operations that belong to one application or environment. Most teams create a channel per application (and per environment within that application).

This guide covers the four channel-management operations exposed by the SDK and the [Channels page](https://app.chain.link/cre-connect/channels) in the CRE Connect UI: **create**, **list/filter**, **update**, and **archive**.

## Create a channel

## List and filter channels

## Update channel metadata

## Archive a channel

> **CAUTION: Active watchers block archive**
>
> A channel cannot be archived while it still has watchers in `active`, `pending`, or `archiving` state. Archive every
> watcher first, then archive the channel.

## Naming constraints

Channel names must be **unique within your organisation** (verified by the SDK package documentation in `crec-sdk/channels`). Pick a naming scheme that encodes the channel's purpose and environment so collisions are obvious before you call `Create`. The `Description` field is free-form text up to 255 characters and is a useful place for ownership / on-call context.

## Next steps

- Provision your first watcher: [Create a Watcher with a Predefined Service](/crec/guides/watchers/create-with-service).
- Stand up a Smart Account: [Create and Manage Wallets](/crec/guides/wallets/create-and-manage).
- Read the [Channels concept page](/crec/concepts/channels) for the design rationale.