> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/administration/settings/roles-and-permissions.md).

# Roles and permissions

Roles bundle permissions so access can be reviewed in one place. The Roles & Permissions page lists each role with its description, how many permissions it grants, and how many users hold it; built-in default roles are marked with a Default badge.

Open a role to see exactly which permissions it includes. A user's abilities come from the roles they hold, which you assign per user on the Users page (self-serve if you hold the Manage users permission).

If you hold the Manage roles permission, role management is self-serve from this page:

* **Create a role.** Click New role, name it, choose its permissions, and save. You can only include permissions you hold yourself.
* **Edit or delete a custom role.** Open the role, change its name, description, or permissions, and save — every user holding the role gets the change immediately. Deleting a role removes it from the users who hold it.
* **Default roles are read-only.** Use **Duplicate** on a default role to create an editable copy, then adjust the copy's permissions.

![Roles and permissions settings](/files/3hZuRG6XMqTONiyl6AZh)

> **Where to find it:** Settings -> Roles & Permissions

## Related guides

* [What the permissions control: a tour of the catalog](/administration/settings/what-the-permissions-control-a-tour-of-the-catalog.md)
* [Add and manage users and their roles](/administration/settings/review-users-and-their-roles.md)
* [Contact Essential for setup changes](/getting-started/getting-started/contact-essential-for-setup-changes.md)
* [Add or edit a pricebook item](/administration/settings/add-or-edit-a-pricebook-item.md)
* [Add the intake form to your website](/administration/settings/add-the-intake-form-to-your-website.md)
* [Automate task statuses with Task Automations](/administration/settings/automate-task-statuses-with-task-automations.md)


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