What's the difference between public and private groups?
When you create a subgroup in an organization, groups are created to be public. You can choose to make it private using the "This group can be viewed and joined by invitation only" checkbox.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/001/458/520/original/32.jpg)
Public groups show up in the groups browser for all individuals in the organization, even if you are not a member of that group. Clicking on a public group you are not a part of will give you the option to join the group, automatically adding the individual as a member of the group. Additionally, public groups are shown when somebody fills out the registration form for the organization so they may choose to join.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/003/798/644/original/2020-09-29_11-55-58.png)
Private groups will be indicated to administrators with a lock icon, and do not show in the groups browser to those in the organization who are not a part of the group. To join a private group, members either need to be added by an administrator or fill out a registration form for the group. Once a registration form is submitted, the member will be marked as "pending" until an administrator approves them.
Note: Although public groups can be made private after they are created, private groups cannot be made public.