> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bird.com/api/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bird.com/api/api-access/access-roles.md).

# Access Roles

An access role is a set of one or more access policies that can be assigned to one or more users, or one or more access keys. Access roles can be managed via <https://app.bird.com/settings/security/access-roles>

When creating access policies you should give access only to the resources you need to access via the API.

## Creating an access role

In this example we will create an access role that will attach the access policy that was created in the [access policies](/api/api-access/access-policies.md#creating-an-access-policy) example

<figure><img src="/files/JhuqRt074hh6EhOeMvLi" alt=""><figcaption><p>Create a new role</p></figcaption></figure>

1. The first step is to give the role a meaningful **name** and **description**.
2. Next attach one or more policy definitions. To select a custom policy make sure type is set to **organization.**
3. Finally Create Role

<figure><img src="/files/MbQ5XzMEc5aCFe9MpCMs" alt=""><figcaption><p>Create an access role</p></figcaption></figure>

## Understanding role policies

When creating a role you can add one or more access policies to provide (or deny) access a role access to certain API endpoints. As well as attaching custom policies that you have created, MessageBird has provided a number of managed policies to carry out common actions.

| Field Name | Description                                   | Values                                                   |
| ---------- | --------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| Type       | Select from either custom or managed policies | <p>Organization<br>Managed</p>                           |
| Policy     | Select the policy                             | Any Organization or Managed policy that has been created |