# Setting up a new member space

https://help.circle.so/p/audience/member-management/setting-up-a-new-member-space

Category: [Audience](https://help.circle.so/p/audience) › [Member management](https://help.circle.so/p/audience/member-management)

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_Last updated: June 02, 2025_

Member spaces let you build focused spaces that make it easier for members to find and connect with the right people in your community.

## **About member spaces**

A member space is basically a type of space designed to function as a custom member directory. Like other spaces, member spaces live within space groups so that you can create multiple directories tailored to different purposes or audiences. Whether you're building a private network, an interest-based group, or an exclusive directory, you have complete control over the space and its members.

You can easily access member spaces on all supported platforms, including the desktop app, web browsers, and our Circle and branded mobile apps.

Here are a few ways to use member spaces:

- Create **private or secret directories** for select membership tiers or network groups.

- Offer a shared interest space where members connect around topics, roles, or goals.

- Host an open member space where members can opt in to discover and connect with others.

### **Filter members**

One of the most powerful aspects of a member space is the ability to filter and explore member profiles, similar to the main member directory. This makes it easier for members to find others with similar interests, roles, or activity levels.

Both admins and members can use a variety of filters, including:

- Name

- Role (Admin, Moderator, Member)

- Tag

- Status (Online, Offline)

- Level

- Standard profile fields

- Custom profile fields

- And more

To filter members, follow these steps:

1. **Select a filter:** Choose one of the default filters visible on the filters bar or click **Add filter** to access additional filters. You’ll be able to use various platform and profile fields as filters.

2. **Set your criteria** : After selecting a filter, enter the relevant criteria. Certain filters support advanced conditions for more precise filtering.

3. **Apply the filter** : Click **Apply** or **Done** to finalize your selection.

When using multiple filters, they are applied using the **"And" condition** , meaning all selected criteria must be met. To refine your search further, you can apply the same filter multiple times, creating highly specific combinations for more granular results.

To access the full profile, simply click the member's name. From the profile, you can:

- Message member

- Copy the profile link

- Edit member ( **Admin only** option)

- View member’s posts, comments, and space access

- View rewards ( **Admin only** option)

- View profile information ( **About** tab)

- Check the last seen status

### Utilize the “Near me” filter

Discovering members close to you has never been easier with the **Near me** filter! This allows you and your members to quickly find others in their area, making it simple to connect and collaborate with them.

The **Near me** filter uses the geo-coded location field set in member profiles to identify members in the same location as you are. For example, if you are in Paris looking to connect with others in the city, you can use the **Near me** filter to quickly see the list of members who have set their profile location to Paris.

To use this filter, simply click **Near me** at the top of the member space. Note that this option is currently only available when accessing the member space from the desktop. Combined with other filters, such as interests, tags, or roles, you can narrow down your search to find the perfect match.

### **Choose the space layout**

You can choose how members are displayed in a member space by selecting a default **layout** from the member space settings. This helps shape how members browse and connect with each other.

- **List** : This layout shows members in a compact vertical list with more profile information visible by default. Members’ tags, headline, and bio appear directly in the view, offering more context without needing to click into profiles. Use this layout when details matter more than visuals.

- **Card** : This layout displays members in a grid format using profile images as visual thumbnails. It’s ideal for quickly browsing faces and names. 

You can also set a default sort order for the member space, such as Alphabetical, Oldest, or Newest. Members can change the sort at any time while viewing the space.

> ℹ️  **Note:** On mobile apps, the member space appears in list layout by default, regardless of the layout selected on desktop.

### **Manage member space**

You manage member spaces the same way you manage other spaces in your community. You can:

- Set the space name, icon, and space group location.

- Control who can access the space.

- Select a layout that fits your needs.

- Add or remove members.

- Gate the space behind a paywall.

- Set up a lock screen.

- Configure additional space options.

## **Create a member space**

To add a new member space, follow these steps:

1. Hover over a space group, click the ➕ icon, and select **Create space**.

2. In the **Choose space type** dialog, select **Members** and click **Next.**

1. Configure essential space details: 

2. Click **Create space**.

### **Ready to customize your member space?**

Check out the following article to learn more about member space customization:

- [**Customize member space settings**](/p/audience/member-management/customize-member-space-settings)