> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.condense.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Add a connection

> Adding a connection takes two steps: describe it, then enter how to reach the broker.

1. In Condense Core, open **Settings**. Under **Manage**, select **Broker Registry**.
2. Select **Connect** on the broker you want, or **Add Broker Connection** at the top right. The **Add Broker Connection** panel opens.
3. Step 1, **Broker Details**: name the connection and tag it. Select **Next**.
4. Step 2, **Broker Configurations**: choose the broker type, enter its address and how to sign in. See [Broker types and authentication](https://docs.condense.io/condense/v3.0.0/broker-registry/broker-types.md).
5. Select **Test Connection**. When the test succeeds, select **Save Changes**.

## Step 1: Broker Details

![Step 1. The counters show how many characters you have used.](https://mintcdn.com/zeliot/GzQSA695TD-eq-Lb/images/broker-registry/broker-details-step.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=GzQSA695TD-eq-Lb\&q=85\&s=b81f6855ca5464dea1e0a6e187489568)

Step 1. The counters show how many characters you have used.

* **Credential Alias (required)**: A name you will recognize, for example `prod-us-east-kafka`. 3 to 64 characters. It must be unique among your connections.
* **Environment Tag (required)**: Development, Staging or Production. It helps you tell at a glance which connection belongs to which stage.
* **Description (optional)**: A note about the connection, up to 255 characters.

## Step 2: Broker Configurations

Choose the **Broker Type**, enter the **Server URL(s)**, add the **Cluster Name / ID** if you want one, and pick the **Authentication Method**. The fields below change with your choice.

![Step 2 for NATS with User Credentials. Paste the content or upload the file.](https://mintcdn.com/zeliot/GzQSA695TD-eq-Lb/images/broker-registry/broker-nats-user-credentials.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=GzQSA695TD-eq-Lb\&q=85\&s=cf9a10fe02f08d2691b4943f73170ee6)

Step 2 for NATS with User Credentials. Paste the content or upload the file.

## Save

Condense saves a connection after it has tested successfully. A message confirms that the broker has been configured. The connection now appears on its broker card.

![The confirmation after saving, and the connected broker cards.](https://mintcdn.com/zeliot/GzQSA695TD-eq-Lb/images/broker-registry/broker-configured.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=GzQSA695TD-eq-Lb\&q=85\&s=814e6c2fb408b184a2aaebbf0fc495fb)

The confirmation after saving, and the connected broker cards.

> [!TIP]
>
> Use the tag and the alias together. `prod-us-east-kafka` tagged Production tells you everything before you open it.


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