---
title: "Role settings"
slug: "role-settings"
tags: ["Reference", "Site Administrator", "Totara Platform"]
updated: 2026-08-13T16:01:10Z
published: 2026-08-13T16:01:10Z
canonical: "totara.help/role-settings"
---

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

# Role settings

When you are [adding a new role](/totara-20/docs/add-a-new-role), or if you want to [change a role's permissions](/totara-20/docs/edit-a-role), then you will be able to configure the following settings.

| **Setting** | **Description** | **Notes** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Short name | This is a low-level role identifier in which only ASCII alphanumeric characters are allowed. | Do not change short names of standard roles, as these may be referenced elsewhere in the system. |
| Custom full name | Names of standard roles are localised automatically if the custom name is empty. You must provide a full name for all custom roles. | - |
| Custom description | Descriptions of standard roles are localised automatically if the custom description is empty. | - |
| Role archetype | You can select an existing role to use as an archetype. The role archetype determines the permissions when a role is reset to default. It also determines any new permissions for the role when the site is upgraded. | If you do not wish to associate this role with an existing one, select **None** for the role archetype. |
| Context types where this role may be assigned | The role can be assigned in the contexts that are ticked here. | - |
| Allow role assignments | Users with the selected roles can assign this role to others. | - |
| Allow role overrides | Select the roles that can be overridden by this one. | - |
| Allow role switching | Users with the selected roles can [role switch](/totara-20/docs/enable-role-switching) to this role. | - |
| Capabilities | You can determine the capabilities associated with this role. | - |

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