# Why are Groups all Visible?
**URL:** https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-groups-all-visible/62661
**Category:** Feature
**Created:** [May 13, 2017, 6:17pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-groups-all-visible/62661 "2017-05-13T18:17:17Z")
**Posts on this page:** 8
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@xiasummer](https://meta.discourse.org/u/xiasummer)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2017, 6:17pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-groups-all-visible/62661/1 "2017-05-13T18:17:17Z")
when I search a discourse with /groups I will see all the groups which I feel really confused.
Like this:
[Discourse Meta](http://meta.discourse.org/groups) will get
You see, I believe we should let a normal user only can see the groups that they can join( by requesting or just join)
. What are all the other groups doing in this page.
**Plus, I do think the groups function can be really important.** So why is there not a button which can show
- all the groups I’m already in.
- all te groups that I can join.
Do we always have to see the groups by adding “/groups” ?
* * *
P.S. I also feel quite odd to let anyone see all the users by just typing “[Discourse Meta](http://meta.discourse.org/users)”. Shouldn’t it be only the managers that can see such information?
---
### Author:  [@codinghorror](https://meta.discourse.org/u/codinghorror)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2017, 6:29pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-groups-all-visible/62661/2 "2017-05-13T18:29:19Z")
If you don’t want groups to be visible mark the group as not visible.
If you don’t want the user directory turn it off in site settings.
---
### Author:  [@Sean\_R](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Sean_R)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2017, 6:30pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-groups-all-visible/62661/3 "2017-05-13T18:30:12Z")
> [@xiasummer](#):
>
> Do we always have to see the groups by adding “/groups” ?
Just go to settings in the admin side and disable.
> [@xiasummer](#):
>
> Plus, I do think the groups function can be really important. So why is there not a button which can show
>
> all the groups I’m already in.
> all te groups that I can join.
I agree the Groups page needs more redo. I do not care why. I would in addition not like to see the formal name of the group (the one with the underscore). I agree it should be a functional way to see the groups you are in and can join. It is also useful to show the ones you are not able to be in. For example, we have two groups of users that are special, Experts & Ambassadors. While people cannot join them, it is helpful to know who they are. Also good for staff listing.
> [@xiasummer](#):
>
> P.S. I also feel quite odd to let anyone see all the users by just typing “[Discourse Meta](http://meta.discourse.org/users)”. Shouldn’t it be only the managers that can see such information?
Not for me. There is the ability to block from users who are not logged in. Also in the settings.
---
### Author:  [@xiasummer](https://meta.discourse.org/u/xiasummer)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2017, 6:30pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-groups-all-visible/62661/4 "2017-05-13T18:30:25Z")
Yes, got it. How fool I am.
---
### Author:  [@scombs](https://meta.discourse.org/u/scombs)
#### Post date: [May 14, 2017, 3:04am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-groups-all-visible/62661/5 "2017-05-14T03:04:57Z")
> [@Sean\_R](#):
>
> I would in addition not like to see the formal name of the group (the one with the underscore).
You can remove the “formal” name with the following CSS
```
.groups-table .groups-info .groups-info-name {
display: none;
}
```
---
### Author:  [@xiasummer](https://meta.discourse.org/u/xiasummer)
#### Post date: [May 14, 2017, 5:44am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-groups-all-visible/62661/6 "2017-05-14T05:44:47Z")
Sorry, I don’t quite know how to edit CSS, could you please show me how to input such things?
---
### Author:  [@scombs](https://meta.discourse.org/u/scombs)
#### Post date: [May 14, 2017, 1:15pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-groups-all-visible/62661/7 "2017-05-14T13:15:41Z")
Go to Admin \> Customize \>Themes (or CSS if you are on an older release of Discourse)
Add the CSS to your default theme under Common
or create a theme component so you can add it to multiple themes.
If you are on an older release of Discourse just use the CSS tab to create a new CSS item. Make sure you also add it to the mobile option and check the box to activate the CSS.
If you can’t sort it out, just reply with where you are stuck.
---
### Author:  [@xiasummer](https://meta.discourse.org/u/xiasummer)
#### Post date: [May 16, 2017, 9:52pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-groups-all-visible/62661/8 "2017-05-16T21:52:51Z")
I’ve used such CSS. Perfect!!! Thank you very much.