# Creating a channel from scratch
<a name="creating-channel-scratch"></a>

A channel ingests and transcodes (decodes and encodes) source content from the inputs that are attached to the MediaLive channel, and packages the new content into outputs. You create and configure the channel with the details that instruct the channel how to perform this processing. 

There are three ways to create a MediaLive channel: 
+ **Create from scratch.** See the topics in this chapter.
+ **Use a built-in or custom template.** See [Creating a channel from a template](creating-channel-template.md).
+ **Clone an existing channel.** See [Creating a channel by cloning](creating-channel-clone.md). 

**Important**  
The information in this chapter is presented in sections, typically one section for each part of the **Channel** page on the MediaLive console. You can complete the sections in any order. You can complete part of a section and then come back to it later.  
MediaLive validates all the information once, after you save the channel.

**Topics**
+ [Getting ready](creating-a-channel-getready.md)
+ [Complete channel and input details](creating-a-channel-step1.md)
+ [Attach inputs to the channel](creating-a-channel-step2.md)
+ [Complete the settings for each input](creating-a-channel-step2a.md)
+ [Complete general settings](creating-a-channel-step3.md)
+ [Configure outputs](creating-a-channel-step4.md)
+ [Save the channel](creating-a-channel-step9.md)
+ [Next step](create-channel-nextstep.md)