---
title: Step 8: Create a Source
slug: quick-start/step-8-create-a-source
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-04-16T14:18:43.309Z
---

Sources are the input streams managed in ZEN Master. A Source can originate from any of the following:

- ZEC
- Broadcaster
- An external source, such as an external encoder or an external ZEC not configured in ZEN Master
- AWS MediaConnect Flow

  In this example, we will create a Source from a transport stream file sitting on a public URL.

::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
Click **Sources** in the main ZEN Master navigation, and then click **+ Add**.

![Sources](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/mzxtTQEvCNIdUNgF2kuwJ/Tog-D3wEIQGmJzjwxEqJY-20260416-143158.png)
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
From the Source type options, select **File**:

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/mzxtTQEvCNIdUNgF2kuwJ/gmL6UQ5Z9zq5WAI32R3sT_create-new-source.png" size="90" width="1350" height="1638" position="center" alt="Create New Source" showCaption="false"}
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
The **Create New File Source** screen appears:

![Create New File Source](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/mzxtTQEvCNIdUNgF2kuwJ/8JuZplsAxRbHqpBMWqDpM-20260416-164207.png)
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Enter a **Name** for your Source.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Select the *default* or some other tag from the **Tags** dropdown.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
In the **Broadcaster** dropdown, select your Broadcaster.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
For **Source**, select **URL**.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
In the **URL** field, enter: [https://zixi-file-sources.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/ts/clock\_AVC\_420\_8bit\_480p30.ts](https://zixi-file-sources.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/ts/clock_AVC_420_8bit_480p30.ts)
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Under **Public Output**, check **Allow**.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
You don't need to change any other fields for this exercise, so click **Save**. 
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
The **Source** details screen will open, and after a few seconds, you should see a thumbnail view of the stream, and after a minute or two, detailed Stream Information:

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/mzxtTQEvCNIdUNgF2kuwJ/n3kEZznBxyujVtCVpyE1S-20260416-165629.png" size="80" width="1250" height="2088" position="center" alt="Source Details" showCaption="false"}
:::
::::

:::hint{type="info"}
Note: You may see a Content Analysis warning or error about clipped audio. You can ignore this.
:::