# Create a database

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User permissions: Administration > Databases and Sync
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Rather than create a brand new database, you can [clone an existing database](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/administration/databases-administration#clone-a-database) and [modify its design](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/administration/designer/modify-a-database) to meet your needs.
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1. In the Phocas menu, click **Administration** > **Databases**, then click **Create**.
2. Enter a name for the database. This name should be user-friendly, as this is name that displays in Phocas. You can change this name later. The real, underlying database name is generated automatically and will be something like company name, an underscore and a number. This can't be changed and is not displayed to typical Phocas users.
3. (If applicable) If you are creating a financial database, select the **Financial Database** checkbox. This option is only available if you have the Financial Statements license. See [Design a finance database](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/administration/designer/design-a-financial-database) for important information.
4. Click **Save**. 

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/vQCmtGTR7MsjcI62Vdki/blobs/ECnV81KywXyjr3EhdJxp/3089335422.png" alt="" width="170"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   The **Design** screen opens on the **Design** tab. This a template that allows you to bring in the data elements into your database design. You can now proceed to design your database.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/vQCmtGTR7MsjcI62Vdki/blobs/QXlKsiON7dIYJZ5zRYPx/3080814729.png" alt="" width="612"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

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Consider adding other users as *owners* of this database, either to help you with the initial design or to make changes later. You do this on the [Databases administration](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/administration/databases-administration#change-the-name-and-owner-and-other-general-settings) page.
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