# Defining Group elements

The Group element can be used to combine any number of previously defined elements into a single element.

The elements can be of different types. You can use Group elements in policies to make the policies clearer to read and to simplify the editing of configurations where the same elements always appear together. You can also use Groups to add monitored elements that are displayed in the Dashboard view.

Example: Host elements for file servers could be gathered together in a Group element, which is used in several rules in different policies. When a new file server is introduced, it is added to the Group. The change is propagated to all rules in all policies in which the Group is used.

On the Group element’s NAT tab, you can view or edit the NAT definitions for the NAT configuration in which the element is included. However, you primarily configure NAT definitions in the properties of a Engine.

## Group Properties dialog box

Use this dialog box to define groups. The Group element can be used to combine any number of previously defined elements into a single element.

Option | Definition
--- | ---
General tab
Name | Specifies the element name.
Comment | An optional comment for your own reference.
Category (Optional) | Shows the assigned category.
Resources | Specifies elements that you want to add to the Group.
Select | Opens the Category Selection dialog box.
Resources
Search | Opens a search field for the selected element list.
Up | Returns to the previous folder.
More actions | New — Creates an element of the specified type. Show Deleted Elements — Shows elements that have been moved to the Trash.
Add | Adds the selected elements to the Content list.
Remove | Removes the selected elements from the Content list.
Content | Specifies the elements that are included in the Group.
Use for Status Monitoring (Optional) | When selected, adds the Group to the System Status tree if the Group contains elements that can be monitored.

Option | Definition
--- | ---
NAT tab
Engine | Shows the selected engine.
NAT Type | Shows the NAT translation type: Static or Dynamic.
Private IP Address | Shows the Private IP Address.
Public IP Address | Shows the defined Public IP Address.
Port Filter | Shows the selected Port Filters.
Comment | An optional comment for your own reference.
Add NAT Definition | Opens the NAT Definition Properties dialog box.
Edit NAT Definition | Opens the NAT Definition Properties dialog box for the selected definition.
Remove NAT Definition | Removes the NAT definition from the engine properties.