Getting Started

Kachd is a privacy-first community platform for sharing files, chatting, and connecting with others. This guide covers the basics of setting up and using the platform.

Creating a Community

Click the + button in the server rail to create a new community. Enter a name and an optional description. A URL slug is generated automatically from the name.

When a community is created, the following are set up automatically:

  • A general text channel
  • Default roles: @everyone, Member, Moderator, Admin, and Owner
  • A permanent invite code for easy sharing

You are assigned the Owner role as the creator.

Channel Types

Communities support six channel types:

  • Text — Real-time chat with markdown formatting, emoji reactions, threads, and link previews
  • File — Upload and share files including archives, images, audio, and documents
  • Voice — Real-time voice communication with end-to-end encryption
  • Forum — Threaded discussion boards for long-form conversations
  • Announcement — Read-only channels for important updates from admins
  • Stage — Live audio events with speaker and listener roles

Channels can be organized into categories for easier navigation. Admins and above can create, reorder, and manage channels.

Inviting Members

Every community has a permanent invite code that never expires. Share the link in the format:

kachd.com/invite/CODE

Members with the Create Invites permission can also generate custom invite links with optional expiration times and usage limits. Custom invites default to a 7-day expiration.

Uploading Files

Files can be uploaded to file channels or attached to messages. Supported file types include:

  • Archives — .zip, .7z, .rar, .iso, .tar, .gz
  • Images — .png, .jpg, .gif, .webp, .svg
  • Audio — .mp3, .wav, .flac, .aac, .ogg, .m4a, .aiff, .opus
  • Documents — .pdf, .txt, .md
  • ROMs — .rom, .bin, .nds, .gba, .sfc, .nes, .n64
  • Applications — .exe, .dmg, .apk

Files are deduplicated by SHA-256 hash. If someone uploads the same file that already exists on the platform, no additional storage is used. Uploads go directly to Cloudflare R2 via presigned URLs — file data never passes through the Kachd server.

Roles & Permissions

Communities use a role hierarchy with five default tiers, from lowest to highest:

  • Viewer — Browse channels and download files (read-only)
  • Member — Send messages, upload files, create invites
  • Moderator — Kick and ban members, delete messages and files
  • Admin — Manage channels, roles, sales, and view analytics
  • Owner — Full control including community settings and deletion

Community owners can create custom roles with granular permissions using a bitfield system. Permissions can also be overridden on a per-channel basis, allowing you to restrict or grant access to specific channels for specific roles.