> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vdo.ninja/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vdo.ninja/advanced-settings/setup-parameters/and-groupmode.md).

# \&groupmode

Added to the URL, when not assigned to a group, you don't hear or see anything

Sender-Side Option! ([`&push`](/advanced-settings/setup-parameters/push.md), [`&room`](/advanced-settings/setup-parameters/room.md))

## Details

`&groupmode` changes the way [groups](/advanced-settings/setup-parameters/and-group.md) work when not in a group.

With `&groupmode` added to your URL, when not assigned to a group, you don't hear or see anything. This also goes for remote participants who are not in a group - you will not see or hear them if they are not in a group, even if you also are not in a group.

The default normally with VDO.Ninja is that if not in a group, you see and hear everyone. This remains true if not using `&groupmode`, even if others in the room are. Others may not be able to see or hear you though, if they have `&groupmode` enabled, and you haven't picked a group. So, `&groupmode` only impacts the local user, and will not impact remote connections.

The [Comms app](/steves-helper-apps/comms.md) uses `&groupmode` by default.

## Related

{% content-ref url="/pages/hnwXUVoyx9yg44EUT3LO" %}
[\&group](/advanced-settings/setup-parameters/and-group.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/CIK9xx91mLs0kfYMcnXI" %}
[\&groupview](/advanced-settings/setup-parameters/and-groupview.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/Xqngwbf2TfmyyoOtACG3" %}
[\&groupaudio](/advanced-settings/setup-parameters/and-groupaudio.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.vdo.ninja/advanced-settings/setup-parameters/and-groupmode.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
