> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://bigbluebutton.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Breakout Rooms

> Create, manage, and monitor breakout rooms for small-group activities.

Breakout rooms split participants into smaller groups for focused discussion, collaboration, or activities.

## Full Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create breakout rooms">
    As a moderator, open the breakout room panel and configure:

    * **Number of rooms** — how many groups to create
    * **Duration** — time limit for the breakout session
    * **Assignment** — randomly assign, let users choose, or manually assign participants

    See [Create and Manage Breakout Rooms](/docs/help/moderator-guide/create-and-manage-breakout-rooms).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign participants">
    Drag and drop users between rooms or use automatic assignment. You can also allow students to choose their own room.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start breakout rooms">
    Click **Start** to open all rooms simultaneously. Participants receive a notification to join their assigned room.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Monitor progress">
    As a moderator, you can:

    * See which users are in which rooms
    * Join any breakout room to observe or participate
    * Send a message to all rooms
    * Extend the time if needed
  </Step>

  <Step title="Bring everyone back">
    When time expires (or you end breakout rooms early), all participants return to the main room automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Joining Breakout Rooms (Participant View)

Participants receive a notification when breakout rooms open and can join their assigned room. See [Join Breakout Rooms](/docs/help/user-guide/join-breakout-rooms).

## Inviting Moderators to Breakout Rooms

You can invite other moderators to specific breakout rooms for co-facilitation. See [Invite Moderators to Breakout Rooms](/docs/help/moderator-guide/create-and-manage-breakout-rooms).

## 1:1 Breakout Rooms

Create a breakout room with just two people for:

* Individual student conferences
* Private conversations
* One-on-one tutoring or feedback

Simply create a breakout room and assign only two participants (or join the room yourself with one student).

## Exporting Breakout Room Artifacts

Capture work from breakout rooms before they close:

* **Export shared notes** — save collaborative text from each room. See [Export Breakout Room Shared Notes](/docs/help/moderator-guide/access-breakout-room-whiteboards-or-shared-notes).
* **Export whiteboard annotations** — save drawings and annotations from each room. See [Export Breakout Room Whiteboard Annotations](/docs/help/moderator-guide/access-breakout-room-whiteboards-or-shared-notes).

<Warning>Breakout room content (shared notes, whiteboard annotations) is lost when rooms close unless you export it first.</Warning>

## Tips

* **Set clear instructions** before opening breakout rooms — students should know their task
* **Use the timer** to keep groups on track
* **Visit rooms briefly** to check progress without disrupting
* **Allow 1–2 minutes** for transition time when planning your session timeline