# Create a topic

Source: https://docs.settlemint.com/docs/operators/data-feeds/create-topic
Register a scalar feed verification topic to define the data schema for your data feeds.



Register a scalar feed verification topic before you create or publish data feeds. Scalar feed topics use the fixed `int256 value` schema and appear on the Verification topics page.

## Prerequisites [#prerequisites]

* Verification policy manager role (`claimPolicyManager`) assigned on the System Access Manager.
* Issuer-Signed Scalar Feed addon installed (see [Install addons](/docs/operators/system-addons/install-addons)).

## Topic kinds [#topic-kinds]

The topic form separates identity verification topics from data feed topics.

| Kind         | Signature                                        | Purpose                                                                   |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Verification | Custom ABI fields, such as `string` or `uint256` | Identity and compliance verification topics such as KYC or accreditation. |
| Scalar feed  | `int256 value` (fixed)                           | Numeric data feeds for prices, rates, and metrics.                        |
| Bytes feed   | Disabled in the topic form                       | Not selectable for the data feed setup workflow.                          |

Only Scalar feed topics work for scalar data feeds. The Bytes feed option does not apply to this workflow.

## Steps [#steps]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    ### Navigate to verification topics [#navigate-to-verification-topics]

    Go to Organisation settings > Compliance & verification > Verification topics in the sidebar. The page lists all topics registered for the organisation.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Open the add topic form [#open-the-add-topic-form]

    Click Add verification topic to open the creation dialog. The form lets you choose the topic kind and enter a name.

    ![Add topic form](/docs/data-feeds/add-topic-form.webp)
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Select the Scalar feed kind [#select-the-scalar-feed-kind]

    Choose Feed (SCALAR) as the topic kind. The signature field locks to `int256 value`; you cannot change it.

    Enter a descriptive topic name that identifies what data this topic represents, such as "FEED: BTC/USD" or "FEED: Interest Rate".

    ![Scalar feed topic configuration](/docs/data-feeds/add-topic-scalar-feed.webp)

    <Callout type="info" title="Naming convention">
      While there is no enforced naming convention, prefixing feed topic names with "FEED:" helps distinguish them from
      compliance verification topics in dropdown lists.
    </Callout>
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Confirm the transaction [#confirm-the-transaction]

    Click Continue to review the topic kind, topic name, and fixed signature. Then click Create topic and complete the wallet verification step.

    ![Topic creation PIN confirmation](/docs/data-feeds/add-topic-confirm.webp)
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Verify the topic [#verify-the-topic]

    After the transaction confirms, the new topic appears in the verification topics list. You can then assign it to a trusted issuer and select it when creating scalar data feeds.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next steps [#next-steps]

After creating a topic:

1. Add a trusted issuer for this topic so that an identity can publish feed updates. See [Configure trusted issuers](/docs/operators/compliance/configure-trusted-issuers).
2. Create a feed that uses this topic. See [Create a feed](/docs/operators/data-feeds/create-feed).

## Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

| Issue                                         | Solution                                                                                   |
| --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| The platform hides **Add verification topic** | Verify you have the Verification policy manager role on the System Access Manager.         |
| **Feed (SCALAR)** shows as unavailable        | Confirm the Issuer-Signed Scalar Feed addon is installed on the system.                    |
| **Feed (BYTES)** cannot be selected           | Use Feed (SCALAR) for this workflow; the platform does not support bytes feed topics here. |
| Topic name already exists                     | Choose a unique name; the platform rejects duplicate topic names.                          |
| Transaction fails                             | Check that your wallet can complete the verification step and has enough gas for the call. |