---
updatedAt: 2026-03-17T07:49:12.000Z
agentTools:
  siteIndex: https://docs.jfrog.com/llms.txt
  projectIndex: https://docs.jfrog.com/security/llms.txt
---

# Create Watches

This is a Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Watch in Xray. To learn more about Watches, click [here](https://docs.jfrog.com/security/docs/watches-in-jfrog-xray)

1. Navigate to **Xray → Watches & Policies**.
2. Click **New Watch**.
3. In the **New Watch** window, enter a **unique name** for the Watch (e.g., "Critical Security Watch").
4. (Optional) Add a **description** to specify the Watch’s purpose.
5. Click **Add Resources**.
6. Select one or more of the following:
   * **Repositories**
   * **Builds**
   * **Release Bundles**
   * **Projects**
7. Click **Apply**.

#### **Attach Policies to the Watch**

A Watch must be linked to **one or more policies** that define security and compliance rules. For more information, see [Create Policies](https://docs.jfrog.com/security/docs/create-policies).

### **Best Practices for Watches in Xray**

* **Use Separate Watches for Different Environments** – Apply different policies for development, staging, and production.
* **Limit Watches to Critical Resources** – Avoid excessive monitoring on temporary or non-production repositories.
* **Integrate with CI/CD Pipelines** – Automatically fail builds that violate security policies.
* **Regularly Review and Update Watches** – Keep Watch configurations aligned with evolving security and compliance needs.