# How to create an unavailable block

**For:** Manager
**You'll need:** A person.

An unavailable block marks a window when the person can't work but it's not formal leave (no leave-balance accounting).

## Open the create form

1. Go to **Planning → Availability** and click **'Add availability'**.

## Fill in the block

1. Pick the **'Person'**.
2. Choose **'Type' → 'Unavailable'**.
3. Set the start and end (one-time, or tick **'Recurring'** for a pattern).

## Save

1. Click **'Save'**.

```{note}
Unavailable blocks gate the candidate pool only for people in Mode B. Mode A people are always available — see {doc}`/plan-schedules/coverage/availability-gating-explained`.
```

## Verify it worked

The block appears with type **'Unavailable'**.

## Related

- {doc}`create-a-leave-typed-block`
- {doc}`quick-create-an-unavailability`