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+# Setup Synapse with Systemd
+This is a setup for managing synapse with a user contributed systemd unit 
+file. It provides a `matrix-synapse` systemd unit file that should be tailored 
+to accommodate your installation in accordance with the installation 
+instructions provided in
+[installation instructions](https://matrix-org.github.io/synapse/latest/setup/installation.html).
+
+## Setup
+1. Under the service section, ensure the `User` variable matches which user
+you installed synapse under and wish to run it as. 
+2. Under the service section, ensure the `WorkingDirectory` variable matches
+where you have installed synapse.
+3. Under the service section, ensure the `ExecStart` variable matches the
+appropriate locations of your installation.
+4. Copy the `matrix-synapse.service` to `/etc/systemd/system/`
+5. Start Synapse: `sudo systemctl start matrix-synapse`
+6. Verify Synapse is running: `sudo systemctl status matrix-synapse`
+7. *optional* Enable Synapse to start at system boot: `sudo systemctl enable matrix-synapse`