> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ellipsis-drive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ellipsis-drive.com/getting-started/quick-start/5.-managing-access-and-sharing-data.md).

# 5. Managing access & sharing data

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/6e63d4cee62d4a788ba2d49bba6451d4?sid=b1f77a40-0e94-4c1b-abd0-19a5e2be415e>" %}

Layers, folders, and files in Ellipsis Drive can be shared with users and systems.

Access is controlled through defined access levels, which determine what actions can be performed on shared content.

***

#### Access levels

The following access levels can be assigned to a layer, folder, or file:

| Access level | Description                                                                                |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| None         | No access                                                                                  |
| View         | Access to visualisations only                                                              |
| View+        | Access to raw data and download permissions                                                |
| Share        | Permission to invite other users                                                           |
| Edit         | Ability to modify data within the layer (e.g. add features, messages, or time series data) |
| Edit+        | Full structural control (create, modify, and move layers)                                  |
| Admin        | Full control, including permanent deletion of content                                      |

#### Geofenced access

Access to data can be restricted geographically or based on properties.

When enabled, users or systems can only access data within defined spatial boundaries.

***

#### Inheritance

Access permissions are inherited through the data structure.

If a user is granted access to a folder, the same access applies to all items within that folder unless explicitly overridden.

***

#### Public access

Public access determines whether data can be accessed by users outside of direct invitations.

All public access is defined by:

* access level (View or View+)
* visibility (hidden or visible in search)

Non-hidden content metadata can be discovered by all users. Hidden content metadata is only accessible to invited users.

***

#### Sharing status

A path can be configured with one of the following sharing statuses:

| Status             | Description                                                   | Access | Visibility        |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | ----------------- |
| Private            | Only invited users can access                                 | None   | Hidden            |
| Link sharing       | Accessible via direct link only                               | View   | Not searchable    |
| Include in catalog | Searchable in the community catalog, access must be requested | None   | Visible in search |
| Public             | Searchable in the community catalog, access to anyone         | View   | Visible in search |

***

#### Managing access

Access can be managed at any time from your account. You can update permissions, revoke access, or adjust sharing settings per layer, folder, or file.

***

#### Sharing data

For detailed workflows on sharing content with users and systems, refer to the [Sharing folders & layers](https://docs.ellipsis-drive.com/data-sharing/access) section.