> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://oten.gitbook.io/drive-support/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://oten.gitbook.io/drive-support/concepts-in-1-minute/shadow-layers-plausible-deniability.md).

# Shadow Layers (Plausible Deniability)

**What it is:** A **Vault** can contain more than one **Shadow Layer** — independent encrypted layers inside the same vault. Each layer has its own **password**, its own encryption keys, and its own set of files. You open a layer by typing its password when you unlock the vault.

**Why it matters:** Ordinary encryption can't help when you're *forced* to unlock. Shadow Layers can. You can keep harmless, believable content in a **decoy layer** and your sensitive files in another layer. Under coercion you open the decoy — and from the outside there is no way to tell how many layers exist, or to prove that any other layer does.

**Good to know:**

* **Symmetric by design.** There's no "real vs fake" label. You decide what lives in each layer.
* **Independently encrypted.** Knowing one layer's password cannot decrypt, derive, or even detect another.
* **One prompt, many destinations.** The vault always asks for a password the same way; which layer opens depends only on which password you type.
* **Drives don't have layers** — Shadow Layers are a Vault feature.

> Coercion resistance is only as strong as your habits. See [What Shadow Layers do not protect against](/drive-support/concepts-in-1-minute/shadow-layers-plausible-deniability.md) before you rely on it.