> 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/shadow-layers/use-shadow-layers.md).

# Use Shadow Layers

**What you'll do:** Move between layers day to day, and keep the separation clean.

**How it works:** You don't "switch" layers from inside the app. You open the layer you want by entering *its* password when you unlock the vault. To move to a different layer, lock the vault and unlock again with the other password.

**Steps**

1. Unlock the vault and enter the password for the layer you want to work in.
2. Work with that layer's files exactly as you would in any vault — add, open, rename, share, search.
3. When you're done, **lock the vault** (Finder context menu → *Lock vault*, or lock from the app). Locking seals every layer.
4. To use a different layer, unlock again with that layer's password.

**Good habits**

* **Keep the decoy believable.** A decoy layer with nothing in it isn't convincing. Put real-but-harmless files there and touch them occasionally so it looks lived-in.
* **Don't cross-reference layers.** File names, share links, or notes that point from one layer to another can betray that another layer exists.
* **Lock when you step away.** Auto-Lock will seal things on crash or exit, but an explicit lock is faster and deliberate.

**Common mistakes**

* **Leaving a sensitive layer unlocked** while someone else is at the device. Locking is the boundary.
* **Naming files in a way that hints at hidden content** ("real-copy", "the other set"). Keep names neutral.

> Under active inspection, follow [Unlock under inspection](/drive-support/shadow-layers/unlock-under-inspection.md) — the whole point is that you open the decoy calmly and nothing reveals the rest.