# Create a virtual file system

Data Mover provides **two different interfaces** for creating a Virtual File System (VFS). Both methods ultimately open the **New Virtual File System** window, where you define the VFS name, assignment, and configuration.

### **Create a VFS from Setup → Virtual File Systems → New**

This method creates an unassigned VFS (later bindable to Actors):

1. Navigate to **Setup → Virtual File Systems**.
2. Click the **NEW** button.
3. Fill in the fields in the **New Virtual File System** window to complete the creation.

### **Create a VFS from Actor → VFS Tab → New**

This method creates a VFS and automatically associates it with the selected Actor:

1. Open **Actors** and select the desired Actor.
2. Go to the **VFS** tab.
3. Click **NEW** to create a VFS that will be automatically assigned to the selected Actor.
4. Complete the **New Virtual File System** window.

### **New Virtual File System** window fields

These are the fields of the **New Virtual File System** window:

* **Name** **(\*)**: enter the name of the Virtual File System.
* **Description (\*)**: enter a description for the Virtual File System.
* **Select storage class (\*)**: choose the **Storage Class** that defines how and where the files stored in this Virtual File System will be physically managed. For details, refer to the [Storage Classes](https://docs.primeur.com/data-mover-1.20/virtual-file-systems/storage-classes) page. 
* **Select retention class** **(\*)**: choose the **Retention Class** that determines how long files in this Virtual File System must be retained. For more information, see the [Retention Classes](https://docs.primeur.com/data-mover-1.20/virtual-file-systems/retention-classes) page. 
* **Assign to Actor**: select the **Actor** that will have access to the Virtual File System by clicking **ADD**. If no Actor is selected, the Virtual File System will be assigned to the **Company** by default.
* **Assign to Group**: select the **Group** whose users will access the Virtual File System by clicking **ADD**. Permissions applied to the Virtual File System depend on the permissions granted to the Group.
* **Limits about folders and files**: these limits override the global limits defined in the [Limits panel](https://docs.primeur.com/data-mover-1.20/manage-virtual-file-systems#limits-panel) and apply only to the Virtual File System being created or edited.
  * **Max folders**: set the maximum number of folders allowed in this Virtual File System.\
    0=unlimited.
  * **Max nested levels**: define how deep the folder structure can be:
    * 0 = unlimited
    * 1 = only folders directly under the Virtual File System root (no sub‑folders)
    * 2 = folders under the root can have one level of sub‑folders
    * … and so on
  * **Max total file count**: set the maximum number of files that can exist in this Virtual File System. This value represents the **sum of all files** across all Virtual Paths in the Virtual File System.
  * **Max total file size**: set the maximum total size of all files stored in the Virtual File System. You can choose among **KB**, **MB**, **GB**, or **TB**.
* **Enable ACL**: choose whether the Virtual File System and its Virtual Paths require explicit access control:
  * **OFF** (default): ACLs are disabled. All users and groups can access the Virtual File System without restrictions.
  * **ON**: ACLs are enabled. Access must be explicitly granted to each user or group at a later stage.

{% hint style="danger" %}
This setting is **permanent**. Once ACLs are enabled, the option **cannot be changed later**.
{% endhint %}

Click **SAVE** to create the Virtual File System.

The new Virtual File System will appear in the result list, sorted by **Name** or **Actor**, together with any existing entries.

Click the **VFS name** in the list to open it and configure its Virtual Paths and advanced options.