# Configure the Actor

To use File Routing, you must configure an Actor and associate it with a Virtual File System (VFS) dedicated to routing operations.

Create the Actor following the instructions on the [Create your first actor](/data-mover-1.21/actors/create-an-actor.md) page.

Once created, open the **Actor detail** page.

1. In the **VFS** tab, click **NEW** to create a new Virtual File System linked to the Actor.
2. In the **New Virtual File System** window, fill in all mandatory fields:
   * **Name**
   * **Description**
   * **Storage Class**: from the drop‑down lists, select the **Storage Class** created in the previous steps.
   * **Retention Class**: from the drop‑down lists, select the **Retention Class** created in the previous steps.
   * Leave all other options at their default values.
3. Click **SAVE** to add the VFS to the Actor.

<figure><img src="/files/E1hgvPBLn1eCyUyqUaEE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Now click the 3-dot icon and select **Edit**.

<figure><img src="/files/RZwmamrEIEhUApYEQVSj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The **Virtual File System details** window will open, allowing you to add the **workarea** virtual path to the VFS. &#x20;

The **workarea** virtual path is the **working directory** used by File Routing. All routing actions are performed on files located in this virtual path, and the output will be stored in the final location defined by the routing rules.

{% hint style="danger" %}
The virtual path must be named exactly “workarea”.
{% endhint %}

To add the **workarea** virtual path to the VFS, follow these steps:

1. Click the **3‑dot menu** on the right and select **Add child**.

<figure><img src="/files/g2MtMRMefO5EGOLGTewg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. In the **Add child in** window fill in these fields:
   * **Name:** enter the virtual path name, which must be **workarea**.\
     These special characters are not allowed: < >, :,", \\, |, ?, \*, not utf-8.&#x20;
   * **Storage Class**: select the storage class created for file routing.&#x20;
   * **Retention Class**: select the retention class created for file routing.
3. Click **SAVE** and the workarea virtual path will appear in the list.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/lS3RW5Z4pZOa3mAbvtvO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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