# Views

**Views** provide a **customized representation** of a Virtual File System (VFS), **exposing the right data to the right users**.

A single VFS may have a complex structure that is efficient for internal operations but too complex or too permissive for external users, partners, or specific internal teams.

Views solve this problem by providing a **controlled and simplified representation** of the VFS. Each View exposes only a selected subset of folders, tailored to a specific audience. In this way, only the folders a user is entitled to see are exposed, without revealing the full internal file structure. Views simplify access while preserving operational efficiency and security.

## What is a View

A View is a **virtual layer** built on top of a VFS that defines which folders and files are visible to specific users.

A View does not store files itself; instead, it **references an existing  VFS and its folders**. The user accessing the View will see a specific subset of the folders belonging to the VFS – and not the full VFS. 

## Relationship with the Virtual File System

Views are always associated with a **Virtual File System**.

* The VFS defines *where* files are stored and how they are accessed.
* The View defines *how* those files are exposed.

Multiple Views can reference the same VFS while applying different behaviors or constraints.

## Security and Access Control

Views inherit security controls from the underlying VFS. 

**Access Control Lists (ACLs)** must be configured on the VFS, so that access through the **View** is automatically restricted and permissions are enforced transparently during file access and processing. 

## Related topics

To learn more about **Views** and their configuration, see:

* [Create a View](/data-mover-smart/virtual-file-systems-and-folders/views/view-management/create-a-view.md).
* Understand [Folders management](/data-mover-smart/virtual-file-systems-and-folders/views/folder-management.md) and [Files management](/data-mover-smart/virtual-file-systems-and-folders/views/file-management.md).
* Assign [ACL permissions](/data-mover-smart/virtual-file-systems-and-folders/views/folder-management/folder-panel/access-control-list-acl.md) to access folders.


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