> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.couchdrop.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.couchdrop.io/administration/admin-panel-and-user-mode.md).

# Admin Panel and User Mode

## Overview

Couchdrop has two main areas: **User Mode** and the **Admin Panel**.

They serve different purposes:

* **User Mode** is where users work with files, transfer workflows, and the services available to them.
* **Admin Panel** is where administrators configure and govern the Couchdrop account.

### User Mode

User Mode is the day-to-day workspace in Couchdrop.

It is where users access the files, transfers, workflows, and services they have permission to use.

Depending on the user's permissions, User Mode can include:

* **File Browser**, **Run Actions**, and **Tasks**
* **SFTP & FTPS Users**
* **Automations**
* **Mailboxes**
* **Webhooks**
* **AS2 Stations**
* **Shared Links** and **Request Files**
* **Integrations**
* **B2B Connect**
* **Marketplace**

{% hint style="warning" %}
Not every user will see every option. What appears in User Mode depends on the permissions and features assigned to that user.
{% endhint %}

#### Who can access User Mode

All Couchdrop user types can potentially use User Mode:

* **Owners** can access User Mode and the Admin Panel.
* **Administrators** can access User Mode and the Admin Panel.
* **Team Members** can access User Mode only.
* **External Users** can access User Mode **only when they have been granted**[ **Web Portal access**](/file-sharing/web-portal-access.md).

Team Members are particularly useful when someone needs to work with operational features without access to account administration.

For example, a Team Member can create and manage External Users such as SFTP users, while remaining unable to access billing, security settings, or other administrative configuration.

### Admin Panel

The Admin Panel is the account-wide management area in Couchdrop.

It is used to configure and govern the Couchdrop account, including areas such as:

* Users and groups
* Permissions
* Connections and integrations
* Security settings
* Reporting and activity
* Other account-level configuration

Use the Admin Panel when you need to make changes that affect the Couchdrop account rather than carry out day-to-day transfer work.

#### Who can access the Admin Panel

Only users with administrative roles can access the Admin Panel:

* **Owner**
* **Administrator**

**Team Members cannot access the Admin Panel.**

**External Users cannot access the Admin Panel.**

## Switching between User Mode and Admin Panel

Owners and Administrators can switch between **User Mode** and the **Admin Panel** using the switch in the top-right of the navigation bar.

Users without administrative access only see User Mode.

## User Mode vs. Admin Panel

<table><thead><tr><th width="148.65234375">Area</th><th>Purpose</th><th>Who can access it</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>User Mode</strong></td><td>Work with files, transfers, workflows, and operational features</td><td>Owner, Administrator, Team Member, and External User with Web Portal access</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Admin Panel</strong></td><td>Configure and govern the Couchdrop account</td><td>Owner and Administrator only</td></tr></tbody></table>

A useful way to think about the distinction is:

**User Mode is for operating Couchdrop. Admin Panel is for administering Couchdrop.**