> 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/users-and-groups/the-root-directory.md).

# The Root Directory

The root directory in Couchdrop is a key security mechanism. 

When users are added, you must choose a root directory. The root directory in Couchdrop behaves a bit like the home directory in a unix environment with a couple of caveats.

* Users cannot navigate outside the root directory
* Users can only see paths relative to the root directory
* The true location of the root directory is hidden
* Users can share the same root directory 

Root directories can have permissions to give added controls.

* Read only users: *Can only download and view content in directory*
* Write only users: *Users can only upload files to the directory, they cannot view existing files or folders*

Example Root Directory:

<figure><img src="/files/Xmm3NLKSFHOTzJt9vD19" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>