# Access levels

> Levels from A upwards decide who may read which files. Higher levels can read everything below them.

Levels decide who can read which files. They exist so that, for example, a salary file is only used for answers to people allowed to see it.

## How levels work

- Levels go from **A** (lowest) to **Z**. You can refine a level with a second letter, such as **AA** or **AC**.
- Someone can read a file if their level is the same as the file's level or higher.
- Levels are not just alphabetical. **AC** is above **A** but far below **B**.
- If a file has no [rule](/docs/access-rules), it follows its computer's own setting. By default everyone with access to the computer can read all of its files.
- A person who cannot read a file never gets it in an answer.

## Give someone a level

1. Open **Workspace**, then **People**.
2. Pick the person, and change their **Clearance**.

You can only give a level up to your own. If someone cannot see something they should, an admin of your workspace can change their level or add them to a team.

## Give a file a level

Use an [access rule](/docs/access-rules). The level you set is the lowest level that can read the file.

## A computer above your level

A computer that holds only files above your level shows as "Above your level, so you can't use it".