> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.guardware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.guardware.com/documentation/protect/protection-scope/folder-operations.md).
# Folder Operations
The **Folder Operations** section lets you create folder rules that allow PROTECT to automatically apply encryption settings to files stored in specified folders. The rule is activated when a file location matches the folder expression configured for that rule.
### Create a folder rule
1. Navigate to **PROTECT > Protection Scope > Folder Operations.**
2. Select **+ Create Folder Rule**.
3. Enter a clear, unique **Rule Name**.
4. Select the **Data Classification** to apply to the files.
5. Protection modes for **Office Files** and **Non-office Files** are automatically assigned based on the selected Data Classification.
6. In **Folder Expression**, enter the folder path or matching expression. The **Expression** defines which folder the rule applies to.
Use an asterisk (`*`) as a wildcard when needed.
Examples:
* `C:\Users\testFolder\*`\
Applies the rule to files in the `testFolder` directory.
* `C:\Users\testFolder\*.docx`\
Applies the rule only to Word documents in that folder.
* `\\192.168.1.1\folder\*`\
Applies the rule to files in a shared network folder.
Use the full network path for shared folders. Confirm the expression carefully before saving, as it determines which files receive the selected protection settings.
7. Under **Assign Security Groups**, choose the groups that can access the files in the folder. The selected groups appear in the **Selected Security Groups** panel.
8. Select **Save**.
### Enable/Disable Folder Rule
1. Navigate to **PROTECT > Protection Scope > Folder Operations.**
2. Search for the rule you want to enable or disable.
3. Use the **Status** toggle to enable or disable the rule.
### Edit Folder Rule
1. Navigate to **PROTECT > Protection Scope > Folder Operations.**
2. Search for the rule you want to edit and click **Edit**.
3. Update the necessary information and click **Save**.
### Delete Folder Rule
1. Navigate to **PROTECT > Protection Scope > Folder Operations.**
2. Search for the rule you want to edit and click **Delete**.
3. Click **Delete** in the confirmation alert.
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