> 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/protect/encryption-and-policies/applications.md).

# Applications

The **Applications** section defines which applications can open, edit, and save protected files. These applications ensure PROTECT can encrypt files when users save or export them in different formats. This ensures only approved applications can access or modify protected content.

### Add an Application

1. Go to **PROTECT > Applications**. The page displays the list of registered applications and allows adding or editing applications.
2. Click **+New Application.**  
3. In **Executable Name**, enter the executable file name (e.g., `winword.exe`, `acad.exe`) of the application you want to register. This defines which program is authorised to access encrypted files.
4. In **Application Suite**, specify the suite or category the application belongs to (e.g., *Microsoft Office*, *Adobe*, *AutoCAD*). This helps group related applications for easier management.
5. In **Folder Path**, enter the path substring if the executable resides in a specific location. (e.g., `C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office`).\
   Click **+** to add the folder path to the selected list. The selected paths appear under **Folder Path Selected** on the right.\
    

   <figure><img src="/files/a73efc879e231cbbd2620f2c154f027d05c3bc98" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
6. In **Extensions that are encrypted/decrypted**, define which file types the application can encrypt and decrypt securely. Choose one of the following options:
7. **All Extensions**\
   The application can encrypt/decrypt all files regardless of their extension.
8. **All but these extensions**\
   The application can encrypt/decrypt all files **except** those with the specified extensions.\
   For example, if you enter `.docx`, `.cad`, the application will encrypt/decrypt all other file types except these two.
9. **Only these extensions**\
   The application can only encrypt/decrypt the file types listed here.\
   For example, if you add `.docx`, `.xls`, `.ppt`, the application will encrypt/decrypt only these extensions.\
   Click **+** to add each extension to the list.
10. Enable **Network Drive Support** if the application needs to access encrypted files stored on network drives (shared folders or mapped drives).
11. Click **Save**.

The application will appear in the **Application List** and will be allowed to encrypt or decrypt files securely based on your configuration.

### Edit an Application

1. Go to **PROTECT > Applications**.
2. Search for the application to edit and click the **Edit** icon in the **ACTIONS** column.\
   &#x20;

   <figure><img src="/files/63706a1fafe2683014137b897f03b298e1335bfa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. Update the necessary information and click **Save**.

### Delete an Application

1. Go to **PROTECT > Applications**.
2. Search for the application to delete and click the **Delete** icon in the **ACTIONS** column.\
   &#x20;

   <figure><img src="/files/a8c59a7fd6fd5d62acc04b89a2bedbfc7ecef77f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. Click **Delete** in the Confirmation Alert.


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