How to use VLOX

Installation

1. 1

   Download VLOX

   Go to the download section and get the macOS version for your device. Windows support is coming soon.

2. 2

   Install the app

   Drag VLOX to your Applications folder. On first launch, macOS may ask for permission to open the app.

3. 3

   Launch the app

   Open Applications and double-click VLOX. The first launch may take a moment as it initializes.

First Launch

When you open VLOX for the first time, you'll be prompted to create a vault. Here's what to do:

1. 1

   Set up your vault

   Give your vault a name (e.g., "My Secure Files") and choose where to store it on your device.

2. 2

   Create a strong password

   Enter a password that only you know. This is the key to your encryption. Make it long and unique.

3. 3

   Confirm your password

   Re-enter your password to confirm. You won't see it displayed for security.

Where VLOX Stores Data

VLOX keeps all its data in a single folder on your device:

Inside this folder, each vault has its own directory with:

• vault.json - Vault metadata and encryption parameters
• manifest.bin - Encrypted list of files and their metadata
• files/ - Encrypted file blobs with UUID names

Step by step

1. 1

   Click "Create Vault"

   From the home screen, click the "Create Vault" button.

2. 2

   Name your vault

   Enter a descriptive name. Examples: "Work Files", "Personal Docs", "Projects 2024".

3. 3

   Choose location

   Select where to store the vault. We recommend keeping it in VLOX's default storage directory.

4. 4

   Set a strong password

   Use a password with mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. At least 12 characters.

5. 5

   Confirm and create

   Click "Create" and your vault is ready to use. You'll see it unlocked by default.

Locked vs Unlocked

Understanding vault states is crucial for security:

Methods to import

VLOX provides multiple ways to add files to your vault:

Understanding Progress

During import, you'll see a progress indicator that shows:

• File count: How many files have been processed
• Data size: Total bytes encrypted
• Current file: Name of the file being encrypted
• Time remaining: Estimate of import duration

Large imports or slow performance

If you're importing gigabytes of data:

• Be patient: Encryption takes time, but it's happening on your device for security.
• Monitor progress: Check the progress panel to see what's happening.
• Let it finish: Don't force-quit VLOX. Let the import complete.
• Future optimization: We're working on streaming encryption to speed this up.

View options

Toggle between different ways to view your vault's contents:

Searching files

Find files quickly by name:

1. 1Click the search icon in the toolbar
2. 2Type the file name or part of it
3. 3VLOX instantly filters and shows matching files

Opening and editing files

Here's how to safely work with files in your vault:

1. 1

   Double-click a file

   VLOX decrypts it temporarily and opens it in your default app (e.g., Photos, Word, Preview).

2. 2

   Edit your file

   Make changes in the app. Save normally (Cmd+S).

3. 3

   Return to VLOX

   Switch back to VLOX. It detects the changes and re-encrypts the updated file automatically.

Temporary workspace

VLOX maintains a secure workspace for decrypted files:

Why export?

Export vaults to:

• Back up: Create a secure copy on external storage
• Share securely: Send an encrypted vault package to someone else
• Archive: Store old vaults safely for long-term retention

How to export

1. 1

   Unlock the vault you want to export

2. 2

   Click "Export Vault"

   Usually in the vault's menu (three dots).

3. 3

   Choose export location

   Select where to save the encrypted package (e.g., Desktop, external drive).

4. 4

   Wait for export to complete

   VLOX packages everything and saves the file. This may take time for large vaults.

When you need this

Import exported vaults to:

• Restore a backup you made earlier
• Use a vault on a different device
• Accept a vault from someone else

How to import

1. 1

   From the home screen, click "Import Vault"

2. 2

   Browse to the exported file

   It's usually a .vlox package or similar.

3. 3

   VLOX verifies integrity

   The app checks that the vault hasn't been corrupted or tampered with.

4. 4

   Enter the vault password

   You need the original password to unlock it.

5. 5

   Choose where to store it

   Select a location on your system for the imported vault.

Auto-lock

Automatically lock vaults when you step away:

1. 1Open Settings
2. 2Find "Auto-lock timeout"
3. 3Set a time (e.g., 30 minutes of inactivity)
4. 4Vaults automatically lock when the timer expires

Clipboard handling

VLOX can automatically clear your clipboard after a delay:

Security status panel

The security panel shows:

• Vault count: How many vaults you have
• Locked/Unlocked status: Which vaults are secure
• Total encrypted data: Size of all vaults
• Last activity: When vaults were last accessed

"I can't unlock my vault"

"Import is taking a long time"

"A file won't open"

"I don't see my vault"

"How do I reset and start over?"