> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.matter-vault.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What Clients See in the Portal

> A walkthrough of the client portal from your client's perspective.

The client portal is a simplified, read-focused view of the matter. Clients see only what is relevant to them — they do not have access to internal notes, billing records, time entries, or communications between your team members.

## Documents

Clients can view and download documents that have been shared with them through the portal. Uploading a document to a matter does not automatically make it visible to the client — sharing is a deliberate action.

Clients can also upload documents through the portal. These uploads appear in the matter's Documents tab in a Pending Review state. An attorney must review and promote each file before it becomes part of the official matter record.

## Messages

Clients can send and receive messages through the portal. Messages appear in the matter's Communications tab alongside inbound emails. Your team can reply directly from the Communications tab.

## What clients cannot see

* Internal matter notes
* Time entries and billing records
* Communications between firm staff
* Documents not explicitly shared with them
* Other matters, even if they are a contact on multiple matters