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

# Administrator and Operator modes

> Compare Administrator and Operator modes in ABBYY FlexiCapture: who configures Document Definitions versus who scans, verifies, and exports data.

To organize single-flow data input in ABBYY FlexiCapture, you configure the system to process certain types of documents. The Administrator configures all the settings, while Operators handle document input. The number of workstations depends on the number and volume of documents to be processed.

## Roles and responsibilities

The **Administrator** configures the system and controls its operation, and is responsible for:

* Designing new form blanks (this task may be handled by the designer)
* Configuring image import and scanning options
* Preparing Document Definitions
* Monitoring data input into a configured system and advising Operators

**Operators** handle document input. They work with a system that the Administrator has preconfigured to process completed documents of certain types. Operators are responsible for:

* Scanning or importing documents
* Verifying data
* Exporting data

Document recognition is an automatic process.

## What each mode can do

ABBYY FlexiCapture has two operation modes: **Administrator mode** and **Operator mode**. The Administrator has access to all program functions, while the Operator uses a preconfigured system and is limited to one project or batch. The following table summarizes what each mode can do:

| Function                                       | Administrator mode | Operator mode |
| :--------------------------------------------- | :----------------: | :-----------: |
| Scan or import documents                       |         Yes        |      Yes      |
| Verify data                                    |         Yes        |      Yes      |
| Export data                                    |         Yes        |      Yes      |
| Create or edit Document Definitions            |         Yes        |       No      |
| Create or edit import profiles and batch types |         Yes        |       No      |
| Work with test batches                         |         Yes        |       No      |
| View project properties and export projects    |         Yes        |       No      |
| Password-protect or unprotect a project        |         Yes        |       No      |
| Work with more than one project or batch       |         Yes        |       No      |

## Switch between modes

When you [install the program](/flexi-capture/install-setup/installing), you can choose between installing only the Operator Station or the complete program. The complete installation lets you switch between Administrator and Operator modes in two ways:

* **From the Start menu** — open either **Start → All Programs → ABBYY FlexiCapture 12 → ABBYY FlexiCapture Administrator Station** or **Start → All Programs → ABBYY FlexiCapture 12 → ABBYY FlexiCapture Operator Station**. For details, see [Running the program](/flexi-capture/install-setup/starting-program).
* **From Operator mode** — on the **Project** menu, click **Switch to Admin Mode...**. The current project and batch open (you must enter the correct password if the batch is password-protected).

In Administrator mode, the main menu includes **Test Batches**, **Document Definitions...**, **Protect with Password...**, and **Unprotect...**, which are not available in Operator mode. Administrator mode can also be password-protected: if you try to open a password-protected project in Administrator mode, you are asked to enter a password.

In Operator mode, if you are not authorized to modify the current project or batch, the relevant menu items and toolbars are hidden.