# Transformations

A transformation is a file that defines the translation of mappings between two systems.

Many common transformations already exist as **Public** files. You can browse and use the many **Public** level transformation files that have already been created in the Control Panel. Most **HighCohesion** users can setup data streams in minutes using one of the standard format transformation documents. These existing transformations are explained further in the [Transformation library](https://app.gitbook.com/@highcohesion/s/public/control-panel/setup/transformations/transformation-library) documentation.

Our Control Panel not only enables you to use existing transformations - you can also create new, completely custom transformations to meet your requirements. When creating a data stream between a source and a destination, you will almost always require some kind of transformation to take place on the data between the systems. HighCohesion have developed a simple and effective style of JSON formatting (*referred to as a transformation file*) that allows anyone to utilise powerful transformation functions, entirely from the Control Panel. These types of transformations are explained further in the [writing a custom transformation](https://docs.highcohesion.com/creating-streams/transformations/writing-a-transformation) or the [example sales order transformation](https://docs.highcohesion.com/creating-streams/transformations/writing-a-transformation/example-1-order-file) documentation.

For further reading on transformations, please see:

* [Public transformations](https://docs.highcohesion.com/creating-streams/transformations/new-transformations)
* [Private transformations](https://docs.highcohesion.com/creating-streams/transformations/private-transformations)
* [Customising a Public Transformation](https://docs.highcohesion.com/creating-streams/transformations/customising-a-public-transformation)
* [Write a custom transformation](https://docs.highcohesion.com/creating-streams/transformations/writing-a-transformation)
* [Example sales order transformation](https://docs.highcohesion.com/creating-streams/transformations/writing-a-transformation/example-1-order-file)

### Public or Private?

With transformation files, there are two types of visibility:

* **Public** - Any user of the **HighCohesion** platform (inside and outside of your organisation) can see and use this transformation file. Public transformation files can only be edited by **HighCohesion** once live. 
* **Private** - Only members of your organisation can view, use, edit or delete private transformation files.

When creating a new transformation file, you are able to specify if the file should be private to your business. If you create a new transformation file and select **Public**, a member of the **HighCohesion** team will review the file before it is made live to other users.