# 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](/creating-streams/transformations/writing-a-transformation.md) or the [example sales order transformation](/creating-streams/transformations/writing-a-transformation/example-1-order-file.md) documentation. For further reading on transformations, please see: * [Public transformations](/creating-streams/transformations/new-transformations.md) * [Private transformations](/creating-streams/transformations/private-transformations.md) * [Customising a Public Transformation](/creating-streams/transformations/customising-a-public-transformation.md) * [Write a custom transformation](/creating-streams/transformations/writing-a-transformation.md) * [Example sales order transformation](/creating-streams/transformations/writing-a-transformation/example-1-order-file.md) ### 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. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.highcohesion.com/creating-streams/transformations.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.