# Introduction

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As this is the first release of the Common Extension, this guide will continue to be updated to reflect any new fetures.
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Common Extension V1 uses the previous version of Shielder smart contracts and won't be supported until further notice.\
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**Recommended action:** if you've previously used the extension, withdraw your shielded assets and use [the Common Web App ](https://app.common.fi)for shielding.
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<figure><img src="/files/39PFSXdGZrVl5132T90X" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### What is the Common Extension?

Common Extension is a self-custody crypto wallet that lets users create private accounts, shield tokens and send them privately. You should find the user experience to be intuitive and streamlined, and the sidepanel UI allows for an uninterrupted usage in a multi-tab environment.

### Why Common?

Did you know that pretty much everything you do in crypto is publicly visible and recorded forever? All of your transactions, trades, transfers, the whole history.

Not anymore!

You can use the Common Wallet to shield your assets and transactions from prying eyes in a way that's intuitive, safe and compliant. Under the hood it uses state-of-the-art technology utilizing Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) but to an everyday user it offers a familiar and streamlined experience that makes privacy what it should be: a *Common* good accessible by everyone.

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This is a high-level, user-facing guide that aims to teach you how to use the wallet. If you're looking for an explanation of the underlying technology based on Zero-Knowledge Proofs, please consult the [Shielder Documentation](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/protocol-details/shielder/overview).
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### Core idea

It's simple: if you want your assets to become invisible to others, you can shield them with one click. Now they're stored in your private wallet and no one (except you, of course) can inspect your portfolio. What you do with the shielded assets will depend on your particular needs but a popular choice might be transferring them straight from the private wallet into a temporary account to do some trades and then back into the private wallet.

### Features available today

The version you're looking at now is a minimalistic, yet fully functional first version of the Common Extension. Right now it allows you to:

* use AZERO (on Aleph Zero EVM Mainnet) or TZERO (Aleph Zero EVM Testnet),
* set up an account (public and private),
* top it up with some funds,
* shield your assets (i.e. make them private),
* transfer your assets to other accounts (both publicly and privately).

### Upcoming features

We will be gradually rolling out new features, including:

* the ability to use different ERC-20 tokens,
* private addresses,
* private cross-chain iteractions with DeFi,
* swaps,
* on-ramping,
* a mobile version of the app,
* and many more!


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