> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.lacunalabs.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.lacunalabs.io/getting-started/your-first-private-transfer.md).

# Your First Private Transfer

This walkthrough takes you from a public balance to a fully private transfer.

## Step 1 — Shield

Tap **Shield**, choose the token and amount, and confirm. Your funds move into the shielded pool and a private note is created for you. On-chain this looks like a deposit — but it doesn't reveal what you'll do next.

## Step 2 — Transfer

Tap **Send**, enter the recipient and amount, and confirm. Lacuna generates a zero-knowledge proof that you own enough shielded funds, without revealing your balance, your identity, or which deposit the funds came from.

## Step 3 — Recipient Receives

The recipient gets a private note they can spend or unshield. No public link connects your deposit to their balance.

## Step 4 — Unshield (Optional)

Whenever you want funds back on a public address, tap **Unshield**.

That's the full private cycle: shield in, use privately, unshield out.


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