Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing folders is provided. The method includes receiving, from a server, folder hierarchy data of hierarchical folders, and creating a shadow folder hierarchy in a first section of a local folder hierarchy based on the received folder hierarchy data, where the first section is not visible to the user. The method also includes receiving, from the server, visibility data for determining, out of the hierarchical folders, display folders to display to a user. The method further includes determining the display folders based on the visibility data, and creating a visible folder hierarchy comprising the display folders in a second section of the local folder hierarchy based on the shadow folder hierarchy, where the second section is visible to the user. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.