> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.uphold.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Capabilities API introduction

> Capabilities define the actions and features users can perform on the Uphold platform. Learn the capability shape, statuses, and how to query user permissions.

Capabilities define the important actions and features that a user can perform on the platform.

## Capability shape

A capability has the following shape:

```json [expandable] theme={null}
{
  "code": "trades",
  "name": "Trades",
  "enabled": true,
  "requirements": [
    "user-must-submit-identity",
    "user-must-submit-customer-due-diligence",
    "user-must-submit-proof-of-address"
  ],
  "restrictions": []
}
```

## Enabled / disabled

When the capability has `enabled` set to false, then it has at least one restriction that prevents the user from performing the action.
In this situation, there is nothing the user can do to enable the capability.

When the capability is `enabled`, the user is able to perform the action but may be subject to requirements, if any.
The requirements are usually tied to KYC processes or Terms of Service that were not accepted.