The short answer: A viewing key is read-only authority for shielded Zcash. Import a UFVK into ZecBooks. Never paste a seed phrase or spend key.
Why this matters
Shielded Zcash separates seeing from spending. Accountants, auditors, and operators often need the books — not the keys that move funds. ZecBooks only speaks the viewing-key dialect.
UFVK vs UIVK vs seed
| Key | What it can do | In ZecBooks |
|---|---|---|
| UFVK | View incoming and change notes tied to the full viewing capability | Preferred |
| UIVK | Incoming-view only — incomplete books | Degraded mode with a permanent banner |
| Seed / spend key | Can spend ZEC | Rejected |
Safe mental model
Treat the viewing key like a read-only ledger login
Useful for classification and proof packs. Useless for sending ZEC.
Keep the seed offline and elsewhere
Wallet seed phrases belong in the wallet’s recovery flow — never in ZecBooks, email, chat, or a proof pack.
Share packs, not keys
When someone needs evidence, export a scoped proof pack. Do not forward the UFVK.
Common mistakes
- Pasting a seed because “it is also a key.”
- Emailing a UFVK “just for the accountant.”
- Assuming UIVK gives a complete expense picture.
Ready for Mac?
Download ZecBooks and keep spend keys out of the books workflow.