> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://sync.wiki.mksdtech.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://sync.wiki.mksdtech.com/collaboration.md).

# Collaboration

How Rhino Sync shares one model between teammates, and the everyday workflow.

Rhino Sync lets several people edit one Rhino model at the same time. This section explains how it works and how to use each part.

## Key ideas

* **Central file.** The shared `.3dm` that holds the team's latest synchronized model. It lives on a network drive or in Google Drive.
* **Local copy.** When you collaborate, Rhino Sync copies the central file to your computer and opens the copy. You always work in your local copy, never in the central file itself.
* **Session.** Everyone who collaborates on the same central file joins the same session. The first person to click **Collaborate** starts it. Everyone else joins it the same way.
* **Objects in use.** When you change an object, Rhino Sync reserves it for you. Teammates can see it but can't change it until you synchronize.

## Everyday workflow

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Collaborate

Click **Collaborate** and choose the central file. See [Collaborate](/collaboration/collaborate.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Edit

Work as usual with any command, script or plug-in. Rhino Sync reserves each object you change.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Reload

Click **Reload** often to bring in what teammates synchronized. See [Reload](/collaboration/reload.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Synchronize

Click **Synchronize** to share your changes and release your objects. See [Synchronize](/collaboration/synchronize.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### End collaboration

Synchronize, then click **End Collaborate** when you're done. See [End Collaboration](/collaboration/end-collaboration.md).
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## How editing works

1. You change an object. It can be a move, a new layer colour or a block edit.
2. Rhino Sync asks the server for that object. Objects you create are yours at once.
3. If the object is free and up to date, you keep it. It stays reserved for you until you synchronize.
4. If a teammate holds it, or a teammate changed it since your last reload, Rhino Sync undoes your change. It then tells you why. See [Edit conflicts](/collaboration/edit-conflicts.md).
5. When you synchronize, your changes go into the central file and your objects become free again.
6. Teammates get your changes the next time they reload or synchronize.

Hiding, showing, locking and isolating objects don't reserve anything. Layer visibility and layer lock state are also personal, so teammates don't receive them.

## Rules for a smooth session

* **Save doesn't share.** Rhino's **Save** writes your local copy only. Only **Synchronize** updates the central file.
* **Synchronize at least every 12 hours.** After 12 hours without a synchronize, the server stops accepting your local copy. You then have to start again.
* **Use the same version.** Everyone in the session must run the same Rhino Sync version.
* **Use unique user names.** Your user name identifies you. Set it in [Settings](/reference/settings.md) before you collaborate.
* **Don't open the central file directly.** Opening the central file in Rhino blocks everyone's synchronization.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Closing Rhino, or closing the model, ends collaboration without asking. Changes you haven't synchronized are lost. Synchronize before you close Rhino.
{% endhint %}

## In this section

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/collaboration/rhino-sync-panel.md"><strong>Rhino Sync Panel</strong></a></td><td>A tour of every button and area.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/collaboration/collaborate.md"><strong>Collaborate</strong></a></td><td>Start or join a session.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/collaboration/synchronize.md"><strong>Synchronize</strong></a></td><td>Share your changes.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/collaboration/reload.md"><strong>Reload</strong></a></td><td>Get your teammates' changes.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/collaboration/end-collaboration.md"><strong>End Collaboration</strong></a></td><td>Leave the session.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/collaboration/edit-conflicts.md"><strong>Edit conflicts</strong></a></td><td>What happens when an object is in use.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/collaboration/users-and-colours.md"><strong>Users and colours</strong></a></td><td>See who is online and who holds what.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/collaboration/live-previews.md"><strong>Live Previews</strong></a></td><td>Watch teammates' edits before they synchronize.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/collaboration/sync-chat.md"><strong>Sync Chat</strong></a></td><td>Message your team.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/collaboration/collaboration-status.md"><strong>Collaboration Status</strong></a></td><td>Check your session at a glance.</td></tr></tbody></table>