> 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/collaborate.md).

# Collaborate

Start or join a collaboration session on a central file.

**Collaborate** connects you to a central file. If nobody is working on it yet, you start the session. Otherwise you join it. The steps are the same either way.

## Before you start

* Put the central file on a network drive or in Google Drive. See [Collaboration Storage](/collaboration/collaborate/collaboration-storage.md).
* Check your user name in [Settings](/reference/settings.md). You can't change it while you collaborate.
* Save your open model. Rhino Sync closes it and opens the local copy of the central file instead.

## Start collaborating

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Click Collaborate

In the **Sync** panel, click **Collaborate**. You can also run `Collaborate`.

<figure><img src="https://2088031227-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMFZITZJW4MHLYhDLac3k%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-687f9e6f4cd2011a618a851ac7404e4a50ad7c33%2Fmock-toolbar-collaborate.png?alt=media" alt="The Collaborate button in the Sync panel" width="412"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose the storage

In **Select Storage**, click **Google Drive** or **Network Disk**.

<figure><img src="https://2088031227-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMFZITZJW4MHLYhDLac3k%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2ad35de0459aea436d7a20d6f0f3e58adaf8067d%2Fmock-select-storage.png?alt=media" alt="Select Storage dialog" width="304"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select the central file

* For **Google Drive**, sign in and pick the file in your browser. See [Google Drive](/collaboration/collaborate/collaboration-storage/google-drive.md).
* For **Network Disk**, select the file in **Select Central File**. See [Network Drive](/collaboration/collaborate/collaboration-storage/network-drive.md).
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Wait while Rhino Sync connects

Rhino Sync checks for updates, connects to the server and joins the session under your user name. It then copies the central file and opens your local copy.

<figure><img src="https://2088031227-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMFZITZJW4MHLYhDLac3k%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-05df81bc38fc2a7c13ccba6ec17b3953785e22ab%2Fmock-operation-connecting.png?alt=media" alt="Rhino Sync connecting progress" width="332"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Start working

The **Users** list shows you and your teammates. The status line reads `connected`.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If a newer Rhino Sync version exists, **Update Available** appears first. Update everyone in the team before you collaborate. See [Installation](/installation.md#updates).
{% endhint %}

## Collaborate on more than one file

Rhino Sync works on the model that is open when you click **Collaborate**. If that model is already in a session, Rhino Sync asks you to end that session first.

On Windows, opening another file ends collaboration. Rhino Sync asks you to confirm first.

## If it doesn't connect

See [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting.md#connecting).