> 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/collaboration-storage/network-drive.md).

# Network Drive

Keep the central file on a shared network folder.

<figure><img src="https://2088031227-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMFZITZJW4MHLYhDLac3k%2Fuploads%2FGj33VrbBLXxTpnwYrjEK%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=a6d6b5a7-647f-42cb-a46e-85ef708b847d" alt="Network drive icon" width="96"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Use a network drive when your team shares an office network or a VPN. In Rhino Sync it's called **Network Disk**.

## Set up the folder

1. Create a folder on the shared drive, or use an existing project folder.
2. Give every teammate permission to read, write and create files in it.
3. Put the central `.3dm` file in the folder.

Teammates can reach the share through different drive letters or a UNC path. Rhino Sync identifies the session by the folder next to the file, not by the path.

## Collaborate on a network file

1. Click **Collaborate**, then **Network Disk**.
2. In **Select Central File**, go to the shared folder, select the `.3dm` file and click **Open**.

<figure><img src="https://2088031227-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMFZITZJW4MHLYhDLac3k%2Fuploads%2FuFUx9FMzth8FFeI4n5bT%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=77eb87cd-7b66-44c3-bc46-0f10a471b200" alt="Select Central File dialog"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Rhino Sync copies the file to your computer and opens the copy.

## The collab folder

The first time someone collaborates, Rhino Sync creates a folder next to the central file. It has the same name plus `_collab`.

```
Riverside Tower.3dm
Riverside Tower_collab\
    collab.json
    Backup\
    Temp\
```

* `collab.json` identifies the session. Don't edit or delete it.
* `Backup\` keeps the last 5 versions of the central file, one per synchronize. Each file name ends with the date and time.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Don't rename, move or delete the central file or its `_collab` folder while anyone is collaborating. Move or rename both together, and only when nobody is in the session. If the file loses its `_collab` folder, the next person to collaborate starts a new session.
{% endhint %}

## Keep the central file closed

Don't open the central file itself in Rhino while others collaborate. Rhino marks the file as in use, and synchronization is unavailable until that person closes it.

If someone has it open, collaborators see a red warning in the viewport. It names the person and the computer. See [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting.md#synchronizing-and-reloading).

## Restore an earlier version

1. Make sure nobody is collaborating.
2. Copy the version you want from `Backup\`.
3. Replace the central file with it, keeping the original file name.
4. Ask everyone to click **Collaborate** again.