The files stored in a vault cannot be directly edited. When files are checked out or when you get versions of files from a vault, the files are copied from the vault to a local folder called the working folder.
You can browse the working folder, specify a different working folder, or set up a shared working folder for multiple users.
The working folder contains read-only copies of files that have been checked out from a vault. When a file is checked out, the checked out version from the vault replaces the file in the working folder and becomes read-write for editing. When the file is checked back into the vault, the local version in the working folder returns to read-only.
A working folder location is defined by default, allowing you to begin working with a vault right away. The default working folder is:
If you are using Civil 3D, the default working folder is:
You can change the working folder for a specific folder and its contents on the Details dialog.