These topics provide information on how to get started working in the Collaboration for Civil 3D environment.
Topics in this section
About Forma Data Management Forma Data Management is the storage location for your Collaboration for Civil 3D projects.
About Autodesk Desktop Connector
Desktop Connector is the Autodesk application that relays information between your Windows operating system and Forma Data Management.
About the Civil 3D Start Tab
Use the options on the Start tab to open and create new drawings, to access your Forma Data Management projects and recently-used documents and to access learning content.
About Locking Documents Stored in Forma Data Management
When you are working in Autodesk Civil 3D 2026, and you open a drawing that is stored in Forma Data Management, the document is automatically locked so no one else can edit it while you have it open.