Docs - File Locking

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What is File Locking?

File locking is a feature provided in Autodesk Docs to prevent multiple processes or users from modifying the same file simultaneously.

Desktop Connector will make an attempt to automatically lock a file upon opening and then automatically unlock it when it is closed. When a file is locked, it is temporarily reserved for exclusive use by one user, preventing other users from making conflicting changes.

Note:

Automatic file locking is designed to only lock the file you opened directly, files that are referenced in the file being opened will NOT be locked.


File Locking Status Icons

The Status attribute column will display a lock icon depending on whether you or another member locked the file.

Icon

Label

Description

 

Locked by you

You locked the file. Other members can open the file read-only, however they can't modify the contents while it's locked.

 

Locked by another member

This file is locked by another project member. You can open the file read-only, however you can't modify its contents while it's locked.


Manual File Locking and Unlocking

Starting with Desktop Connector version 16.10.x (and above) you can manually lock or unlock files directly from Windows File Explorer.

Right click on a file and choose Lock/Unlock from the Desktop Connector menu. (Shown in Windows 10)

Auto Lock Image

To access the Desktop Connector Menu in Windows 11, you will need to first choose "Show more options":

Auto Lock Image


Automatic File Locking and Unlocking

When you open a file, it will Automatically Lock to prevent other members from making conflicting modifications to the same file. If you open a file that is locked by someone else, Desktop Connector will set the local file as read-only to prevent you from making any modifications.

Warning:

If you close Desktop Connector while files are open in authoring programs like AutoCAD, restarting Desktop Connector will not automatically unlock those files. In such cases, the file will need to be manually unlocked.


Related Concepts: