Overview

The Data Panel is a feature in Desktop Connector that displays cloud-based properties and metadata for files in Autodesk Docs. When you select a file in Windows File Explorer, the Data Panel automatically shows detailed information about that file without requiring you to open it.

Key benefits:

• Instant file insights - View version numbers, descriptions, lock status, and other metadata at a glance
• Visual identification - See file thumbnails for quick recognition
• Streamlined workflow - Access cloud properties without leaving File Explorer
• Efficient browsing - Quickly evaluate multiple files when searching for specific content

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Accessing the Data Panel

To open the Data Panel:

1. Launch Desktop Connector if it's not already running

2. Click the Desktop Connector tray icon to open the Desktop Connector Home Screen

3. Select "Data Panel" on the Home Screen, or alternatively, select "Data Panel" under the Gear icon

   

4. The Data Panel opens as a separate window that can be resized and moved to any location on your screen

5. Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to a file within your Autodesk Docs connected drive

   Important:

   • Files outside of the Autodesk Docs connected drive will not show any property information
   • Projects or folders do not currently show any property information
   • Only individual files will display properties in the Data Panel
   • The Data Panel only works with the first tab in File Explorer. If you have multiple tabs open, make sure you're using the first (leftmost) tab

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Using the Data Panel

Refreshing Property Information

If edits are made to a file, select a different file and then select the original file again to see the updated property information.

Optimizing the display

• Resize the window to make thumbnails larger for better visibility
• Move the panel to a convenient location alongside File Explorer
• Keep it open while browsing to see properties for each selected file

Available Properties

The Data Panel displays the following information for each selected file:

• Description - Additional information about the file, especially helpful for files with technical or numeric names
• Version - Number of versions uploaded to Autodesk Docs
• Date Created in Autodesk Docs - When the first version was uploaded to Autodesk Docs
• Date Modified in Autodesk Docs - When the latest version was uploaded to Autodesk Docs
• Last Modified By - Who uploaded the most recent version into Autodesk Docs
• Lock Status - Whether the file is locked or available for editing
• Locked By - Who currently has the file locked (when applicable)
• Naming Standard - Whether the file conforms to folder naming standards (when applied)
• Revit Cloud Model - Identifies Revit Cloud Model files when viewing Revit files
• File thumbnail - Visual preview of the file content

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Requirements and Limitations

System Requirements

To use the Data Panel effectively, you need Desktop Connector running and properly synced with your Autodesk Docs projects. The feature currently works exclusively with files in Autodesk Docs.

Files must be located within your Autodesk Docs connected drive to display properties. Files stored elsewhere on your system won't show any information in the Data Panel.

Important Considerations

Please note the following about the Data Panel's current functionality:

Scope: Only individual files show properties - selecting projects or folders won't display any information. Currently limited to files in Autodesk Docs only.

File Explorer compatibility: The Data Panel only works with the first tab in File Explorer. Additional tabs will not display any property information.

Interaction: Properties are read-only and cannot be edited through the Data Panel. When files are modified, you must re-select them to see updated information.

Image quality: Thumbnail clarity varies depending on the original file format and size.

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Troubleshooting

Data Panel is Empty

If the Data Panel doesn't show properties for a selected file:

1. Verify the file is located within an Autodesk Docs folder
2. Ensure you've selected an individual file (not a project or folder)
3. Confirm Desktop Connector is running and synced
4. Make sure you're online and connected to the internet (if you've just restored connectivity, you may need to select a different file and then re-select the original file to refresh the display)
5. Check that the file has been successfully uploaded to Autodesk Docs
6. Try selecting a different file to confirm the Data Panel is functioning

Properties Not Updating After File Changes

If properties don't reflect recent changes to a file:

1. Select a different file first, then re-select the modified file to refresh the display
2. Ensure the file changes have been synced to Autodesk Docs
3. Verify your internet connection for cloud property retrieval
4. If issues persist, close and reopen the Data Panel