Concept: Project sharing
Difficulty level: Intermediate
When a Vectorworks Design Suite product is installed, you can create a project file and share it with other users. This is helpful for large projects, so that multiple users can work on different parts of the project simultaneously. Everyone shares a single project file, using a cloud-based service, a local network drive, or the Project Sharing Server.
Everyone sharing a project must use the same version of Vectorworks.
Vectorworks does not support using project sharing with a virtual machine.
Multiple sharing configurations are available; choose the best option for your situation.
Cloud service: To easily collaborate with users around the world, you can store the project file in a shared folder on any cloud-based file storage service, including Vectorworks Cloud Services (as of Vectorworks version 2021, Service Pack 4). This method works best with small teams, to keep cloud syncing delays to a minimum.
Network share: For small teams who have access to the same local network, store the project file in a shared folder on the network.
Project Sharing Server: For maximum efficiency with any size team who have access the the same local network, use the Project Sharing Server to control access to project files. The server runs natively on Mac and Windows, and on other platforms (such as Linux or an NAS device) as a container app on the Docker platform.
From the shared project file (.vwxp), each user creates a temporary working file (.vwxw) from which to work on the main project, saving the working file locally on their hard drive. Each user checks out specific layers or objects to work on; no other users can change those items while they're checked out. Each user commits changes from their working file to the project file periodically, to keep it up to date. Similarly, each user can refresh their working file with the latest changes from the project file. When work on an object or layer is complete, the user releases it, so that other users can modify it.
Typically, an open working file is connected to the project file, so that the whole file is visible, and so that project-wide elements (such as resources, schedules, and building story settings) are available. If the project file is not available, users can still work on the layers and objects they have checked out, and then reconnect to the project file later.
To see information about the active working file, select File > File Info. The location of the associated project file displays, as well as the URL of the Project Sharing Server, if the project is shared via server.
Communication among coworkers is essential when sharing projects. Keep each other informed of major changes—especially changes to resources, which can cause conflicts and affect multiple files.
