Verify file saves to the cloud

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In this session, we'll learn about the importance of verifying file saves to the cloud.

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When editing and saving cloud-based files,

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it's important to keep an eye on the Desktop Connector icon to ensure all saves are successful.

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I say this because if Desktop Connector experiences an error, it will stop synchronizing files until a resolution is provided by the user.

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When a Desktop Connector error goes unnoticed,

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it's possible for one or more files to be saved multiple times throughout the course of the day without those changes making it to the cloud.

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Instead, the latest versions of the files would exist in the local cache while Desktop Connector awaits a resolution.

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As a result, at least until the issue is resolved, other project team members wouldn't have access to the most current design changes.

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Let's look at some best practices associated with saving files to the cloud.

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As you can see, I'm working in Civil 3D,

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and I've opened a cloud-based drawing called xsurveyed that contains some surveyed geometry.

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One best practice you can use to validate file saves

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is to keep a web browser open on a second monitor viewing the cloud project in Docs.

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I'm actually doing that right now.

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If I drag this browser over, we can see the directory structure for the project.

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I can also see the file I'm working on and the current version.

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As I edit and save this file in Civil 3D, it will be easy to validate the saves by watching the changes to the version number.

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Let's look at another way to validate cloud-based file saves.

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I'm going to drag the web browser back over to my other screen and I'll make a quick change to the survey file.

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For this example, I'll draw a rectangle and click the save button.

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When I do, keep an eye on the desktop connector icon in the lower right,

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notice the blue dot showing the file is being transferred to the cloud and then the icon returns to normal.

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No warnings mean the file saved successfully.

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I can further reinforce this by clicking the desktop connector icon where at the top of the home screen it reports a successful file transfer.

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I'll click outside the home screen to close it.

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Now let's flip over to this other drawing called Subdivision.

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I'll make a change to this file by drawing a circle, and I'll click save.

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Once again, keep an eye on the Desktop Connector icon.

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It seems this time we have an error.

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The red dot tells us that.

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As a side note, if that red dot goes unnoticed, I could continue to work on this file.

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I'll draw a rectangle, for example, and I'll click save again.

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All the while I'm making changes.

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Those changes are never making it to the cloud.

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Once again, I'll click the home screen where I can see the update has failed due to a conflict.

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I'm going to click the More button and choose Resolve.

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This will give me additional information about the error, as well as some options to fix it.

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In this case, I'm being told that another person has edited this file while I've been in it.

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Knowing that, there are a few ways I can proceed.

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I can keep mine, which will save my changes as a new cloud version.

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I can keep both, essentially saving my file with a new name.

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I can keep theirs basically throwing away the work I've done, or I can choose to resolve the issue later.

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At this point, I should mention that I planned this error for demonstration purposes.

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The other version of this file was also created by me, so there is no wrong answer when it comes to the resolution here.

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For this example, I'll choose Keep Mine to push the changes I just made to the cloud.

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I will then reopen the home screen to see the pending file was successfully transferred and versioned up in the cloud.

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So, when you're working on a cloud-based Civil 3D project, it's important to validate your saves.

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You can do that using a web browser or by keeping an eye on the Desktop Connector icon and home screen.

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If you're working on large files, avoid shutting your machine down until all file transfers have completed.

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If you experience unknown errors that are preventing you from syncing, stop working until you resolve the issue.

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If you can't figure out the cause, contact support to help you identify the issue and get you back up and running.

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If you don't have time to resolve the issue now, save the current files locally outside of Autodesk Docs to preserve your work.

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Then, contact a support person as soon as possible for help consolidating the files back onto the system.

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Fortunately, cloud connection and synchronization issues are rare.

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That said, it's important to stay vigilant with file saves

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such that you can identify and resolve any rogue challenges with minimal impact to production.