> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.papers.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.papers.ai/collaborating/real-time-collaboration.md).

# Real-time collaboration

Real-time collaboration switches on the moment you share a project. A private, unshared project has no collaboration state at all.

## Working together

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open a shared project

A status indicator (**Saved**, **Connected**, **Connecting...**, **Offline**) shows the collaboration state, alongside an avatar stack of who's active.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Edit as normal

Changes propagate to everyone automatically. No save or refresh needed.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Handle a dropped connection

If the status drops to **Connecting...** or **Offline**, keep working locally; it recovers on its own once the connection returns.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Resolve external changes

If a file changed outside your current session, choose **Keep mine** or **Load external** before continuing.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

You'll see a collaborator's cursor and which file they have open, but not what they're typing until they save or apply it.

## Things to know

* **Viewer** role collaborators see live edits and can comment, but can't edit. An owner or admin has to change their role to unlock that.
* If your access is revoked mid-session, the project closes for you; ask the owner to reinstate it.
* Very large files may not sync to the server; reduce the file size if edits aren't reaching collaborators.
* Image and file attachments sync separately from text. A failed attachment upload doesn't block your text edits from showing as **Saved**.

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>Stuck on Connecting...</summary>

Confirm your network is working; if it's stuck for more than 30 seconds, reopen the project.

</details>

<details>

<summary>You can view but not edit</summary>

Check your role. **Viewer** is read-only by design.

</details>

<details>

<summary>The project became inaccessible</summary>

Your access was likely revoked. Ask the project owner.

</details>

## Next steps

* [Share a project and manage access](/collaborating/share-a-project-and-manage-access.md)
* [Comments](/collaborating/comments.md)
* [Working offline and syncing](/managing-projects-and-files/working-offline-and-syncing.md)