Our team encountered the same problem of losing changes when collaborating on large models. That’s why we helped develop FredoXRef. It’s a great tool that helps us work together on models without losing changes. We don’t use Trimble connect for collaboration because it has several limitations.
How it Works
- Split the Model: We break down the main model into smaller XRef objects, like separate files for Architecture (Arch), Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP), and Furniture.
- Work on Individual Parts: Each team member can create their own SketchUp file and import only the specific XRefs they need.
- Lock and Publish Changes: XRefs can be locked to prevent others from making accidental edits. Once finished editing, users publish their changes to the central disk location, allowing others to reload them.
- Maintain Personalization: This system allows each user to have their own scenes and additional objects in their models that they don’t want to share with others. It keeps XRefs clean and avoids unnecessary clutter.
- Precise Alignment: An additional helpful feature lets you insert XRefs into the exact same location in the model. This eliminates issues with misaligning different XRef objects.
We’ve also found the 5D+ Auto VBO extension to be extremely helpful, but that’s a separate topic for another discussion.