We’re sharing something we’ve been working on for a while — Rhino Sync, a tool that allows multiple users to collaborate on the same Rhino file in real time.
What is Rhino Sync?
Rhino Sync enables real-time, multi-user collaboration within a single Rhino file. Users can lock, edit, and sync objects without conflicting with each other’s work. It supports key Rhino elements like:
Geometry (all types)
Block Definitions
Block Instances
Layers
Object Attributes
Materials
How It Works
Rhino Sync operates over a shared Network Drive and Google Drive and doesn’t impose fixed limits on file size or number of users. It introduces real-time object lock/release and a sync/reload system, ensuring everyone works with the latest changes.
Current Status
This is an Alpha-stage release, so performance may vary as we continue refining it.
Future updates aim to include synchronization of:
Rhino Sync leverages a distributed lock/lease mechanism managed by a cloud server to offer flexible storage solutions for your 3dm content. Our system supports two primary storage methods, and you can even combine them to optimize performance and control:
File-Based 3dm Storage (Atomic Updates)
Shared Network Drive:
Currently supported in ALPHA.
Cloud Drives (GDrive, Dropbox):
Under development for future support.
In file-based collaboration, our server manages concurrency by ensuring that read and write operations occur sequentially and safely—whether on a local disk or a cloud provider. With every sync, the complete, final 3dm file is available.
Database 3dm Storage (Delta Updates)
Under development for future support.
We break down the 3dm file into individual components, enabling targeted, individual updates.
Users must sync and save the changes to reconstruct the full, final 3dm file.
Hybrid Approach
It’s also possible to combine both methods. This allows for faster sync/reload times using Delta updates, while still ensuring the complete 3dm file is available on your chosen platform via Atomic storage.
We understand that not all customers are comfortable with storing design data externally. For those who prefer retaining full control and security, the Atomic file-based approach may be the ideal solution.
@JimCarruthers we agree it is difficult to store database in those platforms, for those only Atomic will be available. The plan is to host the database version Delta on our dedicated cloud service.
