> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Real-Time Editing

> Collaborate simultaneously with multiple users in real-time

AppFlowy's real-time editing enables multiple team members to work on the same page simultaneously. See changes as they happen, avoid conflicts, and collaborate seamlessly.

## Overview

Real-time collaboration in AppFlowy provides:

* **Instant synchronization** across all devices and users
* **Conflict-free editing** with operational transformation
* **Live presence indicators** showing who's currently editing
* **Optimized sync protocol** for fast, reliable multi-user collaboration
* **Multi-device support** for seamless work across desktop and mobile

## How Real-Time Editing Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Share the Page">
    First, [share your page](/collaboration/sharing) with collaborators using **Can Edit** permissions. Only editors can make changes in real-time.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Same Page">
    When multiple editors open the same page, AppFlowy automatically enables real-time collaboration mode.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit Simultaneously">
    All editors can make changes at the same time. Changes appear instantly for everyone viewing the page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Automatic Syncing">
    The optimized syncing protocol ensures all changes are synchronized quickly and reliably across devices.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  AppFlowy uses an optimized syncing protocol introduced in version 0.9.4 for faster, more reliable multi-user and multi-device data synchronization.
</Note>

## Real-Time Features

### Instant Change Visibility

When collaborating in real-time:

* **Character-by-character updates**: See text as teammates type
* **Block-level changes**: Watch as collaborators add, move, or delete content blocks
* **Database updates**: View real-time changes to database rows and properties
* **Formatting changes**: See styling updates immediately

<Info>
  Changes typically sync in under a second, depending on your internet connection speed.
</Info>

### Conflict-Free Editing

AppFlowy's collaborative editing engine prevents conflicts:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Operational Transformation" icon="rotate">
    Smart algorithms merge simultaneous edits without data loss or corruption.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automatic Merging" icon="code-merge">
    When two people edit nearby content, changes are automatically merged in the correct order.
  </Card>

  <Card title="No Overwrites" icon="shield">
    Your changes are never lost or overwritten by another user's edits.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Consistent State" icon="check-double">
    All users see the same final state, regardless of edit order or timing.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Multi-Device Synchronization

Work seamlessly across platforms:

* **Desktop to Mobile**: Start editing on desktop, continue on your phone
* **Cross-Platform**: Sync between Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
* **Consistent Experience**: Same real-time collaboration features on all platforms
* **Offline Support**: Changes sync automatically when you reconnect

## Syncing Indicators

AppFlowy displays sync status to keep you informed:

### Document Sync Status

Look for the sync indicator in the top bar:

* **Synced**: All changes saved to cloud
* **Syncing**: Currently uploading changes
* **Offline**: No connection, changes saved locally

### Database Sync Status

Databases show their own sync indicators:

* View sync status in the database toolbar
* Track when rows and properties are synced
* See connection status for real-time updates

<Warning>
  If you see a persistent "Syncing" or "Offline" status, check your internet connection or workspace sync settings.
</Warning>

## Collaboration Best Practices

<Steps>
  <Step title="Communicate Your Intent">
    Use [mentions](/collaboration/mentions) to notify teammates about changes or ask questions. Type `@` to mention someone.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Work in Different Sections">
    When possible, have team members work on different parts of the page to minimize overlapping edits.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use Comments for Discussion">
    Rather than editing someone else's work directly, use mentions to discuss changes first.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save Frequently">
    While auto-save is enabled, manually save (Ctrl/Cmd + S) to ensure your changes are synced.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Working with Databases

Real-time collaboration works seamlessly in databases:

### Grid View Collaboration

* Multiple users can edit different cells simultaneously
* See row additions and deletions in real-time
* Watch as teammates update properties and values
* Sort and filter settings sync across all users

### Board View Collaboration

* Drag and drop cards while others do the same
* Real-time updates when cards move between columns
* See new cards appear instantly
* Status changes reflect immediately

### Calendar View Collaboration

* View event changes as they happen
* Drag events to new dates while others edit
* See new events appear on the calendar
* Time and date changes sync instantly

<Info>
  Database views can have independent settings, so each collaborator can customize their view while working on the same data.
</Info>

## Performance Optimization

AppFlowy's real-time collaboration is optimized for performance:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Efficient Protocol" icon="bolt">
    The new syncing protocol reduces bandwidth usage while improving speed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Smart Batching" icon="layer-group">
    Multiple rapid changes are batched together for efficient syncing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Incremental Sync" icon="arrows-rotate">
    Only changed content is synchronized, not entire pages.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Local-First" icon="database">
    Changes are saved locally first, then synced in the background.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Offline Editing

AppFlowy supports offline work with automatic sync:

1. **Make changes offline**: Edit pages when disconnected
2. **Local storage**: Changes are saved to your device
3. **Auto-sync on reconnect**: When you're back online, changes sync automatically
4. **Conflict resolution**: If others edited the same content, changes are merged intelligently

<Note>
  Offline changes are stored locally and will sync the next time you connect to the internet. The sync indicator shows "Offline" when disconnected.
</Note>

## Platform Availability

### Desktop (v0.9.4+)

* **Full real-time editing** with all features
* **Presence indicators** showing active collaborators
* **Fast sync** with the optimized protocol
* Supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux

### Mobile (v0.9.4+)

* **View and edit** shared pages
* **Real-time synchronization** across devices
* **Shared with me** section for easy access
* Available on iOS and Android

## Troubleshooting

### Changes Not Appearing for Others

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check Connection">
    Verify you're connected to the internet and the sync indicator shows "Synced".
  </Step>

  <Step title="Refresh the Page">
    Have collaborators refresh their view to fetch the latest changes.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Permissions">
    Ensure the collaborator has **Can Edit** permissions, not just **Can View**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Workspace Type">
    Real-time collaboration requires an AppFlowy Cloud workspace, not a local-only workspace.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Sync Conflicts

If you experience frequent conflicts:

* Coordinate with teammates to work on different sections
* Use comments and mentions to discuss changes before making them
* Avoid making rapid, large-scale changes when others are editing
* Check your internet connection stability

### Performance Issues

If real-time editing feels slow:

* Check your internet connection speed
* Reduce the number of open tabs and applications
* Clear your browser cache (for web version)
* Restart the AppFlowy application

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Sharing Pages" icon="share-nodes" href="/collaboration/sharing">
    Learn how to share pages and set permissions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mentions" icon="at" href="/collaboration/mentions">
    Use @mentions to notify and assign teammates
  </Card>

  <Card title="Permissions" icon="key" href="/collaboration/permissions">
    Understand permission levels and access control
  </Card>
</CardGroup>