The Links facilitate the association between documents within the same project phase, enhancing traceability and context. Linking documents to each other is a way to create structured relationships between documents.
Understanding Document Links
Linked To: Displays documents that the current document references.
Linked By: Shows documents that reference the current document.
These relationships help users understand dependencies and the flow of information between documents.
Managing Links
To create or modify document links in BIMcollab, navigate to the Links section within the document's detail page and select Edit Links. This feature allows you to establish new associations or remove existing ones for the open document. It's important to note that editing links only affects the "Linked To" section of the document. To modify the "Linked By" section, you must adjust the link settings from the other document involved in the association. Additionally, document links cannot be created or modified using an upload list. In most cases, they are managed through Edit Links in the document details. DWG references may be linked automatically as explained below.
⚠️ Attention:
When you upload a DWG file, BIMcollab automatically recognizes external files referenced in the drawing and adds them as linked documents. This works when the document names in BIMcollab match the filenames used in the drawing.
If BIMcollab does not recognize a referenced file automatically, you can add it manually. To include the linked files when you download the main document, select "With linked documents" while you download.
Downloading Linked Documents
When downloading a document, you can choose to include all documents it is linked to. This feature is particularly useful for compiling comprehensive document packages for reviews or submissions.
⚠️ Attention: While both attachments and linked documents associate additional information with a primary document, they serve different purposes:
Attachments: Files directly uploaded and stored with a specific document version. They are static and preserved as part of the document's history.
Linked Documents: References to other documents within the same project level or phase. They maintain a dynamic relationship, reflecting updates made to the linked document.
Understanding the distinction ensures proper document management and information retrieval within your projects.
📝 Note: External References and External Links are distinct from Attachments and Linked Documents. While Attachments and Linked Documents relate to resources within BIMcollab, External References and External Links connect to resources outside of the BIMcollab environment. Read document associations to learn more.