What is Co-Authoring?
Co-authoring in DataSnipper allows multiple users to collaborate on the same Excel workbook in a cloud storage environment while using DataSnipper features. During co-authoring, each user maintains their own local copy of embedded document data — only the last person to close the workbook saves their version.
Step 1: Prepare Your Environment
All users must have DataSnipper Version 6.1 or later (Version 25.1+ provides additional improvements).
Set up a shared storage location accessible to all users (OneDrive, SharePoint, or shared network drive).
Ensure consistent read/write permissions for all team members.
Recommended: Disable the "Include PDFs in Excel" (embedding) option. Each user has separate embedded document storage that doesn't sync in real time. Disabling embedding reinforces best practice and avoids data loss.
Step 2: Set Up Your Document Structure
Create a dedicated project folder in your shared location.
Store the Excel workbook and source documents in the same folder (or maximum one subfolder deep).
Use clear, descriptive file names. Avoid special characters.
For Version 25.1+: DataSnipper will prompt you to save screenshots to a shared location automatically. For earlier versions, always save screenshots as files first before importing.
Step 3: Configure DataSnipper Settings
Go to DataSnipper Settings and uncheck Include PDFs in Excel.
Ensure the workbook is not password-protected and has no read-only restrictions.
Verify all users can access the shared document location with read/write permissions.
Step 4: Establish Your Workflow
Check who else is in the workbook before starting (visible in Excel's top bar).
One person handles imports at a time — never import simultaneously.
Save frequently using Ctrl+S and wait briefly after saving to allow synchronization.
Closing Order Protocol
Since the last person to close determines what is saved:
Designate a "final reviewer" for each session.
All other users close first after saving their work.
The final reviewer waits for others to close, reviews the workbook, saves one final time, then closes last.
Step 5: Import Documents Correctly
Store all documents in the shared location before importing.
Always import from the shared location — never from local drives.
Use the Document Organizer to verify all documents are properly referenced.