Using OneDrive with 12d Model: Best Practices and Recommended Setup

The Best Practise for using OneDrive with 12d Model is simply: DON’T

But if you must use 12d Model with OneDrive, please follow the steps below.
A more detailed description of issues is given here
https://12dwiki.com.au/12d-model-projects-and-synchronised-environments/

Recommended OneDrive Setup for 12d Model

1. Local Storage & Selective Sync

• Best practise is to store 12d Model projects in a non-synchronised local folder, such as C:\12d_Projects\
• If projects must be stored in a syncronised OneDrive folder, use Selective Sync to avoid unnecessary files being uploaded.
  To enable Selective Sync:
  1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the system tray and go to Settings.
  2. Under Sync and backup, click Manage backup.
  3. Deselect 12d Model project folders from automatic backup.

2. Use ‘Always Keep on This Device’

• Ensure critical 12d Model files are always available locally:
  1. Navigate to your OneDrive folder in File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on your project folder and select Always keep on this device.
     This prevents OneDrive from treating files as online-only, reducing load times and reducing syncronisation issues.

3. File Name & Extension Issues

• OneDrive may ignore files with:
  • No extensions (e.g., pre-V14 project database files)
  • Unrecognised extensions (e.g., *.4d, *.zox)
  • Empty folders (e.g., model and tin sharing folders)
  • There may be others….
• Solution: Manually verify file sync status and regularly check for missing files.

4. Managing File Paths

• OneDrive syncs projects to a user-specific directory, e.g., C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive\12d_Projects.
• This creates issues when multiple users work on the same project due to differing paths.
• Solution: Use relative paths when setting up Master Share Files:
  1. In 12d Model, go to Convert Share Paths to Relative Paths
  2. Enable Store Relative Paths.

5. Synchronisation Timing

• Avoid data loss caused by sync delays:
  • Manually force a sync by right-clicking on the OneDrive icon and selecting Sync now.
  • Always wait for the OneDrive sync indicator to turn green before opening a project.
  • Do not shut down your computer while OneDrive is syncing.

Alternative Workflows

1. Sharing Projects Safely

If you need to collaborate on a 12d Model project using OneDrive:

1. Copy the project’s Working Folder to OneDrive instead of moving the live project.
2. Share the project by providing access via a shared OneDrive link.
3. Ensure team members download a local copy before working on the project.

2. Scheduled Backups

• Instead of relying on OneDrive for live projects, set up an automated backup system:
  • Use Windows Task Scheduler to create zip archives of your 12d Model projects daily.
  • Store these archives in a separate backup location, such as a dedicated server, external drive, or NAS.

Important Considerations

• Use OneDrive only for project sharing.
  Copy projects to a OneDrive folder for distribution, DON’T work directly from OneDrive.
• Do not use OneDrive as your primary storage location.
  Store 12d Model projects locally or on a network drive.
• Understand synchronisation limitations.
  OneDrive sync delays can cause outdated files to overwrite newer ones.
• OneDrive is not a reliable backup solution.
  Backups should be stored on servers, external drives, or dedicated backup solutions.

Conclusion

While OneDrive can be useful for sharing 12d Model projects, it should not be used as primary storage or as a backup solution due to synchronisation delays, file corruption risks, and path inconsistencies. By following these recommendations, you can reduce the risk of data loss and maintain a stable workflow.

If you encounter issues, contact your IT department or your local 12d Model support team