> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.protoboard.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.protoboard.xyz/user-guide/sharing-and-collaboration.md).
# Sharing / Collaboration
Share your board via URL, manage cloud saves, and collaborate with teammates.
## Goal
Share your Protoboard designs with others using shareable links, understand how cloud saving works, and collaborate effectively.
***
## Sharing a board
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Make sure your board is saved
Before sharing, Protoboard automatically flushes your board to the cloud. However, it is good practice to do a **Quick Save** (Ctrl+S / Cmd+S) first to ensure all your latest changes are captured.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Click the Share button
Click the **Share** button in the top bar. Protoboard copies a shareable URL to your clipboard automatically.
{% hint style="success" %}
The URL is copied and ready to paste. Share it via email, chat, or any other channel.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Send the link
The URL format is:
```
protoboard.xyz/board/{userId}/{boardId}
```
Anyone with this link can open the board in their browser.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
***
## Cloud saving and autosave
Protoboard keeps your boards safe through multiple save mechanisms:
{% columns %}
{% column %}
### Cloud backup
When you are signed in, your boards are **automatically saved to the cloud**. This happens in the background as you work. The cloud copy is what shared URLs point to.
### Auto-flush before sharing
When you click Share, Protoboard ensures the latest version is saved to the cloud before generating the URL. This guarantees that whoever opens the link sees your current design.
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
### Local autosave drafts
Protoboard also saves drafts **locally in your browser**. If the app closes unexpectedly (browser crash, power loss, accidental tab close), your work is preserved.
The next time you open Protoboard, you will be offered the option to **recover the autosave draft** and pick up where you left off.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
***
## Claiming a shared board
{% hint style="info" %}
When you open a board from a shared URL and make your **first explicit save**, the board is "claimed" under your account. This creates your own copy that you control.
{% endhint %}
This means:
* You can view any shared board without affecting the original
* Saving creates your own version tied to your account
* The original author's board remains unchanged
***
## Collaboration tips
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Sharing for review" %}
Share your board URL with teammates and ask them to open it in their browser. They can inspect your design, check the BOM, and review DRC results without modifying your original board.
Use **annotations** on the canvas to leave notes about design decisions or areas that need feedback.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Working in parallel" %}
Since saving a shared board creates a personal copy, multiple team members can work from the same starting point and take the design in different directions. Compare results by opening each person's board side by side.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Using ProtoBot for review" %}
Before sharing with teammates, run a **ProtoBot Review** from the Board Review panel. ProtoBot's feedback in the Review Comments section gives reviewers more context about the design's status.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
***
## Common failures
I shared a link but the other person sees an old version
Protoboard auto-flushes to the cloud before sharing, but double-check that you saved (Ctrl+S) before clicking Share if you made very recent changes. If the issue persists, try sharing the link again after saving.
I opened a shared board and accidentally saved over it
When you save a shared board for the first time, it creates a copy under your account. The original author's board is not affected. If you want to go back to the original, use the original share link again.
My autosave draft was not offered on reload
Autosave drafts are stored in your browser's local storage. If you cleared your browser data, switched browsers, or used a private/incognito window, the draft may not be available. For critical work, always use **Quick Save** (Ctrl+S) as your primary save method.
***
## Related pages
* [Projects](/user-guide/projects.md): create, save, and manage your boards
* [BOM + Export](/user-guide/bom-and-export.md): export BOM files to share with procurement
* [Validation (DRC)](/user-guide/validation-drc.md): validate before sharing
* [Planning](/user-guide/planning.md): add descriptions and notes before sharing
---
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