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
Share the Page
First, share your page with collaborators using Can Edit permissions. Only editors can make changes in real-time.
Open the Same Page
When multiple editors open the same page, AppFlowy automatically enables real-time collaboration mode.
Edit Simultaneously
All editors can make changes at the same time. Changes appear instantly for everyone viewing the page.
AppFlowy uses an optimized syncing protocol introduced in version 0.9.4 for faster, more reliable multi-user and multi-device data synchronization.
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
Changes typically sync in under a second, depending on your internet connection speed.
Conflict-Free Editing
AppFlowy’s collaborative editing engine prevents conflicts:Operational Transformation
Smart algorithms merge simultaneous edits without data loss or corruption.
Automatic Merging
When two people edit nearby content, changes are automatically merged in the correct order.
No Overwrites
Your changes are never lost or overwritten by another user’s edits.
Consistent State
All users see the same final state, regardless of edit order or timing.
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
Collaboration Best Practices
Communicate Your Intent
Use mentions to notify teammates about changes or ask questions. Type
@ to mention someone.Work in Different Sections
When possible, have team members work on different parts of the page to minimize overlapping edits.
Use Comments for Discussion
Rather than editing someone else’s work directly, use mentions to discuss changes first.
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
Database views can have independent settings, so each collaborator can customize their view while working on the same data.
Performance Optimization
AppFlowy’s real-time collaboration is optimized for performance:Efficient Protocol
The new syncing protocol reduces bandwidth usage while improving speed.
Smart Batching
Multiple rapid changes are batched together for efficient syncing.
Incremental Sync
Only changed content is synchronized, not entire pages.
Local-First
Changes are saved locally first, then synced in the background.
Offline Editing
AppFlowy supports offline work with automatic sync:- Make changes offline: Edit pages when disconnected
- Local storage: Changes are saved to your device
- Auto-sync on reconnect: When you’re back online, changes sync automatically
- Conflict resolution: If others edited the same content, changes are merged intelligently
Offline changes are stored locally and will sync the next time you connect to the internet. The sync indicator shows “Offline” when disconnected.
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
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
Sharing Pages
Learn how to share pages and set permissions
Mentions
Use @mentions to notify and assign teammates
Permissions
Understand permission levels and access control