Check out an object

You must check out an image, map, or topic before you can edit it.

Checking out an object locks the object and opens an editor, where you can edit the object.

When you check out an object, the lock on it prevents other users from editing it. They cannot work on it until you check it in. This maintains version control by allowing only one user to make changes at a time.

Note: These steps show how to edit an object that is in only one Branch. If the object is in more than one Branch, you might need to fork it.

To check out an object:

  1. Find the object you want to edit.
    If you are not already in an editor (such as Topic Editor), you can use Search or sorting actions on the My Assignments page to help.
  2. To check out the object, click either Edit or Edit icon.
    Edit appears in editors such as Topic Editor.

    You can click Edit icon for the object anywhere you see it, such as the My Assignments page or your Favorites side panel.

The object opens in the editor for that object type. Any other user who sees the object will see that it is locked and it is not editable.

The image, map, or topic remains checked out by you when you navigate away from the editor. It does not automatically check in. The object icon for the object changes to remind you that you have it checked out (for example, ).

Note: If the object is assigned to you, you can click Checked Out on your My Assignments page to find it.

You can also use the Advanced Search to find objects that you have checked out.