Check out an object

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

When you check out an object, the action locks the object to prevent other users from editing it and opens it in an editor, where you can begin your edits. Other users cannot work on that object until you check it in. This process 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 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. It does not automatically check in. The image, map, or topic remains checked out by you if you exit the editor before you check it in. The object icon for the object changes to remind you that you have it checked out, such as .

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