Real-Time Collaboration
Multiple authors can edit the same document simultaneously. Changes appear instantly for everyone, and the system automatically merges edits without conflicts.
How It Works
Inkweld uses Conflict-free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) through the Yjs library. When multiple people edit a document:
- Changes merge automatically—no manual conflict resolution
- Everyone's edits are preserved
- Edits sync when reconnected after working offline
- Updates appear in milliseconds
Presence Indicator
When collaborators are viewing the same document, a presence indicator appears in the toolbar:
- Avatar circles display each user's initials with a unique color
- Tooltip shows the username on hover
- User count shows how many collaborators are currently viewing
Collaborative Cursors
Each collaborator's cursor appears in the document with their assigned color. Name labels identify who's typing where, and selection highlights show what text they have selected.
Connection Status
The sync indicator in the toolbar shows your current state:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Connected | Full real-time sync active |
| Reconnecting | Temporarily disconnected, retrying |
| Offline | No connection; changes saved locally |
When you reconnect after working offline, local and remote changes merge automatically.
Troubleshooting
Changes not appearing?
- Check the sync indicator for connection issues
- Ask collaborators to check their connection
- Try refreshing the page
Text looks garbled after simultaneous edits?
- This can happen briefly when two people type at the exact same position
- Pause for a moment to let sync complete, then clean up as needed
Next: Sharing Projects - Invite collaborators and manage access.