Question About Version Control and How it Relates to Layout Files

[SureFoot]

Hello!

I am just finishing my first project on CA x17! I am on my third or fourth rendition of the plan and have learned a lot about the program in the process. However, there is one thing I can't seem to find very clear directions and advice on, and that is version control. So as I understand it, each individual page of a layout file can be pulling one or more objects from one or more plan sets and displaying them. Simple enough. What I am needing advice on as far as the layout goes is this. Often times when I get to a point in my project that I want to make a big change that I think is 'risky' or might break something, I will create a copy of my current plan and start working in that one as a kind of sandbox for the project. This has been very helpful at times (especially in this learning phase) because it has stopped me from completely ruining my project or allows me to make two different versions to a solution in order to show both to my boss. The only problem with copying my plan and then working in the copy is that if I have success doing that then the next thing I need to do is update my layout file with every object one every page that is affected by the change I made on the copied plan set. There must be a more efficient way to create a sandbox environment where I can play with my plan without being fully commited to it, and be able to move on with that new copied plan as the updated one if I am succesful in my change. Could I maybe make a copy of my plan just in case my change goes terribly wrong, but then work in the original? If I did that would there be a really easy (besides the back button) way I could go back to my original plan if it went wrong? That way I could stay attached to my layout file without constantly having to update it after major changes.

I am just wondering what other peoples tricks, tips, procedures, and experiences are with organization of these files and objects.

Thanks!

[Renerabbitt]

2 hours ago, SureFoot said:

There must be a more efficient way to create a sandbox environment where I can play with my plan without being fully commited to it,

1. Make a copy to play with
2. Right click your linked plan and choose "Replace With" and target your copied plan
   
   OR

1. Make a copy to play with
2. Open layout and goto Tools/Layout/Referenced Plan files and replace the other plan file with your copy plan file in the subsequent dialogue box
   
   OR

 

1. Right click your Layout and choose Make a copy with links to a new folder, and that is a completely contained copy of your layout with its linked plans that are not linked to the originals
   

Edited July 21 by Renerabbitt

[SureFoot]

Thank you!