====== MeXX File Management ======
MeXX has an integrated file management with versioning. In MeXX itself, only references to files are stored. The actual files are stored in a protected server directory. The files are accessed via the MeXX FileService running on the server. If the user wants to open or edit a file, it is retrieved from the server and stored temporarily in the local working directory.

The file functions are available in MeXX, as well as in the MeXX Office extensions.

===== Adding files =====
Files can be inserted into MeXX using various methods.

**Insert: File**\\ 
Like other elements, existing files and folders can be added to a structure using the "Insert" function (context menu of an element). 

**Add: File**\\
New files and folders can also be added to a structure using the "Add" function (context menu of an element). For files, the template dialog opens from which the desired file template can be selected. 

{{:mexx:usage:files_templates.png?200|}}

**Drag & Drop**\\
Files and folders can be inserted into MeXX using the "Drag & Drop" function. 

<note tip>If a file or folder is not to be managed in MeXX, you can also refer to an external file using the"Add → Folder Link" and "Add → File Link" functions. </note>

===== Datasheet =====
The file datasheet displays detailed information about a file, like: file name, size, creation date, modification date, full file name. 

{{:mexx:usage:files_overview.png?200|}}

===== File functions =====
Numerous file-specific functions are available in the context menu of the structure.

**Check out: Lock file**\\ 
Before a file can be edited, it must be retrieved from the server and locked for editing. If a file has been locked, all other users only have read-only access to the file. For the locking user, the file is displayed with a green circle as symbol, the other users see a red circle as symbol. If there is no lock, the file icon is displayed.

**Check in: Release file**\\ 
Once the processing of a file has been completed, it must be released again. The file is transfered to the server and a new version of the file is created.

**Undo checkout**\\ 
If the file was incorrectly locked for editing, it can be released again without transfer it to the server. All changes made are lost during this process.

**Retrieve version**\\ 
Several versions of a file are stored on the file server. You can return to any old version using the "Retrieve version" function. 

{{:mexx:usage:files_version.png?200|}}

**Open**\\ 
A file can be opened in the program assigned on the computer either by double-clicking on it or using the "Open" function. If the file does not yet exist in the local working directory, it is automatically retrieved from the server.

**Export**\\ 
Files and folders can be exported from the MeXX using the "Export" function. Non-existent files are automatically retrieved from the server. 

<note tip>All files locked by a user should be released again when exiting MeXX.</note>

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The content refers to version 2.7