Document Collaboration - Communicate directly in your File Cabinet

Enhance construction project communication with BuilderPad’s Document Collaboration. Learn to upload PDFs, tag team members, attach files to comments, and track updates directly from the File Cabinet and Main Activity Feed.

Written By Stefan S.

Last updated 3 months ago

Stop chasing email chains and lost attachments. The Document Collaboration feature allows your team to communicate directly inside the File Cabinet. By centering conversations around specific documents (like plans, permits, or contracts), you ensure that context is never lost.

How to Collaborate on a Document

1. Open the Project, then navigate to your project's File Cabinet.

Click on or upload any PDF document (e.g., Weekly Construction Plan.pdf) to open it in the document viewer.

2. The Collaboration Sidebar

On the right side of the screen, you will see the collaboration sidebar. This is where the history of the document lives.

  • Leave a Comment: Type your message in the text box at the bottom.

  • Tag Team Members: Use the @ symbol followed by a user's name (e.g., @Andrew) to notify them specifically.

  • Attach Files: Click the Paperclip icon next to the text box to attach a secondary document inside your comment. This is perfect for referencing a change order or a spec sheet that relates to the main PDF.

  • Publish: Click Publish to post your comment to the timeline.

3. Document Management Tools

At the top of the PDF viewer, you have immediate access to standard management tools:

  • Print: Send the document directly to a printer.

  • Download: Save a local copy to your device.

  • Zoom/Rotate: Adjust your view for easier reading.

Tracking Updates via the Activity Feed

You don't need to check the File Cabinet constantly to stay updated. All document collaboration flows into the project's Main Activity Feed.

1. Notification Card in the main Activity Feed

When a team member comments on a document or uploads a new version, a notification card appears in the Activity Feed (located on the right side of your project dashboard).

2. Quick View Access

The notification card displays a preview of the file involved.

  • Look for the Eye Icon (View Button) on the notification card.

  • Clicking this icon will bypass the general file list and take you directly to that specific document's collaboration view, so you can reply immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I attach a file to a comment without replacing the main document?
    → Yes. When you use the paperclip icon inside the comment box, it adds the file as a supporting attachment to the conversation thread, leaving the original main document unchanged.

  • Who sees my comments?
    → Comments are visible to any team member with access to that specific project's File Cabinet.