> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.auxalia.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.auxalia.com/plant-tools/plantexpresstools/collaboration-workflows/general-workflow.md).

# General Workflow

This chapter describes the locking mechanism for PlantExpressTools settings.

<details>

<summary>Locking Mechanism</summary>

1.**PlantProjectSetup** When opening PlantProjectSetup or PlantExpressTools Settings the **PlantToolsSetup.xml** file in the ACPlantTools folder in the project will be checked out. This prevents other users from making changes. When opening PlantProjectSetup you can only access the **General Settings** node which contains local user settings.

![](/files/xF7zB4fDlDOLHJubh7TQ)

![](/files/Xtv1Q8BCX699hvkmMulb)

2.**PlantExpressTools Settings** When opening PlantProjectSetup or PlantExpressTools Settings the **PlantToolsSetup.xml** file in the ACPlantTools folder in the project will be checked out. This prevents other users from making changes. When opening the PlantExpressTools Settings you can only access the **General** tab which contains licensing settings.

![](/files/dB2zuZlgw3p1wWJtUD0S)

![](/files/YmEFjwziwIQGj6vMrw3e)

</details>