In Timeline Genius, the concepts of assigning people to items and collaborating on the web-based version of the timeline are distinct and serve different purposes. This article aims to provide clarity on the differentiation between these two functionalities and their impact on the PDF and web-based timeline.

1. Collaborating Online: A Richer and Dynamic Experience

Collaborating online through the web-based version of Timeline Genius offers a more dynamic and flexible experience compared to the static PDF format. Unlike the PDF, where items are either on or off a person's timeline, the Collaborate view provides multiple options for interacting with items. See "Overview of the Collaborate View" for more info.

2. Access Rights or Give Permissions in the Collaborate View

In the Collaborate view, you have the ability to set access rights for collaborators. These access rights govern the web-based version of the timeline that your collaborators can see and interact with. The options include:

a. View Only: Collaborators can view the item and post comments.

b. Hidden: The item is hidden from collaborators' view.

c. Editable: Collaborators can edit the item, adding or modifying details.

3. Impact on the Web-Based Version, Not the PDF

It's important to note that the access rights you set in the Collaborate view only affect the web-based version of the timeline and not the PDF. Collaborators will see the assigned items, regardless of the access rights, when they view the PDF version. This is the general rule governing the separation between assigning vendors and tailored PDFs and collaborating on the web version.

4. Exception: Hiding Items in Collaborate View

The one exception to the general rule is when you hide a timeline item in the Collaborate view. If an item is hidden in the Collaborate view, collaborators will not see it when viewing the PDF. This exception ensures that the PDF remains consistent with all the timeline items, providing a comprehensive view for all stakeholders.

Understanding the distinction between assigning vendors and collaborating in Timeline Genius is crucial for effectively utilizing the platform's features. While assigning items and customizing the PDF cater to specific needs, collaborating on the web-based version offers a more interactive and flexible experience. By setting appropriate access rights in the Collaborate view, you can enhance collaboration and streamline communication among your team members.