To modify an object, you must perform a checkout operation on the object. The process of checking out communicates your intention to modify a design to the PDM server. The checkout operation ensures that access to an object is appropriate for a multi-user environment. A lock is placed on the object in the database, so that other users can obtain read-only copies of the object, but are prevented from modifying the object while you have it checked out. In addition, the checkout process enables you to determine the configuration of the desired objects as well as the workspace in which to modify the objects.

During the checkout process, all of the data that defines an object and its relationships is copied to the local workspace. You can specify if the physical files should be copied from the PDM server to the workspace or whether the files should be accessed through a link. Linked files are only retrieved from the PDM server when requested by Creo Parametric. By using linked files, you maintain local copies of only those objects that you have retrieved into a Creo Parametric session after checkout. The benefit of checking out using links is quicker check-out transactions because the content files are not downloaded to your workstation. The content files are only transferred to your workstation when you need them.