Branch Items
A Branch allows you to break a link for a shared file, creating a separate file at the location it was shared (Share Branch). It also allows you to branch any file or folder, whether it is shared or not (Copy Branch).
To activate the Branch dialog box, select a file or folder, then do one of the following:
• Click Branch in the Source menu .
• Click Branch on the Toolbar.
• Right-click on the selected item to bring up the context menu, click Branch.
You can select multiple files at the same time, but only one folder at a time to branch. When a new file or folder is created by the branch it is given a new version number. However, there is not a new version number at the folder or file that is being branched.
Branches on Folders
All branches on folders are implied recursive, just as all folder operations in the file explorer are implied recursive. You cannot branch on an item that is currently deleted.
Branching a folder maintains shares between files and subfolders that are self-contained within the branch, but breaks shares to any link outside the new branch. See Branching a Folder for examples.
Share Branches
For an item that is already shared, branch breaks the share link. The location of the newly branched file or folder does not change but underneath the file or folder contents are copied to that location.
If a folder branch is applied to a primary shared folder, it is a Share Branch and implied recursive. If a folder branch is applied to a Secondary Share on a folder, the operation is a Copy Branch rather than a Share Branch. You can only Share Branch from a Primary Share. See Share Branch for examples.
Copy Branches
For an item that is not already shared, this command requires you to specify the location and name of the new branch. If there are multiple files selected, only one location is prompted for and all files are placed in the location selected.
The results of a Copy Branch become a full-fledged member of the source tree. The newly branched tree items come pre-filled with a history of changes from their branched ancestor.
