> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.apryse.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.apryse.com/android/collaboration/server-a.md).

# Connecting to a server to collaborate on documents in realtime

Learn how to host annotations on your server for real-time collaboration with Apryse. Connect your data to an out-of-the-box UI and manage annotations effortlessly. Get started today! The Apryse Andro

## Host annotations in your own server

In realtime collaboration, a server will merely act as an online database that triggers events upon data creation/modification/deletion. As long as the above requirement is met, your server can be built in any language and stack of your choice. Apryse provides an interface that will allow you to connect your data to the out-of-box UI.

1. Your will need to obtain a reference to `CollabManager` from the `CollabViewerTabHostFragment2`, then setup the current collaboration session, for example:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Java" %}
{% code lineNumbers="true" %}

```java
void handleTabDocumentLoaded(String tag) {
    // setup the current collaboration session
    CollabManager collabManager = mCollabViewerTabHostFragment.getCollabManager();
    if (collabManager != null) {
        collabManager.setCurrentUser(mUserId, mUserName);
        collabManager.setCurrentDocument(mDocumentId);

        collabManager.setCollabManagerListener(new CollabManager.CollabManagerListener() {
            @Override
            public void onSendAnnotation(String action, ArrayList<AnnotationEntity> annotations, String documentId, @Nullable String userName) {
                // local change, send info to server here
            }
        });
    }
}
```

{% endcode %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Kotlin" %}
{% code lineNumbers="true" %}

```kotlin
internal fun handleTabDocumentLoaded(tag: String) {
    // setup the current collaboration session
    val collabManager = mCollabViewerTabHostFragment.collabManager
    collabManager!!.setCurrentUser(mUserId, mUserName)
    collabManager.setCurrentDocument(mDocumentId)

    collabManager.setCollabManagerListener { action, annotations, documentId, userName ->
        // local change, send info to server here
    }
}
```

{% endcode %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

1. When your server notifies the client about remote changes, import the XFDF command string with `CollabManager`:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Java" %}
{% code lineNumbers="true" %}

```java
void importXfdf(String xfdfCommand) {
    CollabManager collabManager = mCollabViewerTabHostFragment.getCollabManager();
    if (collabManager != null) {
        collabManager.importAnnotationCommand(xfdfCommand);
    }
}
```

{% endcode %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Kotlin" %}
{% code lineNumbers="true" %}

```kotlin
fun importXfdf(xfdfCommand: String) {
    val collabManager = mCollabViewerTabHostFragment.collabManager
    collabManager!!.importAnnotationCommand(xfdfCommand)
}
```

{% endcode %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

The annotations appearing on the document in real time are managed through a separate XFDF format, while the original version of the document is preserved on the server. Note that the client downloads the original untouched document at the start of the collaboration session.

And that is it! Apryse will handle all annotation syncing and annotation reply for you.


---

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