Techniques are disclosed for enabling synchronization of items (e.g., folders or files) in a cloud-based environment. In one embodiment, a method comprises, upon receiving a request from a collaborator to synchronize an item stored in the workspace, verifying if the collaborator has permission for downloading the item. The method further comprises, if the collaborator has permission for downloading the item, sending the item to the collaborator. The method further comprises synchronizing the item by automatically pushing an updated version of the item unilaterally from the cloud-based environment to the collaborator regardless of whether the collaborator has performed any modification to the sent item. Among other advantages, embodiments disclosed herein provide capabilities to synchronize items in cloud-based platforms, especially where items are often opened/edited among the collaborators.