---
title: Importing & Exporting
description: >-
  Learn about importing and exporting in Clear Ideas. Upload and unzip archives,
  export sites, and manage data efficiently for backup and offline review.
ogTitle: Importing & Exporting Guide
ogDescription: >-
  Master data import and export in Clear Ideas. Learn to upload zip files, unzip
  archives, and export sites for backup and offline access
ogImage: /assets/images/og/guide-archives.webp
navigation:
  icon: fasl fa-file-zipper
---

# Importing & Exporting

In the Clear Ideas App, archives play a crucial role in data management and document organization. There are two primary ways to interact with archives: uploading and unzipping Zip files, and exporting a site. These features enable efficient data import, backup, and offline access to your content.

## Uploading and Unzipping a Zip File

Users can manage archives by uploading Zip files to a site and utilizing the "Request Unzip" feature. This process efficiently organizes and integrates the files and folders contained in the Zip file into the designated site. This method is ideal for importing structured data swiftly and maintaining organizational consistency within the platform.

### Supported Formats

**Supported Formats:**
- ZIP - .zip (application/zip)

### Uploading a Zip File

To upload and unzip a Zip file:

1. Navigate to the site where you want to import content
2. Upload the Zip file like any other file
3. Once uploaded, use the "Request Unzip" feature to extract contents
4. Files and folders from the Zip are organized and integrated into the site

**Process**: The unzip process extracts all files and folders from the Zip archive while preserving the folder structure.

**Use Cases**:
- Importing bulk documents
- Migrating content from other systems
- Restoring backups
- Adding pre-organized content structures

## Export Site

Generate a zip archive of all documents and folders in a site for backup or offline review. Site exports create a complete snapshot of your site's content at the time of export. Export the complete contents of a site to a zip file for backup, archival, or offline access.

### What's Included in Exports

Site exports include comprehensive site contents:

**Documents and Files**:
**All Files**: Every document and file uploaded to the site is included in the export.

**Folder Structure**:
**Complete Hierarchy**: The export preserves the exact folder structure and organization of your site.

**Site Contents**:
- All documents in their original formats
- All folders maintaining their hierarchy
- File metadata and organization
- Complete site structure

**Note**: Exports include the site contents but not:
- User access permissions
- Site settings and configuration
- Site statistics or analytics
- Watermarks (original files without watermarks)

Exports reflect the current state and folder structure at the time of export.

## Request an Export

From **Site Settings > Export**:

1. Navigate to **Site Settings > Export**
2. Click **Request Export** to queue a zip archive job
3. Wait for the export to be processed
4. Download the exported zip file from your site

**Export Request**: Clicking "Request Export" initiates the export process. The export is processed asynchronously in the background.

### Export Status

After requesting an export, you'll see status indicators:

**Processing**: Export is being created (spinning icon)

**Export Requested**: Request has been submitted successfully

**Status Display**: A status indicator confirms the request. The export status is shown on the Export settings page.

### Export Completion

**Delivery**: Completion is delivered to the site as a file. The exported zip file appears in your site once processing is complete.

**Notifications**: If notifications are enabled, you'll also receive an email notification when the export is ready.

**Download**: Once complete, download the exported zip file like any other file in your site.

### Downloading Exports

Once an export is complete:

1. Navigate to **Site Settings > Export**
2. The export file appears as a zip file in your site
3. Download the zip file like any other file in the site
4. Extract the zip file on your local machine

**File Location**: The exported zip file is saved directly to your site, making it easy to access and download.

### Export Processing Time

**Small Sites**: Typically complete within minutes

**Large Sites**: May take longer depending on content volume

**Background Processing**: Exports are processed asynchronously, so you can continue working while the export is being created

## Use Cases

### Backup and Archival

**Regular Backups**: Export sites periodically to create backups of important content

**Project Completion**: Export sites when projects are completed for archival purposes

**Compliance**: Maintain exports for compliance and record-keeping requirements

### Offline Access

**Local Copies**: Download exports to access content offline or on local networks

**Portable Archives**: Share exported zip files with team members who need offline access

**Disaster Recovery**: Keep exports as part of disaster recovery planning

### Migration and Transfer

**Content Migration**: Use exports to transfer content between accounts or systems

**Data Portability**: Maintain portable copies of your data for flexibility

**System Transitions**: Export content when transitioning between systems

## Best Practices

### Regular Exports

**Schedule**: Export important sites regularly to maintain current backups

**Before Changes**: Export sites before making significant structural changes

**Milestones**: Export sites at project milestones for historical records

### Export Management

**Organization**: Keep track of export dates and purposes

**Storage**: Store exported zip files in secure, accessible locations

**Versioning**: Consider dating or versioning exports for better organization

### File Size Considerations

**Large Sites**: Be aware that exports of large sites may result in large zip files

**Download Time**: Large exports may take time to download depending on your connection

**Storage Space**: Ensure you have sufficient storage space for exported files

## Limitations

### Export Frequency

**On-Demand**: Exports are processed on-demand when requested

**Multiple Exports**: Multiple exports can be requested, but each processes separately

**Concurrent Limits**: There may be limits on concurrent exports

### Content Scope

**Site Contents Only**: Exports include site contents only

**Settings Excluded**: Site settings, user permissions, and configurations are not included

**Current State**: Exports reflect the current state at the time of export, not historical versions

## Related Documentation

- [Site Settings](/site-administrator-guide/general-site-settings) - General site configuration
- [Content Organization](/guide/organizing-files) - Learn about organizing files and folders
- [Notifications](/guide/notifications) - Configure export notifications