Exporting and Sharing Files

Exports let you package selected assets into ZIP files for download or sharing. Whether you need to send final selects to a client or archive a batch of approved images, the exports workflow handles packaging, delivery, and access control in one place.

What You'll Learn

How to create an export from selected assets
How to view and download ready exports
How to share an export with external recipients via email
How to view recipients and manage shared access

Step 1: Navigate to the Exports Page

Open your project and click Exports in the sidebar navigation. The Exports page displays all export jobs for this project as a grid of cards. Each card shows the export name, current status, file count, total size, creation date, and expiration countdown. Action buttons on each card let you download, share, or delete the export.

Exports page showing a ready export card with download and sharing options

Step 2: Select Assets and Create an Export

Navigate to the asset grid and click Select in the toolbar to enter selection mode. Click on each file you want to include in the export. A selection bar appears at the top showing the number of selected assets and available bulk actions.

Click the Download button in the selection bar to create an export job. ReelStorage packages the selected files into a ZIP archive in the background. You can continue working while the export processes.

Asset grid with multiple files selected and the Download button visible in the selection bar

Tip

You need the Download Assets permission on the project to create exports. If the Download button does not appear in the selection bar, ask your project admin to grant this permission.

Tip

You can also export assets by selecting them and choosing CSV or PDF from the selection bar to generate metadata reports instead of file downloads.

Step 3: View Your Export

Return to the Exports page to check on your export. A progress bar tracks how many files have been packaged while the status shows Processing. Once packaging completes, the status changes to Ready with a green indicator, and a Download ZIP button appears on the card.

The card also displays the total file size and an expiration countdown. Exports remain available for 7 days after creation.

Export card showing Ready status with a Download ZIP button and file details

Step 4: Download the Export

Click the Download ZIP button on a ready export to save the archive to your computer. The download starts immediately for single-chunk exports.

For large exports that exceed the chunk size limit, the system splits the archive into multiple parts. Each part gets its own download button labeled with its file size, so you can download them individually.

Export card with the Download ZIP button highlighted

Click the Share button (share icon) on a ready export to open the Share Export dialog. The dialog shows the export name, file count, total size, and expiration date at the top for reference.

Share Export dialog with sharing enabled toggle, email input, and optional message field

Toggle Sharing Enabled on, then type each recipient's email address and press Enter to add it. You can add multiple recipients at once. Use the Message field to provide context about the files, then click Send Invitations to deliver the download links.

Share Export dialog with a recipient email added and a message filled in

Tip

Recipients receive two separate emails for security: one with the download link and one with a 6-digit passcode. They need both to access the files.

Step 6: View and Manage Recipients

Click the Recipients button (people icon) on a shared export card to open the Share Recipients dialog. A Shared badge on the card confirms that sharing is active.

The dialog lists every recipient with their email address, the delivery status of both the link and passcode emails (Sent, Pending, or Failed), their total download count, and the timestamp of their last download. Use the action buttons next to each recipient to resend both emails or remove their access entirely.

Share Recipients dialog showing recipient details with email status badges and action buttons

Warning

Removing a recipient revokes their access immediately. They will not be able to download the export even if they still have the link and passcode.

Step 7: Delete an Export

Click the Delete button (trash icon) on the export card to remove it. Deleting an export removes the ZIP archive from storage and revokes download access for all shared recipients at once.

Export card with the delete button visible in the card header

Warning

Deletion is permanent. If recipients still need the files, create a new export before deleting the old one.

Tips

Plan for the 7-day window. Create exports well before your delivery deadline so recipients have time to download. If the window is too short, create a new export.
Add context in the message field. When sharing with clients or external teams, note which round of selects, the shoot date, or any usage restrictions so recipients know exactly what they are receiving.
Monitor delivery status. Check the Recipients dialog after sharing to confirm that both the link and passcode emails were delivered successfully. Resend if any show a Failed status.
Use partial exports for urgent needs. If an export partially fails (some files could not be packaged), you can still download and share the successfully packaged files while you investigate the failures.

Troubleshooting

Export stuck on "Processing"

Large exports with many high-resolution files can take several minutes to package. The page polls automatically, so the status updates when processing completes. If the export stays in this state for more than 15 minutes, create a new export with the same assets.

Recipient did not receive the passcode email

Open the Recipients dialog and click the resend button next to their name. This re-sends both the link and passcode emails. Ask the recipient to check their spam or junk folder as well.

Yes. You can share any export that has a Ready or Partial status. Click the share icon on the card to open the sharing dialog at any time before the export expires.

What's Next

Sending Approvals to Talent: Send assets to talent for review and approval before publication.
Uploading Assets: Upload files to your project asset library.