Overview
The Export Configuration panel allows you to control how FileFetch organizes, names, and downloads your files. Configure these settings before exporting to ensure files land exactly where you want them, with the structure you need.Export configuration settings are preserved between sessions. FileFetch remembers your preferences for future exports.
Export Type
Choose which type of Salesforce files to export:- Files (ContentVersion)
- Attachments
Modern Salesforce FilesExport files from the Salesforce Files system (ContentVersion/ContentDocument).
- Uses ContentDocument API
- Supports versioning
- Richer metadata available
- Attached via ContentDocumentLink
- Files attached after Winter ‘12
- Modern Salesforce implementations
- Files with version history
File Organization
Group by Related Record
When enabled, FileFetch organizes exported files into folders based on their parent Salesforce records.- Enabled (Recommended)
- Disabled
Organized by Parent RecordFiles are grouped into folders named after the related record.Example Structure:Folder Naming:
- Format:
{RecordName}_{RecordId} - Example:
Acme_Corporation_001xx000000AAAAA - Sanitized for file system compatibility (special characters removed)
File Naming
Control how exported files are named:Use Real File Names (Recommended)
- Enabled
- Disabled
Original File NamesFiles are saved with their original names from Salesforce.
- Files: Uses the
Titlefield + file extension - Attachments: Uses the
Namefield
Annual_Contract.pdfQ1_Invoice.xlsxProduct_Photo.jpg
Duplicate Handling
When multiple files have the same name, FileFetch can handle duplicates in two ways:- Append ID
- Skip Duplicates
Add Salesforce ID to Duplicate NamesIf a file with the same name already exists, append the ContentDocumentId or Attachment Id to make it unique.Example:
Export Location
Default Export Folder
FileFetch exports files to a default location on your computer:- macOS
- Windows
Default Location:
~/Downloads/FileFetch_Exports/Each export creates a timestamped subfolder:Custom Export Folder (Coming Soon)
Future Feature: The ability to select a custom export folder for each export is planned for a future release. For now, use the default location or change it in Settings.
Folder Naming Convention
Export folders follow this naming pattern:FileFetch_Export_2024-10-01_143025
- YYYY-MM-DD: Date of export (year-month-day)
- HHMMSS: Time of export (24-hour format)
- Exports are easy to identify by date/time
- No folder name conflicts (each export has a unique timestamp)
- Chronological sorting in file explorer
Export Summary
Every export includes an_Export_Summary.txt file with detailed information:
Recommended Settings
For most users, we recommend:Export Type
Files (ContentVersion) for modern Salesforce data
Group by Related Record
Enabled for organized folder structure
File Naming
Use Real File Names for readability
Duplicate Handling
Append ID to avoid data loss
Special Considerations
Large Exports
For exports with hundreds or thousands of files:- Enable grouping: Easier to navigate than a flat structure with 1000+ files
- Use real file names: Helps identify files quickly
- Append ID for duplicates: Ensures all files are exported
- Monitor Export Summary: Check for failed downloads
Integration/Automation
If exporting for integration with external systems:- Disable grouping: Flat structure may be easier to process programmatically
- Use Salesforce IDs: External systems may expect ID-based naming
- Skip duplicates: If your workflow handles deduplication separately
- Parse Export Summary: Programmatically read the summary file for results
Record-Specific Exports
When exporting files for specific records (e.g., one Account’s files):- Enable grouping: Even for a single record, creates clear organization
- Use real file names: Makes files immediately recognizable
- Append ID for duplicates: Avoid losing files with same names
Changing Configuration Mid-Export
If you need to stop an export:- Click Cancel Export in the progress dialog
- Adjust your configuration
- Re-run the export