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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:
Modern Salesforce FilesExport files from the Salesforce Files system (ContentVersion/ContentDocument).
  • Uses ContentDocument API
  • Supports versioning
  • Richer metadata available
  • Attached via ContentDocumentLink
Best For:
  • Files attached after Winter ‘12
  • Modern Salesforce implementations
  • Files with version history
Changing the Export Type resets your query and results. Make sure to select the correct type before querying.

File Organization

When enabled, FileFetch organizes exported files into folders based on their parent Salesforce records.

File Naming

Control how exported files are named:
Original File NamesFiles are saved with their original names from Salesforce.
  • Files: Uses the Title field + file extension
  • Attachments: Uses the Name field
Example:
  • Annual_Contract.pdf
  • Q1_Invoice.xlsx
  • Product_Photo.jpg
This is the most user-friendly option. Files have recognizable, meaningful names that match what’s in Salesforce.

Duplicate Handling

When multiple files have the same name, FileFetch can handle duplicates in two ways:
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:
Contract.pdf
Contract_069xx000000ABCDEA4.pdf  ← Duplicate, ID appended
Contract_069xx000000EFGHEA4.pdf  ← Another duplicate
Recommended: This ensures all files are exported, even if they have identical names. You never lose data.

Export Location

Default Export Folder

FileFetch exports files to a default location on your computer:
Default Location: ~/Downloads/FileFetch_Exports/Each export creates a timestamped subfolder:
~/Downloads/FileFetch_Exports/
└── FileFetch_Export_2024-10-01_143025/
    ├── [exported files]
    └── _Export_Summary.txt
You can change the default export folder in Settings.

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_{YYYY-MM-DD}_{HHMMSS}
Example: FileFetch_Export_2024-10-01_143025
  • YYYY-MM-DD: Date of export (year-month-day)
  • HHMMSS: Time of export (24-hour format)
This ensures:
  • 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:
==============================================
FileFetch Export Summary
==============================================
Export Date: 2024-10-01 14:30:25
Export Type: Files (ContentVersion)
Salesforce Org: https://your-domain.my.salesforce.com

==============================================
Export Configuration
==============================================
Grouped by Related Record: Yes
Use Real File Names: Yes
Duplicate Handling: Append ID
Export Folder: /Users/you/Downloads/FileFetch_Exports/FileFetch_Export_2024-10-01_143025

==============================================
Export Results
==============================================
Total Files Queried: 150
Files Successfully Downloaded: 147
Files Failed: 2
Files Skipped (Duplicates): 1

==============================================
Failed Downloads
==============================================
1. Invoice_March.pdf (ContentDocumentId: 069xx000000ABCDEA4)
   Error: Download timeout after 120 seconds

2. Report_Q2.xlsx (ContentDocumentId: 069xx000000EFGHEA4)
   Error: File not found or access denied

==============================================
Skipped Files (Duplicates)
==============================================
1. Contract.pdf (ContentDocumentId: 069xx000000IJKLEA4)
   Reason: File with same name already exists

==============================================
Download Statistics
==============================================
Total Download Size: 1.2 GB
Average File Size: 8.2 MB
Download Duration: 5 minutes 32 seconds
Average Download Speed: 3.6 MB/s
Concurrent Downloads: 10

==============================================
The Export Summary is invaluable for auditing, troubleshooting, and tracking which files were exported. Always review it after large exports.
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

You cannot change export configuration while an export is in progress. Wait for the current export to complete, then adjust settings for the next export.
If you need to stop an export:
  1. Click Cancel Export in the progress dialog
  2. Adjust your configuration
  3. Re-run the export

Next Steps