In the app’s walkthrough: Your library · Production guide completion
Before you begin
Finish or stop active work before making a full library backup. Keep the destination separate from the only copy of the working library.
Work through it
Export a chapter ZIP
Right-click the chapter in the library and choose Export Chapter…. Choose where to save it and wait for the export to finish.
Understand the snapshot
The ZIP transfers the chapter and its selected media, including each take’s primary video. It does not include all render history or drafts. Keep a full backup when those versions matter.
Test a transfer
Use File → Import Chapter… on the destination Mac, or Import chapter ZIP in the web app where you have access. Check the text, selected references and primary videos after import.
Back up the full media folder
Stop the engine before copying the whole media folder, including its Library directory. Preserve both database and media; copying only one can leave a library whose files are missing.
Keep credentials separate
Use the encrypted-key export in Connections if you need to move provider keys. Save its password securely; a chapter ZIP is not an API-key backup.
Begin the next chapter
Add it to the same book and review the existing cast import. Carry established faces, objects and style forward, then check where the new chapter needs a deliberate change.
Try it in your chapter
Create a chapter ZIP and locate the full media folder. Identify which backup you would use to transfer a chapter and which you would use to recover your entire library.
Check before moving on
You have a readable exported video, a chapter snapshot, and a plan for a separate full-library backup.
If something goes wrong
An imported chapter lacks older render versions
The chapter ZIP is a selected snapshot. Use the original library backup for history and drafts.
A moved library looks empty
Check the selected media folder and connected disk. Do not delete the old folder until the restored library and its media have been verified.
Still stuck? Contact support with the exact message and the operation you were running.