ⓘ Menu options may vary
Menu labels and steps can vary slightly between firmware and software versions. If a menu name doesn’t exactly match what you see, look for the closest equivalent. For example, Backup and Export are often used interchangeably.
Before You Begin
Before exporting footage, identify the camera or cameras, date, and time range you need. Narrowing the requested footage makes the export process faster and easier to manage.
What You’ll Need
- A USB flash drive or external USB hard drive for local NVR exports, or
- A computer with the manufacturer’s desktop client or supported web access.
- The camera channel or channels you need.
- The approximate date and time of the footage.
Using a USB drive?
See – How to Prepare and Format a USB Drive for an NVR or DVR
What File Format Will My Export Use?
Depending on the NVR, exported video may use a proprietary format or a standard format such as MP4 or AVI. Some systems also include their own playback software with the exported footage.
When the system offers MP4 as an option, it is generally the easiest format to use because it can be opened by most computers and media players without additional software.
How Long Does an Export Take?
Export time depends on several factors, including:
- Length of the requested footage
- Number of camera channels
- Recording resolution
- Speed of the USB drive or storage destination
A one-hour clip from a single HD camera may export in only a few minutes, while multi-camera or multi-hour exports can take considerably longer.
Can I Export Footage From My Phone?
Many modern camera systems have mobile apps that allow you to download or export recorded clips directly to your phone.
For larger exports or situations where you need more control over the exact time range and video quality, exporting from the NVR itself or using the manufacturer’s desktop software may be preferable.
What If the Exported Video Won’t Play?
Some NVR systems export footage in a proprietary video format that standard media players may not recognize.
If your exported file will not open:
- Check whether the export included the manufacturer’s playback software.
- Use the manufacturer’s free video player if one is available.
- Look for an option to export or convert the footage to a standard format such as MP4.
Standard players such as VLC or Windows Media Player may not support every proprietary NVR video format without additional software or conversion.
Choose Your Camera System
Dahua
How to Export Video From a Dahua NVR →
Hanwha Wisenet
How to Export Video From a Hanwha Wisenet NVR →
Luminys
How to Export Video From a Luminys NVR →
Hikvision
How to Export Video From a Hikvision NVR →
Reolink
How to Export Video From a Reolink NVR →
UniFi Protect
How to Export Video From UniFi Protect →
Turing
How to Export Video From a Turing NVR →
Still Need Help?
If you’re having trouble locating footage or completing an export, please have the following information available:
- NVR model number
- Firmware/software version
- Camera channel or channels
- Date and approximate time range of the requested footage
