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Importing and Exporting Templates

Video Tutorial: Watch the companion video V20: Importing and Exporting Templates for a visual walkthrough of these features.

Overview

Templates are stored locally on your mobile device. To share them with team members or use them on another device, you need to export and import them as files. This article explains how to export, share, and import templates.

Exporting Templates

Exporting creates a file containing your template configurations that can be shared or backed up.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Navigate to More → Template.
  2. Select the templates you want to export by checking their boxes.
  3. Tap the Export button.
  4. The app displays the template data to be exported.
  5. Tap the Share button.
  6. Choose where to send the file:
  7. Save to Files (local storage)
  8. Email
  9. Messaging app
  10. Cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
  11. AirDrop (iOS)

Export File Format

  • Format: JSON
  • Contents: All template parameters, scenes, and schedules
  • Compatibility: Same or compatible app versions

Sharing Methods

Method Best For
Save to Files Local backup, manual USB transfer
Email Sharing with specific team members
Cloud Storage Team access, ongoing collaboration
Messaging App Quick informal sharing
AirDrop (iOS) Immediate nearby transfer

Importing Templates

Importing adds templates from a file to your local device.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Navigate to More → Template.
  2. Tap the Import button.
  3. Navigate to where the template file is stored:
  4. Downloads folder
  5. Files app
  6. Email attachment
  7. Cloud storage
  8. Select the template file.
  9. The app reads and validates the file.
  10. Templates are added to your local storage.
  11. Imported templates appear in your template list.

Handling Duplicates

If a template with the same name already exists:

  • The app prompts you with a warning
  • Choose to overwrite the existing template
  • Or skip importing that template
  • Rename the template after import if needed

Common Sharing Workflows

Team Distribution via Email

  1. Create and test your templates
  2. Export selected templates
  3. Email the file to team members
  4. Recipients save attachment and import

Centralized Cloud Repository

  1. Create master templates
  2. Export to shared cloud folder (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
  3. Team members import from this central location
  4. Update the cloud file when templates change
  5. Team reimports to get updates

Personal Backup

  1. Periodically export all templates
  2. Save to cloud storage or local backup
  3. If you switch devices or reinstall the app, import your backup

Project Handoff

  1. Export all project-specific templates
  2. Include template file in commission documentation
  3. Client or maintenance team imports as needed

Best Practices

File Naming

Include helpful information in your filename:

Element Example
Project name "BuildingA_Templates.json"
Date "Templates_2025-12-15.json"
Version "StandardTemplates_v2.json"

Version Control

  • Keep previous versions when making changes
  • Document what changed between versions
  • Consider a version number in template names

Regular Backups

  • Export templates periodically
  • Store in multiple locations
  • Include in project documentation

Testing After Import

  • Verify templates appear correctly
  • Apply to a test group before deploying
  • Confirm settings match expectations

Troubleshooting

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Import fails Corrupted file Request new export from source
Import fails Incompatible app version Update app to matching version
Template not appearing Import didn't complete Try importing again
Duplicate warning Template name exists Overwrite or rename after import
Can't find file Wrong location Check Downloads, email attachments
Settings don't match Different app version Verify same app version used

File Location Reference

Source Typical Location
Email attachment Mail app → attachment → save
Downloaded file Files app → Downloads
Cloud storage Files app → Cloud provider folder
Received via message Message app → attachment

Compatibility Notes

  • Templates are most compatible between the same app version
  • Major version differences may cause import issues
  • Scene and schedule structures must match current app format
  • When in doubt, recreate templates in the new app version

Quick Reference

Action Steps
Export Template page → Select → Export → Share → Choose destination
Import Template page → Import → Navigate to file → Select
Backup Export all templates → Save to cloud storage
Share with team Export → Email or cloud → Recipients import

Based on Keilton+autani App User Guide v9.7