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Export EAD

Resource Records can be exported as EADs in ArchivesSpace.

Steps to Export EAD​

1. Open a Resource Record​

Open a resource record in ArchivesSpace in either View or Edit mode

Resource record in ArchivesSpace showing the main interface with various collections listed

2. Click on the Export Button​

Click on the Export button in the toolbar

Export button highlighted in the resource record toolbar

3. Mouse Over Download EAD​

Mouse over Download EAD to see the export options menu

4. Select Export Options​

In the menu, select whichever options you want included in the EAD:

  • Download EAD - Standard EAD export
  • Download MARCXML - MARC XML format export
  • Download Container Labels - Export container label information
  • Print Resource To PDF - Generate a PDF version
  • Include unpublished - Include unpublished components in the export
  • Include DAO tags - Include Digital Archival Object tags
  • Use numbered tags - Use numbered component tags instead of unnumbered
  • EAD3 schema - Export using EAD3 schema instead of EAD 2002

Export menu showing various EAD export options with checkboxes

5. Click on Download EAD​

Click on Download EAD after selecting your desired options

Download dialog box showing the file being saved with options to open or save

6. Save or Open the File​

In the pop-up box, choose to either:

  • Open the file with an EAD editor (e.g., Notepad, XML editor)
  • Save the file to your local computer

The exported EAD file will contain the complete finding aid in XML format, ready for use in other systems or for publication.

Sample EAD XML code showing the exported finding aid structure

Export Options Explained​

Include Unpublished​

When checked, this option includes components that are marked as unpublished in ArchivesSpace. This is useful for internal review but should typically be unchecked for public-facing exports.

Include DAO Tags​

Digital Archival Object tags link to digital content. Check this if you want to include links to digital materials in your EAD export.

Use Numbered Component Tags​

This option uses <c01>, <c02>, etc. instead of unnumbered <c> tags, which can be helpful for certain systems that require numbered component levels.

EAD3 Schema​

Exports the finding aid using the newer EAD3 standard instead of EAD 2002. Choose based on your system requirements and compatibility needs.