How to export documents out of NetDocuments – Method 3: ndMirror

Posted in NetDocuments Exporting Documents, NetDocuments Tips on May 26, 2025 by Craig Bayer

There are four methods* for exporting documents out of NetDocuments:

*Each user also has the option to download documents. This will export the documents from NetDocuments but not preserve any folder or filter format.

This article will discuss Method 3: ndMirror

Exporting your documents from NetDocuments with ndMirror is a seamless process that ensures you retain access to your critical data while maintaining its integrity. NdMirror is designed to simplify bulk exports, allowing users to synchronize their NetDocuments content to a local repository or network drive. This powerful tool enables you to create an external backup of your files, ensuring easy access to offline copies for compliance, audits, or other purposes. By leveraging ndMirror, businesses can confidently manage their document transitions, reduce the risk of data loss, and maintain smooth operations. Whether you’re preparing for a migration or need a robust data export solution, ndMirror streamlines the task efficiently and precisely.

This works well if you have a lot of content to export, because NetDocuments makes a copy of an entire cabinet to a local PC or server.

Pros:

  • It’s easy to use.
  • It exports versions.
  • It will append the doc ID to the name so files won’t be overwritten.
  • In SQL, you will have a backup of all the document metadata
  • You will have a backup of all the profile attribute tables in SQL.  This is the only method that does this.  (See the SQL Tables that are Created.)
  • It will backup all your user and group data.
  • Anyone at your firm will be able to back up the data.

Cons

  • You need a consultant or an IT Professional to set it up.
  • You need a computer to run it on.
  • You need to have enough storage to back up your NetDocuments.
  • You may encounter issues with file path length.
  • It will not Export Folders.  (But it will create a sql table that will tell you where the file is)
  • It’s an add-on product from NetDocuments.
  • It does require SQL, but it does work with SQL Express
  • Deleted Items will not export.

Overview

We have this matter in NetDocuments:

image

And it will be copied down to your pc like this:

image

The Saved Searches and Folders are not exported; however, the locations are noted in the SQL Table.

NOTE:

If you delete something in NetDocuments, it will remove it from the ndMirror Location.  Be sure to copy the folders to a safe location before deleting them in NetDocuments.

About the Author

Craig Bayer is the founder and leader of Optiable, an award-winning document management (DMS) consulting firm dedicated to helping law firms seamlessly integrate NetDocuments. Specializing in firms with 10 to 150 users, he has successfully guided over 500 law firms across the United States and Canada through NetDocuments implementations since 2010.

With deep expertise in the legal industry, Craig has a proven track record of optimizing technology to meet the unique needs of law firms. His certifications include industry-leading tools such as Amicus Attorney, Centerbase, Clio, PCLaw, HotDocs, TimeMatters, Soluno, and Worldox, enabling him to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to each client’s workflow and goals.

Craig Bayer