Export a clip as evidence

Export a clip as evidence

Use this procedure to produce a tamper-evident MP4 with chain-of-custody metadata — the format law enforcement and insurance reviewers expect. The exported file bundles the original video, a signed manifest, and a short audit trail of who exported it and when.

Caution

The export reveals everything in the clip plus the audit trail, including the name of the operator who exported it. Do not share evidence exports outside the investigation without authorisation — see your org’s data handling policy.

Procedure

1. Open Events and click the event to export.

2. Click ⋮ → Export in the player toolbar.

3. Choose a time range. The default is the full event plus 10 seconds on each side.

4. Enter a case reference (optional) — it is embedded in the manifest.

5. Click Generate export. The progress bar shows mux and signing stages.

6. When ready, click Download. Your browser saves the file to its Downloads folder.

Common variations

• Multiple events: select events with Shift-click on the Events page, then Bulk actions → Export. You get a ZIP with one MP4 per event.
• Download disabled: if the org policy disables raw downloads, you get a view-only share link instead. See Share an event link.
• Verify a received export: the recipient can verify the manifest with the novavms-verify CLI or any tool that reads the signature block.

If this didn’t work

• Generate export is greyed out — you lack export permission. Ask your admin to assign Operator or above.
• Download is a 0-byte file — see Export produces empty file.
• Signature verification fails for the recipient — make sure they have the current public key from Chain of custody.

Related

• Chain of custody — why exports are signed and how verification works
• Clip retention policy — how long clips stay exportable
• Review an event — check the clip before you export