Download all files as a ZIP

Select Download all files at the top of the request page. GarnerDocs prepares a ZIP of every file in the background, tells you when it's ready, and keeps it for 24 hours.

Steps

1. 1

   Open the request

   The Download all files button appears once the client has uploaded at least one file.

2. 2

   Select Download all files

   The button changes to Preparing download… and you'll see "Preparing your download…". You can keep working, or leave the page.

3. 3

   Download the ZIP

   When it's ready, the button changes to Download ready with the time left, for example "expires in 23 hours". Select it to download. You also get a bell notification, "Your download of [request] is ready"; selecting it downloads the ZIP too.

What's in the ZIP

• Every current file, in folders by category and document: Income/Bank statements/March.pdf. Two files with the same name get "(2)" added.
• Files sent back for replacement and earlier versions, in an _earlier versions folder.
• manifest.csv, a spreadsheet listing each file with its document, size, upload time, review status, reviewer, review note and its place in the ZIP.
• not-needed.csv, if you accepted that your client doesn't have some documents. It lists each one with their reason, and who accepted it and when. When a client doesn't have a document

How long the ZIP lasts

You can download the ZIP as often as you like for 24 hours from when it's ready. After that it's deleted, and the button goes back to Download all files so you can prepare a new one. Each download uses a private link that works for 5 minutes, like single files.

If the client uploads a file or saves a short answer, anyone reviews one, or a document is accepted as not needed after you started, the ZIP no longer matches the request. The button goes back to Download all files so you can prepare an up-to-date one.

Good to know

• The ZIP is prepared for you only. Teammates who want one select Download all files themselves.
• Every download of a ZIP shows in the request's activity, for example "Sam downloaded all files from Annual Accounts 2025".
• Large requests take longer to prepare. If it fails, the button comes back so you can try again.
• Once a request's files are deleted (at the end of the retention period or with Delete files now), the button disappears and existing ZIPs can't be downloaded.
• Before you delete files early, download the ZIP: it keeps your folders and the review history together for your own records.
• To have each file saved to Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox as you approve it, set up a webhook with Zapier or Make.