---
title: "Archive a Blackboard Course"
canonical: "https://servicedesk.shu.edu/space/PUBLICKBA/2111766529/Archive%20a%20Blackboard%20Course"
format: markdown
---
The archive course feature creates a permanent record of a course including all the content and user interactions. Archived courses are saved as ZIP files. When you archive a course, it isn't deleted from the system.

All files within the course are included in the archive, even if a file wasn't linked in the course.

![blackboard course archive](media://0f330e71-3c74-41fd-a531-a6cfcc3d193c)

**Control Panel > Packages and Utilities > Export/Archive Course**

1. On the *Export/Archive Course* page, select *Archive Course*.
2. On the *Archive Course* page, optionally select the check box for *Include Grade Center History*. The file size and processing time will increase.
3. In the *File Attachments* section for the Course Files Default Directory, select the 2nd option: *Copy links and include copies of the files in the course default directory*
4. In the *File Attachments *section for the Files Outside of the Course Default Directory, select the 2nd option: *Copy links and include copies of the files outside of the course default directory*
  - Click the *Calculate Size *button to be sure that the package size doesn't exceed the displayed *Allowed package size*.
  - To remove files and folders from the package, select *Manage Package Contents*.
5. Select Submit.

## Download the course package

Control Panel > Packages and Utilities > Export/Archive Course

1. On the *Export/Archive Course* page, select the link for the package to download.
2. Save the file to the appropriate location.

You can view the basic or detailed log from the menu of an archived course.

## Export/Archive page

The *Export/Archive Course* page organizes all export and archive packages that you create from a course.

![export or archive a blackboard course](media://e8b3374a-520f-417d-bf90-5171359b8e40)

When you export or archive a course, a link to the package appears on this page. You can download the package to your computer, and then use it in the future for import or restore operations.

When you export or archive a package, it doesn't appear on this page immediately. An email is sent to you as soon as the system has created the package. Then, open this page to find the package and download it.