Sharing Patterns

Sharing Sequences

NeXroll allows you to share your sequences with others through the Export/Import system. Share your preroll arrangements with friends, back them up, or move to a new server.

Export Modes

When exporting a sequence, choose the export format:

Pattern Only (~5KB)

• Block structure only (types, counts, category references)
• Smallest file size
• Recipient must have matching prerolls in their library

With Community IDs (~7KB) ⭐ RECOMMENDED

• Includes Community Preroll IDs for any community prerolls used
• Enables automatic download on import
• Best for sharing sequences that use community prerolls

With Preroll Metadata (~50KB)

• Full metadata (names, tags, durations, descriptions)
• Helps recipients find equivalent prerolls
• Good for documentation

Full Bundle (ZIP) - 100MB-5GB

• Pattern + all actual video files
• Ready to import immediately
• Perfect for archiving or offline sharing
• Large file size warning

Exporting a Sequence

From the Sequence Library

1. Go to Schedules → Saved Sequences
2. Find the sequence you want to export
3. Click the Export button on the sequence card
4. Choose your export mode
5. Click Export
6. Save the .nexseq file (or .zip for full bundle)

Export All Sequences

To export your entire sequence library:

1. Go to Schedules → Saved Sequences
2. Click Export All
3. All sequences are bundled into one file

Importing a Sequence

Supported File Types

• .nexseq - NeXroll sequence pattern
• .json - Legacy JSON format
• .zip - Full bundle with video files
• .nexbundle - Multi-sequence bundle

Import Process

1. Go to Schedules → Saved Sequences
2. Click Import
3. Select your file
4. Preview what will be imported:
   • Block configuration
   • Required prerolls
   • Missing prerolls (highlighted)
5. Click Import

Handling Missing Prerolls

If the imported sequence references prerolls you don't have:

Community Prerolls: If the export included Community IDs, NeXroll can automatically download missing prerolls from the Community Prerolls service.

Local Prerolls: You'll need to:

• Upload matching prerolls to your library
• Or edit the sequence after import to use different prerolls

ZIP Bundle Import

When importing a .zip bundle:

1. NeXroll extracts and shows the contents
2. Map imported folders to categories:
   • Create new categories
   • Or map to existing categories
3. Preview the video files included
4. Click Import to extract videos and create the sequence

File Format

.nexseq Format

The .nexseq file is JSON with this structure:

{
  "type": "nexseq",
  "version": "1.0",
  "metadata": {
    "name": "Holiday Mix",
    "description": "Christmas preroll sequence",
    "author": "NeXroll",
    "created": "2024-12-23T10:00:00Z",
    "exported": "2024-12-23T10:30:00Z",
    "blockCount": 3
  },
  "blocks": [
    {
      "type": "fixed",
      "preroll_ids": [12, 45]
    },
    {
      "type": "random",
      "category_id": 5,
      "count": 2
    }
  ],
  "compatibility": {
    "minVersion": "1.0",
    "features": []
  }
}

What's Included

• Sequence name and description
• Block configurations (types, settings)
• Category references (by ID or name)
• Preroll references (IDs, or Community IDs if exported with that mode)
• Export metadata (date, version)

What's NOT Included (Pattern Only)

• Actual video files
• Media server credentials
• System-specific paths

Sharing Tips

For Sharing with Others

1. Use With Community IDs mode if your sequence uses community prerolls
2. Use descriptive names and add a description
3. Test import your own export before sharing

For Personal Backup

1. Use Full Bundle for complete archives
2. Store bundles separately from your NeXroll installation
3. Include dates in filenames: Holiday_2024_backup.zip

For Migration

When moving to a new server:

1. Export all sequences as a bundle
2. Copy your preroll video files
3. Install NeXroll on new server
4. Import sequences
5. Update path mappings if needed

Troubleshooting

Import Shows "Missing Prerolls"

• The sequence references prerolls not in your library
• Upload matching prerolls, or
• Enable auto-download if Community IDs are available

ZIP Import Fails

• Check the ZIP isn't corrupted
• Ensure adequate disk space
• Very large bundles may timeout - try smaller exports

Imported Sequence Doesn't Work

• Check that all prerolls are properly mapped
• Verify category references are valid
• Edit the sequence to fix any broken references