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How to archive all media from a specific classification in the DAM (mass update)

If you want to archive assets belonging to a specific classification, you can do so by importing a CSV file.

Sylvain Gourvil avatar
Written by Sylvain Gourvil
Updated over 4 months ago

If you want to archive all assets belonging to a specific classification, you can do so by importing a CSV file that sets those assets to inactive. This action makes them invisible in the DAM, while keeping all data and files safely stored.

✅ Step-by-step guide

1. Export the relevant assets

  • Go to the asset export section of your platform.

  • Create a custom export with only the following two columns:

    • media_code

    • media_classification_code

  • Export and open the resulting CSV file in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or a similar spreadsheet editor.

2. Filter to keep only assets in the classification you want to archive

  • Enable filters in Excel (Data > Filter).

  • Filter the media_classification_code column to show only the rows with the classification you want to archive.

  • Copy the filtered rows into a new sheet or file. These are the assets you will archive.

3. Add a column to deactivate the assets

  • In your new file, add a column called active.

  • For all rows, set the value to 0 (zero) in the active column.

  • Your file should now have three columns:

    • media_code

    • media_classification_code

    • active (all values = 0)

4. Save the file as a CSV

  • Save your file as a CSV file.

  • In Excel, select File > Save As > CSV (UTF-8).

  • Double-check that:

    • All assets belong to the target classification.

    • All active values are set to 0.

5. Import the file in the DAM

  • Go to the import tool in your DAM.

  • Upload the CSV file you just created.

  • Map the columns properly

  • Start the import.

🧾 What happens after import?

Once imported:

  • The selected assets are marked as inactive.

  • They are no longer visible in the interface or standard API queries.

  • However, the media files, metadata, and links remain safely stored in the system.

🔄 Can I undo or reverse the archive?

Yes, you can reactivate the archived assets at any time by importing a new CSV.

To reactivate the assets:

  1. Create a CSV file with the same media_code values.

  2. Add a column active and set it to 1.

  3. Optionally, update the media_classification_code if you want to move the assets to another classification.

  4. Import the file through the same import process.

⏳ How long do inactive assets stay archived?

Indefinitely.
Assets marked as active = 0 stay inactive until you manually reactivate them via:

  • API

  • Manual import

They are not deleted automatically.

⚠️ What if I make a mistake?

If you accidentally deactivate the wrong assets or assign the wrong classification:

  • Simply correct your CSV.

  • Re-import it with active = 1 and/or update the media_classification_code.

This will instantly restore the assets and move them to the right classification if needed.

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