Importing content

The following types of content can be imported into Silva:

assets such as images, files and videos can be uploaded
text in Silva XML format
spreadsheet data - csv data

The import area is reached via the contents screen by clicking on the import... button on the upper right.

Fig. 1. Click on "import..." in the contents screen

Importing Silva XML

Silva XML from other locations or Silva sites can be imported. You must have an XML file on your local disk that you can upload. In the “import silva xml“ section browse to select the file on your disk, and click the import button (alt-i).

The import will create a new branch in your Silva complete with Publications (if any), Folders, and Documents. All references and metadata remain intact. If you are using custom metadata sets, the same sets must be available as in the original location.

Note that only the XML text will be imported. Content such as Images, Assets, and Zope objects are not included in an XML export. Access settings for users are also not carried over.

If you wish to import/export more that just textual content, a full media export will serve your purposes better.

Fig. 2. Import form

Importing assets in a zip file

If you need to upload multiple assets, the easiest way is to create a zip file on your local disk and import that. Silva will extract all the assets and place them in the current location.

In the contents screen click on import...
In the import and extract zip archive (.zip) section of the import form, browse to select the file on your disk. (Fig. 2)
Configure the import options.
Click the import zip button (alt-z).

Import options

file to upload: After selecting a file on your disk you’ll see the path in this field.
title for assets: If a title is filled in all imported assets will be given that title.
subdirectories: If the zip file contains subdirectories. checking this checkbox will tell Silva to create folders that match the hierarchy in the zip.
replace content: If you are uploading replacements for items that already exist, for instance modified images, checking this checkbox will ensure that the ‘originals’ are replaced. Otherwise a new item is created with a number appended to the same name.

Importing a full media zip file

If you are importing a full media archive (.zip) – created by a Silva full media export – the system will recognize it and handle it properly. The options ‘title for assets’ and ‘subdirectories’ don’t have any effect. The folder structure of the previously exported content will be recreated, and the names for the assets will be the same as they were before the export. Chief Editors and above can export full media archives.

Be careful with turning on “replace content”. It will overwrite content even if it’s published. You can always import separately. delete the old content, and rename the numbered new copies.