How to play back and export Avigilon video for police or insurance
Step-by-step help for the Avigilon Control Center 7 Client, for property managers, building operators and security staff.
The quick answer
Open the camera, pick the date and time on the Timeline, then right-click the Timeline and choose Quick Export. Set the From and To times, pick a file type and click Export. For police or insurance, the Avigilon Player (AVE) format keeps the original quality: tick Export Avigilon Player so they can open it, or choose MP4 if they need a standard video file.
We’ll do it for you
Need footage for police or insurance and short on time? We’ll find and export it for you, remotely where your system allows it, or on site.
Before you start
Works with: Avigilon Control Center (ACC) 7 Client
Who it’s for: Property managers, building operators and security staff
You need: a user group with permission to view and export recorded video. Some sites need a second person to approve playback (dual authorization).
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Watch recorded video
Open the camera in a view.
On the Timeline, click the date and choose the date and time, or click a point on the Timeline. Drag the marker to preview other times.
Coloured bars on the Timeline show recorded video, motion events and bookmarks. Empty areas mean nothing was recorded.
Tip: zoom out of the Timeline to see how many days of video are available.
Quick Export a clip
Right-click the view or the Timeline and select Quick Export.
Under Time Range for Export, set From and To (or a Duration).
Choose the File Type: Avigilon Player (AVE video), AVI video or MP4 video. You can set a password for AVE exports.
Click Export and choose where to save it (a USB drive or a folder). You can keep working while it exports.
Export several clips or cameras
Right-click the Timeline and choose Add Export for each clip you need. From search results and bookmarks, click Export this event.
In the New Task menu, click Export to open the Export tab. Your clips are listed there (you can also click Add > Video).
Choose the format and options. For AVE files, tick Export Avigilon Player to include the player with the file.
Select the files, click Export, choose a folder and click Select Folder. When it finishes, click the folder icon to open the file location.
To put it on a disc, insert a writable disc and click Burn to Disc.
Which format to use
- Avigilon Player (AVE): best for police and insurance. It keeps the original video and needs the Avigilon Player to open, so include it.
- MP4 or AVI: plays in normal video players. Easiest for sharing.
- Images: JPEG, TIFF or PNG stills. Document: PDF with notes.
If an export may contain identity data such as licence plates or faces, ACC warns you unless password protection is on.
Tips for police and insurance
- Note the camera name, the date and the exact time of the incident.
- Keep the original export unedited, and keep a copy.
- Check the recorder’s date and time are correct before you export (see wrong date or time).
- Include the player if the file won’t open on a normal computer.
- Ask your local police service which format they want.
Need footage for police or insurance?
We’ll help you export it, remotely where your system allows it, or on site.
Stuck with a system nobody will fix?
We repair and take over cameras, access control, intercoms and alarms installed by other companies, when your current provider has fallen short.
Questions
Why can’t I export?
Your user group needs permission to export video. Ask your administrator, or call us.
How do I open an .AVE file?
With the Avigilon Player, which is included when you tick Export Avigilon Player.
What format do police want?
Ask your local police service. AVE with the player is the most complete copy; MP4 is easiest to play.
Can you help us export it?
Yes. We’ll find and export the footage for you, remotely where your system allows it, or on site.
How far back can I go?
It depends on your recorder’s storage and settings. Zoom out of the Timeline to see what’s available.
More answers: Security camera questionsGlossary: NVRvideo analytics
Need footage exported?
Tell us the building, the camera and the date and time. We’ll follow up to help.
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