---
title: "How to download Ultimate Member media as a ZIP bundle"
date: 2026-08-06
modified: 2026-08-06
author: "userelements_wh8sr3"
url: "https://www.userelements.com/download-ultimate-member-media-zip/"
markdown_url: "https://www.userelements.com/download-ultimate-member-media-zip.md"
type: post
excerpt: "URL columns are fine for directories and CRM sync. When you need the actual files — profile photos, cover photos, […]"
categories:
  - "Ultimate Member"
---
URL columns are fine for directories and CRM sync. When you need the **actual files** — profile photos, cover photos, and Ultimate Member image/file uploads — use Pro’s **ZIP bundle** media mode.

The ZIP contains your spreadsheet plus copied files under `media/{user_id}/{field}/`, with relative paths written in the sheet.

---

## Free vs Pro

CapabilityFreeProProfile photo **URLs** in CSVYesYesCover photo columnNoYesMedia modes: URLs / raw / **ZIP**No**Yes — required**Bundle custom UM image/file fieldsNoYesBackground export for large ZIPsNoYes**Pro is required** for ZIP downloads. Free can only export profile photo URLs.

---

## How to create a media ZIP

1. Go to **UM Export → Export**.
2. Step 1: set filters (optional) so you only include the members you need.
3. Step 2: select media columns: 
    - Profile Photo (URL)
    - Cover Photo (URL)
    - Any custom UM **image** / **file** fields
    
    Also include ID + Email so you can match folders to people.
4. Step 3 → **Profile media & file fields** → choose **ZIP bundle**.
5. Download now, or use **Background export** for large member bases.

> **📸 Screenshot**  
> Step 3 with “ZIP bundle” selected and Profile/Cover columns listed in the summary.

---

## What’s inside the ZIP

- Spreadsheet (CSV or .xlsx)
- Files like `media/42/profile_photo/avatar.jpg`
- Sheet cells for those fields show the **relative path** inside the ZIP (not a live URL)

Members without an uploaded file for a field simply have an empty cell / no file for that path.

---

## Tips

- Prefer **Background export** when packing thousands of images.
- Use **URLs** mode instead when you only need links.
- Use **Raw** mode only for debugging stored filenames/IDs.
- ZIP mode is for backup/migration handoff — Profile Photo is not a standard re-import target.

Get ZIP media export: [UM Export Pro](https://www.userelements.com/ultimate-member-export)