# Export a `.lottie` File
Learn how to export dotLottie files in various formats, like ArrayBuffer, Blob, Base64, or download them using dotlottie-js.

# Export `.lottie` Files

After creating or loading a `DotLottie` instance, adding content, and calling `await dotlottie.build()`, export the `.lottie` file in several formats.

All export methods are asynchronous and should be `await`ed.

## Prerequisites

Ensure `await dotlottie.build()` has been successfully called before any export operations. Exporting without building will likely result in an incomplete or empty file. See [`build()`](/docs/tools/dotlottie-js/reference/dotlottie-class#build).

```javascript
// Ensure build is complete before exporting
await dotlottie.build();
```

The [`build()`](/docs/tools/dotlottie-js/reference/dotlottie-class#build) method compiles all added components into the zipped `.lottie` archive format. Once complete, use the following methods to retrieve the archive data:

## 1. Downloading the File (Browser Only): `dotlottie.download()`

In a browser, [`download()`](/docs/tools/dotlottie-js/reference/dotlottie-class#download) triggers a file download dialog.

```javascript
// Assuming 'dotlottie' is a built instance in a browser environment

try {
  await dotlottie.download("my-awesome-animation.lottie");
  console.log("Download initiated for my-awesome-animation.lottie");
} catch (error) {
  console.error("Error initiating download:", error);
}
```

**Arguments:**

- `fileName` (string, required): The desired name for the downloaded file (e.g., `"animation.lottie"`).

## 2. Exporting as an `ArrayBuffer`: `dotlottie.toArrayBuffer()`

This method returns the `.lottie` file as an `ArrayBuffer`, suitable for both browser and Node.js. See [`toArrayBuffer()`](/docs/tools/dotlottie-js/reference/dotlottie-class#toArrayBuffer).

```javascript
// Assuming 'dotlottie' is a built instance

try {
  const arrayBuffer = await dotlottie.toArrayBuffer();
  console.log(`Exported to ArrayBuffer. Size: ${arrayBuffer.byteLength} bytes`);

  // In Node.js: You can save this buffer to a file
  /*
    import fs from 'fs/promises';
    await fs.writeFile('output.lottie', Buffer.from(arrayBuffer));
    console.log('Saved to output.lottie');
  */

  // In Browser: You could send this buffer to a server, etc.
} catch (error) {
  console.error("Error exporting to ArrayBuffer:", error);
}
```

## 3. Exporting as a `Blob` (Browser Only): `dotlottie.toBlob()`

Returns the `.lottie` file as a `Blob` object, useful for browser-specific APIs. See [`toBlob()`](/docs/tools/dotlottie-js/reference/dotlottie-class#toBlob).

```javascript
// Assuming 'dotlottie' is a built instance in a browser environment

try {
  const blob = await dotlottie.toBlob();
  console.log(`Exported to Blob. Size: ${blob.size}, Type: ${blob.type}`);

  // Example: Create an object URL for the blob
  // const objectURL = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
  // console.log('Blob URL:', objectURL);
  // Use the objectURL (e.g., in a link) - remember to revoke it later
  // URL.revokeObjectURL(objectURL);
} catch (error) {
  console.error("Error exporting to Blob:", error);
}
```

## 4. Exporting as a Base64 String: `dotlottie.toBase64()`

Returns the `.lottie` file encoded as a Base64 string. See [`toBase64()`](/docs/tools/dotlottie-js/reference/dotlottie-class#toBase64).

```javascript
// Assuming 'dotlottie' is a built instance

try {
  const base64String = await dotlottie.toBase64();
  console.log(`Exported to Base64. Length: ${base64String.length} characters`);
  // console.log('Base64 Preview:', base64String.substring(0, 100));

  // Useful for embedding in data URLs or sending in JSON payloads
  // const dataUrl = `data:application/zip;base64,${base64String}`;
} catch (error) {
  console.error("Error exporting to Base64:", error);
}
```

Choose the export method that best suits your environment and how you intend to use the generated `.lottie` data.

Next up: [Manage Themes](/docs/tools/dotlottie-js/how-to-guides/manage-themes)