What is exported
PaperOffice Classic stores originals internally. PaperOffice AI needs readable original files and the folder structure in a normal directory.
One-click mass export writes exactly that: files in their original format plus folders. The files can then live on a NAS or be imported into PaperOffice AI as a ZIP.
What this path is not
A database backup (MariaDB, local backup, restore onto a NAS) is not an import path into PaperOffice AI. PaperOffice AI does not read a Classic database.
Windows folders under “My Windows documents” and “Shared Windows documents” are not included in mass export — those files already live on the filesystem.
Single files: document list context menu → Export source file. For a full store, mass export is the correct path.
Path in Classic
- Open PaperOffice Classic on the computer that can reach the database (often a Windows client).
- Settings → Database, backup and export (in user management: Database and backup).
- One-click mass export.
- Choose Export entire folder structure and documents — not the empty folder structure alone.
- Choose a target directory with enough free space. For the later import, a dedicated folder on the NAS works (not the Classic data folder and not the MariaDB files).
- Confirm with OK and wait for the run to finish.
The export places folders and files so that subfolders match the Classic structure.
Next (PaperOffice AI)
The chain lives in the hub: From PaperOffice Classic to PaperOffice AI.
NAS as a storage mount: How do I connect a NAS as a storage mount?
Data into workspaces: How do I import data into workspaces?