Creating an Offline Notebook

  • Updated

The Offline Notebook feature in LabArchives allows notebook members to download a complete copy of the notebook—or selected folders—for offline viewing. It generates a read-only HTML version of the content, packaged into a ZIP file that includes folders, pages, entries, and attached files. This function is especially valuable for:

  • Archiving research data and protocols
  • Sharing content with collaborators who don’t have access to your notebook
  • Submitting materials for publication or regulatory review
  • Complying with institutional, legal, or funding agency documentation requirements
  • Field Research and accessing your notebook without needing an internet connection (direct access to notebook attachments on your device)
Note: Files larger than 250MB are not included in the offline export. Individual files can be downloaded for offline access. View the Attachment article for additional information.

After extracting the contents, you can open and view the notebook outside of the web browser. The layout closely mirrors the online interface, featuring a familiar Notebook Navigator for easy navigation between folders and pages. Access permissions still apply, which means that notebook members can only download the content that they have been given access to. 

Tip: When deciding between the Offline Notebook or the Notebook to PDF option, a key distinction between the two includes how the attachments are exported. The Offline Notebook will export attachments under 250MB and allows you to view the contents of the attachments offline, whereas the PDF option simply includes a link to download the attachments. Clicking the download link requires you to login to LabArchives and download directly from the notebook, which can only occur if you have been given access to the online notebook. 

 

  1. Click the triple-dot menu in the top-right corner of the navigation bar and select Utilities.

    Screenshot showing the triple-dot menu and Utilities option

  2. Select Full notebook or Choose a folder to browse through folders before making a selection.

    Option to select Full notebook or choose a folder

  3. A download link will be sent to your registered email. Click Download Your Notebook in the email. The file is also available from the Activity Feed under the Reports filter.

Email showing Download Your Notebook link

Note: It may take up to 60 minutes to receive the download email. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder or try again. For large notebooks, generation may take longer. To avoid delays, consider exporting in sections or using PDF backups.
 
  1. Download your Offline Notebook from the link in your email or from the Activity Feed (Filter on User and Reports).
  2. Open the file and extract all contents to a folder on your computer.
  3. Open the folder and double-click notebook_home_page.html to open the offline HTML Notebook.

Screenshot showing the location of the offline notebook file

  1. Use the Notebook Navigator to browse your notebook—just like you would in the online version.

Screenshot of the Offline Notebook Home Page