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mintlify__docs/deploy/export.mdx
mintlify[bot] 67dc4dd676 Document CLI options for mint export command
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---
title: "Offline export"
description: "Export your documentation site as a self-contained zip archive for offline viewing and distribution."
keywords: ["export", "offline", "zip", "static site", "distribution", "mint export"]
---
Use `mint export` to package your entire documentation site into a self-contained zip archive. Recipients can unzip and view the docs in their browser without an internet connection, a Mintlify account, or any build tools—they only need [Node.js](https://nodejs.org) installed.
This is useful when you need to distribute documentation to users who can't access your live site, such as for on-premise customers, air-gapped environments, or internal compliance reviews.
## Prerequisites
- The [CLI](/installation) installed and up to date
- [Node.js](https://nodejs.org) v20.17.0+ installed
## Export your site
Navigate to your documentation directory containing your `docs.json` file and run:
```bash
mint export
```
The CLI builds your site, crawls every page defined in your navigation, and packages the output into a zip file in your current directory.
### Options
| Flag | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| `--output` | Set the output zip file path. | `export.zip` |
| `--groups` | Mock user groups for export. Useful when your docs use [group-based access control](/deploy/authentication-setup#control-access-with-groups) and you want to export pages visible to specific groups. | None |
| `--disable-openapi` | Skip OpenAPI file generation during the export. Use this to speed up export when you don't need API reference pages. | `false` |
For example, to export to a custom filename and include only pages visible to the `enterprise` group:
```bash
mint export --output enterprise-docs.zip --groups enterprise
```
<Note>
The export only includes pages listed in your navigation. [Hidden pages](/organize/hidden-pages) are not included in the archive.
</Note>
## What's in the zip
The exported archive contains everything needed to view your docs offline:
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
| HTML pages | Pre-rendered version of every page in your navigation |
| `_next/static/` | Bundled CSS, JavaScript, and other static assets |
| `serve.js` | Zero-dependency Node.js HTTP server that serves the site |
| `Start Docs.command` | macOS launcher—double-click to open the docs |
| `Start Docs.bat` | Windows launcher—double-click to open the docs |
## View the exported docs
Share the zip file with anyone who has Node.js installed. To view the docs:
<Tabs>
<Tab title="Manual">
1. Unzip the archive.
2. Open a terminal in the unzipped directory.
3. Run `node serve.js`.
4. Open `http://localhost:3000` in your browser.
</Tab>
<Tab title="macOS">
1. Unzip the archive.
2. Double-click **Start Docs.command**.
3. The docs open in your default browser at `http://localhost:3000`.
<Note>
macOS may block the file because it was downloaded from the internet. If you see a security warning, go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security** and select **Open Anyway**. See [Apple's guide to overriding security settings](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mh40617/mac) for details.
</Note>
</Tab>
<Tab title="Windows">
1. Unzip the archive.
2. Double-click **Start Docs.bat**.
3. The docs open in your default browser at `http://localhost:3000`.
<Note>
Windows may show a "Windows protected your PC" warning because the file was downloaded from the internet. Select **More info**, then select **Run anyway**.
</Note>
</Tab>
</Tabs>