Export Custodians

Last updated: 2026-03-23

The export wizard includes an "Organize by Custodian" option that creates subdirectories for each custodian. You can filter which custodians to include, and custodian information is embedded in load files and production manifests.

Organize by Custodian option

When you export files from a case, the export wizard offers an option to organize output by custodian. Enable it, and the export creates a top-level directory for each custodian with their assigned files placed inside.

Courts and opposing counsel commonly require this directory structure when productions must be organized by data source. Instead of manually sorting files into folders after download, Hintyr generates the correct structure automatically based on your custodian assignments.

If a file is assigned to multiple custodians, it appears in each custodian's directory. Files without a custodian assignment are excluded from the custodian-organized export. To include unassigned files, run a separate export without the custodian organization option.

Custodian filtering

The export wizard lets you select which custodians to include. By default, all are included. Deselect any you don't want in the export. This is useful when you need to produce documents for a subset of custodians or when different custodians have different production deadlines.

Only files assigned to the selected custodians are included in the output. This gives you precise control over each production. For rolling productions, you can export one set of custodians now and another later, each with its own distinct output.

Load files and manifests

Custodian information is automatically included in the load files and production manifests that Hintyr generates during export. Each row in the load file includes a custodian field recording which custodian the file is associated with. If a file has multiple custodians, the load file reflects all of them.

These load files can be imported into other review platforms or provided to opposing counsel alongside the production. The custodian metadata ensures the receiving party can understand each document's provenance without additional explanation.

Production workflow

A typical custodian-based production workflow follows these steps:

  1. Create custodians and assign files throughout the review process.
  2. When you're ready to produce, open the export wizard and enable "Organize by Custodian."
  3. Select the custodians to include in this production.
  4. Configure any additional export options (Bates numbering, redactions, file format).
  5. Generate the export. Hintyr creates a directory per custodian with the appropriate files and a load file containing custodian metadata.

For details on other export options, including Bates numbering and redacted overlays, see the Bates numbering and redaction sections.

Frequently asked questions

What happens to files assigned to multiple custodians during export?
With "Organize by Custodian" enabled, a file assigned to multiple custodians appears in each custodian's directory. The load file records all custodian associations for each document.
Are unassigned files included in custodian exports?
No. Files without custodian assignments are excluded from custodian-organized exports. To export them, run a separate export without the custodian organization option.
Can I export only specific custodians?
Yes. The export wizard lets you select which custodians to include. Only files assigned to the selected custodians appear in the output.
Is custodian data included in load files?
Yes. Every load file and production manifest includes a custodian field for each document, recording all custodian associations.

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