Exporting and Submitting Work
Exporting is the step that turns a student’s work into a file that can be shared, marked, and stored.
Because Brush Ninja does not save projects on its servers, exporting is essential. Until a file is exported, the work only exists temporarily in the browser and can be lost.
This guide explains how exporting works across Brush Ninja tools and how to help students submit their work successfully.
Who this is for
This guide is useful for anyone who runs digital projects, collects work through an LMS, uses shared devices, supports younger students, or regularly deals with missing submissions.
It applies to all Brush Ninja tools.
What “exporting” means in Brush Ninja
When students export their work, the app creates a file and downloads it to the device they are using. This file contains the finished output and can be uploaded, shared, or stored like any other document.
If a page refreshes, a browser closes, or a device logs out before exporting, the work may be lost. For this reason, exporting should be treated as part of completing the task, not as an optional extra.
When students should export
Most export problems happen because students wait until the end of a lesson.
Encourage students to export during longer sessions, after major changes, and at the end of every lesson. This creates backups and reduces stress if something goes wrong.
A simple reminder helps make this routine:
No export means no submission.
Exporting from the Animation Maker
The Animation Maker exports work as animated GIF files.
To export, students choose the export or download option, select GIF format, enter a clear file name, and save the file to their device. Once exported, they should open the file to check that it plays correctly and loops as expected.
Longer or more detailed animations may take a few seconds to export.
Exporting from other Brush Ninja tools
Other Brush Ninja tools export still images, PDFs, or documents.
These names are often generic. For guidance on renaming and organising files after export, see Managing Student Files.
File formats and expectations
Different tools produce different file formats. Most classroom work will be exported as GIFs for animations, PNG or JPG files for drawings, and PDFs for comics or layouts.
Be clear about which format you expect for each task. This avoids incompatible uploads and reduces resubmissions.
Where exported files are saved
On most devices, exported files are saved in the Downloads folder.
Students should know how to open this folder, find recent files, rename them, and move them if needed. Spending a small amount of time teaching this early saves a lot of time later.
On tablets, files may appear in a Files app or download manager instead.
Submitting work to school systems
Once a file is exported, students submit it using the school’s usual systems.
The exact steps vary, but the principle is the same: upload the file and confirm that it appears correctly. Always ask students to check that their submission is visible before finishing.
Teaching the full workflow
Many students struggle because they only learn part of the process.
It helps to model the full sequence clearly:
Export → Rename → Preview → Upload → Check
Demonstrate this on the board at least once and repeat it until it becomes routine.
Shared and managed devices
On shared computers and Chromebooks, storage may be temporary. Files can disappear after logout or restart.
On these systems, exporting and submitting within the same lesson is safest. Do not rely on files remaining on the device between sessions. If students take work home, make sure they also have a copy.
File size and performance
Large files can be difficult to upload or may be rejected by some systems.
If exports are too large, reducing the number of frames, lowering canvas size, and simplifying drawings usually helps. Smaller files upload faster and are easier to manage.
Common problems and fixes
If an export fails, try exporting again or refreshing the page. If a file will not open, check the format and try opening it in a browser.
When uploads fail, check file size and allowed formats. If a file cannot be found, start by checking the Downloads folder. If a file uploads but does not play correctly, re-export and preview it before submitting again.
Classroom routines that help
Simple routines make exporting reliable.
Five-minute export warnings, visible file naming rules, end-of-lesson checklists, and early submission checks prevent most problems. Consistency matters more than strict rules.
