Exchanging projects between users, support technicians, and service providers is a very common workflow. Typically, projects are zipped and shared via email or file transfer. However, the current Export Project utility creates significant obstacles because it includes the entire hardware graphics directory with every export—regardless of whether the “Include Hardware Graphics” option is unchecked.

Each exported project package balloons to 5+ GB in size due to redundant hardware graphics.

Export operations take an excessive amount of time while the system unnecessarily compiles these files.

The oversized exports make it impractical to share projects through standard methods like email or cloud services.

Correct the export process so that hardware graphics are only included when explicitly requested via the “Include Hardware Graphics” option.

Ensure the default behavior produces a lightweight, portable project export that excludes unnecessary directories.

Efficiency in Support & Collaboration: Streamlined project exports make it far easier to send and receive project files, especially during troubleshooting or collaboration.

Time Savings: Eliminating unnecessary file packaging reduces export times dramatically, improving user productivity.

Storage & Bandwidth Optimization: Smaller project files consume less storage and are much faster to transfer, especially for users with limited bandwidth or strict email size restrictions.

Aligns with User Expectations: When users uncheck “Include Hardware Graphics”, they expect those files to be excluded. Correcting this behavior builds trust in the tool’s reliability.

Optimizing the Export Project utility to properly honor the “Include Hardware Graphics” setting will dramatically improve project sharing, reduce export times, and eliminate unnecessary file bloat. This change addresses a common pain point for users, support staff, and service providers alike.