Upload, store, and now export attached files in your secure Bitwarden vault

Your Bitwarden vault is the perfect place to store sensitive information like credentials and identity data. But did you know that Bitwarden premium users can also attach files to vault items and protect them with the same end-to-end encryption? Read on to learn about vault item attachments and the new method for exporting them alongside your Bitwarden vault.

When exporting your Bitwarden vault, you’ll now see a new .zip (With Attachments) option. This format packages up your entire individual vault into a .zip file. Inside is an unencrypted .json file of your vault items alongside a folder structure containing each item’s attachments. This keeps items organized and easy to navigate, which is useful for managing personal backups or archiving important data.

Being able to export your attachments improves data portability, which Bitwarden has long championed. You own your data, and it should be just as easy to take your data out of Bitwarden as it is to put it in.

1. Visit the web app (i.e. vault.bitwarden.com)

2. Go to Tools > Export vault in the left-hand menu

3. If you are an admin of an organization, ensure the Export from dropdown has My vault selected.

4. Choose .zip (With Attachments) in the File format dropdown

5. Wait a few moments while the file is compiled. The download will begin automatically.

That’s it! Store the file in a safe place, such as on an encrypted volume or thumb drive that’s kept in a safe physical location.

Exporting of vault item attachments is supported in the Bitwarden web app and for individual vaults. Additional features are planned for a future release.

Sensitive files that need to be kept in a safe place can also benefit from the secure protection of a Bitwarden zero knowledge, end-to-end encrypted vault! All you need to do is simply attach the file to a vault item and save it to your vault.

Attachments can go onto any type of vault item:

• Logins

• Cards

• Identities

• Notes

• SSH Key

These files can include identification documents, digital certificates, tax forms, and more. Once they’re attached, they’re accessible through any Bitwarden app, adding both depth and utility to your vault.

• Save a picture of your passport to an Identity vault item for quick access while traveling.

• Attach your health insurance cards to your medical login credentials for fast reference

• Store signed contracts or license agreements with a Secure Note dedicated to a specific client in a shared organization vault.

• Keep legal documents like life insurance policies or emergency instructions with a Secure Note for your Emergency Contact to access.

• Add scans of birth certificates of children attached to Identity vault items for each child for travel, school registration, or recordkeeping.

• Archive digital receipts for major purchases, linked to the store’s login credentials

Wherever you log into your Bitwarden account, you can securely download these file attachments to your device!

Storing files as attachments requires access to Bitwarden premium features, which can be granted through an individual premium plan or being a member of a Families, Teams, or Enterprise organization.

Here’s how to get started using the Bitwarden browser extension:

1. First, choose and open an existing vault item where you want to attach a file. If creating a new vault item, save it first then open it again.

2. Select Edit, scroll to the very bottom of the item, and click Attachments. Your browser may open a new window for the next step.

3. Click Browse to get to the desired file, select it, and click Upload.

That’s it! Repeat these steps for each item you want to upload. Multiple files can be attached to a single item.

Visit the Bitwarden Help center for more info.

File sizes

The attachment file size must be less than 500MB, and less than 100MB if uploading from a mobile app. Every premium account comes with 1GB of individual data storage for files, and every organization has a shared 1GB for items attached to organization vault items. Additional storage is available for purchase.

Vault item file attachments bring new flexibility to your Bitwarden vault, allowing you to securely store sensitive documents with the same end-to-end encryption that protects everything else in your vault. With the support for exporting attachments, backing up or transferring your data is easier than ever. Start protecting your digital life with a premium individual Bitwarden account today!