Migrating from Other Apps

Smoothly migrate your digital products and customer data from other digital download apps to Alva Digital Downloads.

Migration Overview

Why migrate to Alva:

✓ Better performance
✓ More features
✓ Lower costs
✓ Superior support
✓ Modern interface
✓ Advanced fraud protection

Migration process:

1. Export data from current app
2. Review and clean data
3. Install Alva
4. Import files and products
5. Test thoroughly
6. Go live
7. Uninstall old app

Time estimate: 2-4 hours for typical shop

Pre-Migration Checklist

Preparation

Before you begin:

☐ Backup all data from current app
☐ Export customer download history
☐ Download all digital files
☐ Document product mappings
☐ Note custom settings
☐ Screenshot current configuration
☐ List active download links
☐ Identify peak traffic times

Critical data:

✓ Digital files (actual files)
✓ Product mappings
✓ Customer purchase history
✓ Active download links
✓ File expiry settings
✓ Download limits
✓ Email templates

Timing Considerations

Best time to migrate:

Low traffic periods:

Recommended:
• Sunday or Monday night
• Non-holiday weeks
• After seasonal sales
• During business hours (monitor closely)

Avoid:
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday
• Major sales events
• Product launches
• Peak shopping hours

Migrating From Specific Apps

From SendOwl

Export from SendOwl:

Step 1: Export products:

1. SendOwl dashboard → Products
2. Select all products
3. Export → CSV
4. Save: sendowl-products.csv

Step 2: Download files:

1. Products → [Each product]
2. Download attached files
3. Organize in folder structure:
   sendowl-files/
   ├── product-1/
   │   ├── file1.pdf
   │   └── file2.pdf
   ├── product-2/
   │   └── ebook.pdf

Step 3: Export orders:

1. Orders → Export
2. Date range: All time
3. Format: CSV
4. Save: sendowl-orders.csv

Import to Alva:

Map products:

1. Alva → Files → Upload Files
2. Upload all files from sendowl-files/
3. Products → Map to Products
4. Match SendOwl products to Shopify products
5. Set expiry and limits (match or improve)

Import order history (optional):

Note: Past orders don't auto-import
Options:
1. Manual: Re-send download links via Alva
2. Script: Use Alva API to create purchase records
3. Leave: Old orders in SendOwl, new in Alva

From Digital Downloads by Uplinkly

Export from Uplinkly:

Files and products:

1. Shopify admin → Apps → Digital Downloads
2. Files → Export All
3. Format: ZIP with metadata JSON
4. Download: uplinkly-export.zip
5. Extract to: uplinkly-data/

Product attachments:

Uplinkly uses Shopify file attachments
Files stored in: Shopify Files library
Access: Shopify admin → Content → Files
Filter: Show files from Digital Downloads app
Download: Bulk download (manual)

Import to Alva:

Upload files:

1. Alva → Files → Upload
2. Select files from uplinkly-data/files/
3. Upload (maintains organization)

Re-map products:

1. Alva → Products
2. For each product with digital files:
   a. Select product
   b. Map files (same files now in Alva)
   c. Configure settings
3. Verify mappings complete

Settings migration:

Uplinkly → Alva mapping:

Download expiry: Settings → Download Security
File limits: Settings → Download Security
Email templates: Settings → Email Notifications
Fraud checking: Not available → Enable in Alva

From FetchApp

Export from FetchApp:

Products and files:

1. FetchApp dashboard → Products
2. Export → Full export
3. Format: CSV + Files ZIP
4. Download both files
5. Extract: fetchapp-data/

Order history:

1. Orders → Export
2. Range: All time
3. Include: Download logs
4. Format: CSV
5. Save: fetchapp-orders.csv

Import to Alva:

File upload:

1. Extract fetchapp-files.zip
2. Alva → Files → Bulk Upload
3. Select all files
4. Upload (may take time for large files)
5. Verify: All files uploaded successfully

Product mapping:

Use fetchapp-products.csv as reference:

For each row:
1. Find Shopify product (by SKU or name)
2. Map corresponding files in Alva
3. Set expiry (FetchApp uses hours → convert to days)
4. Set limits (should match FetchApp)

From Shopify Digital Downloads (Official App)

Export from Shopify Digital Downloads:

Files location:

Files stored: Shopify Files (CDN)
Access: Shopify admin → Content → Files
Filter: Attached to products

Download:
1. Select all digital files
2. Bulk download
3. Save to: shopify-digital-files/

Product attachments:

View product attachments:
1. Products → [Each product]
2. Digital attachments section
3. Note which files attached
4. Download files (if not already)

Import to Alva:

Advantage: Files already in Shopify

Option 1: Re-upload to Alva (recommended)
• Better performance
• More features
• Dedicated storage
• Advanced security

Option 2: Link existing Shopify files
• Faster migration
• Use existing files
• Limited features
• Less control

Recommended approach:

1. Re-upload files to Alva
2. Map to products
3. Configure Alva-specific features:
   • Advanced fraud protection
   • Custom email templates
   • Download analytics
   • IP restrictions
   • Flexible expiry/limits

From DPD (Digital Product Delivery)

Export from DPD:

Files and products:

1. DPD dashboard → Products
2. Each product → Download files
3. Organize: dpd-files/product-name/
4. Note product IDs and file associations

Order data:

1. Downloads → Reports
2. Export download history
3. Format: CSV
4. Includes: Customer, product, download count, dates

Import to Alva:

File structure:

dpd-files/
├── product-a/
│   ├── main-file.pdf
│   └── bonus.zip
├── product-b/
│   └── ebook.pdf

Alva upload:
1. Upload all files
2. Use same naming for clarity
3. Create packs if products had multiple files

Feature mapping:

DPD Feature → Alva Equivalent

Download limits → Download Security → Limit
Expiry → Download Security → Expiry
License keys → Not directly supported → Use personalized products
PDF stamping → Watermarking (if enabled)
Email templates → Email Settings → Templates

Data Migration

Customer Purchase History

Migrate download history:

Option 1: Manual approach:

For active customers with recent purchases:
1. Identify customers with active download links
2. Create purchase records in Alva
3. Send new download links via Alva
4. Communicate migration to customers

Option 2: API approach (developers):

// Import orders via Alva API
const importOrders = async (orders) => {
  for (const order of orders) {
    await fetch('https://yourshop.com/api/orders', {
      method: 'POST',
      headers: {
        'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + apiKey,
        'Content-Type': 'application/json'
      },
      body: JSON.stringify({
        order_number: order.number,
        customer_email: order.email,
        product_ids: order.products,
        create_download_links: true
      })
    });
  }
};

Option 3: Fresh start:

Simplest approach:
• Old orders: Keep in previous app/records
• New orders: Process through Alva
• Transition date: Clear cutoff
• Customer support: Handle requests case-by-case

Active Download Links

Handling active links:

Identify active links:

Export from previous app:
• Links created in last 60 days
• Links with downloads remaining
• High-value purchases

Prioritize:
• Recent purchases (< 7 days)
• High-value orders (> $100)
• Customers who contacted support

Migration strategies:

Strategy 1: Dual-run:

During transition (1-2 weeks):
• Keep old app installed
• Old links still work
• New orders use Alva
• Gradual migration

Strategy 2: Re-issue:

Immediate switch:
• Send new download links (via Alva)
• Email customers about change
• Provide support contact
• Monitor for issues

Strategy 3: Hybrid:

Balanced approach:
• Recent orders (< 30 days): Re-issue via Alva
• Older orders: Old app still available
• After 60 days: Retire old app completely

Email Templates

Migrate email templates:

Export current templates:

1. Copy email template HTML/text
2. Save to: email-templates/
3. Note variables used
4. Screenshot for reference

Import to Alva:

1. Settings → Email Settings → Templates
2. Select template (Download Notification, etc.)
3. Paste content
4. Replace variables with Alva equivalents:

Previous app          → Alva
{customer_name}       → {customer_first_name}
{download_url}        → {download_link}
{order_id}            → {order_number}
{product_title}       → {product_name}

Test templates:

1. Send test email to yourself
2. Verify all variables render
3. Check formatting
4. Test on mobile
5. Adjust as needed

Testing Migration

Pre-Launch Testing

Test checklist:

File access:

☐ Upload test file
☐ Map to test product
☐ Create test order
☐ Receive download email
☐ Click download link
☐ Download file successfully
☐ Verify file integrity

Product mappings:

☐ All products mapped correctly
☐ File associations accurate
☐ Expiry settings configured
☐ Download limits set
☐ Packs created (if needed)
☐ Test each product type

Email flow:

☐ Order confirmation received
☐ Download link email sent
☐ Fraud notification (if enabled)
☐ Expiry warning (if enabled)
☐ All variables render correctly
☐ Links clickable
☐ Unsubscribe works

Test Order Process

Create test orders:

Test scenarios:

1. Single file product
   • Order → Download → Verify

2. Multiple file product (pack)
   • Order → Download all → Verify

3. Mixed cart (digital + physical)
   • Order → Download digital only → Verify

4. High-risk order (fraud test)
   • Order → Flagged → Approve → Download

5. Mobile download
   • Order on mobile → Download → Verify

Verify:

✓ Emails sent correctly
✓ Download links work
✓ Files download completely
✓ Expiry calculated correctly
✓ Limits enforced
✓ Customer account shows downloads
✓ Analytics tracking working

Going Live

Launch Day

Migration execution:

Step-by-step:

1. Final backup of old app data
2. Switch new orders to Alva (ensure app active)
3. Send migration email to customers
4. Monitor for issues (first 24 hours critical)
5. Respond quickly to support tickets
6. Track success metrics

Monitoring:

Watch for:
• Email delivery rates
• Download success rates
• Customer support tickets
• Error logs
• Performance metrics

Customer Communication

Migration announcement email:

Template:

Subject: Improved Download Experience

Hi {customer_name},

We've upgraded our digital download system to serve you better!

What's new:
✓ Faster download speeds
✓ Access downloads from your account anytime
✓ Better email notifications
✓ More reliable delivery

Your active download links will continue working. New purchases
will use our improved system.

Questions? Reply to this email.

{shop_name}

Uninstalling Old App

When to uninstall:

Wait period:

Keep old app for: 30-60 days
Reason: Active download links
After: All old links expired or re-issued

Exceptions:
• Immediate uninstall if no active links
• Longer if high-value customers

Before uninstalling:

☐ Verify no active download links
☐ Export final backup
☐ Save all data locally
☐ Document any custom settings
☐ Check no pending support tickets
☐ Confirm Alva handling all new orders

Troubleshooting Migration

Common Issues

Files not uploading:

Problem: File too large
Solution: Use batch upload, compress, or contact support

Problem: Upload timeout
Solution: Check internet, retry, use smaller batches

Problem: Unsupported format
Solution: Convert file, check supported formats

Product mapping missing:

Problem: Can't find product to map
Solution:
1. Check product published
2. Verify product in Shopify
3. Refresh Alva product list
4. Search by SKU

Download links not working:

Problem: Old app links broken
Solution:
1. Keep old app installed temporarily
2. Re-issue links via Alva
3. Email customers with new links

Problem: New Alva links not working
Solution:
1. Check app proxy enabled
2. Verify download security settings
3. Test with different browser
4. Contact support

Emails not sending:

Problem: No download emails
Solution:
1. Check email notifications enabled
2. Verify from email configured
3. Test email provider connection
4. Check spam folder
5. Review email logs

Migration Best Practices

1. Plan Thoroughly

Preparation:

✓ Document current setup
✓ Export all data first
✓ Test in dev store (if possible)
✓ Schedule migration during low traffic
✓ Allocate 2x estimated time

2. Migrate in Stages

Phased approach:

Week 1: Install Alva, upload files
Week 2: Map products, configure settings
Week 3: Test thoroughly
Week 4: Go live for new orders
Week 5+: Gradually migrate old links

Benefits:

• Less risky
• Time to find issues
• Customer adjustment period
• Easier troubleshooting

3. Communicate Clearly

Customer communication:

✓ Announce migration in advance
✓ Explain benefits
✓ Provide support contact
✓ Set expectations
✓ Follow up after migration

4. Keep Backups

Backup everything:

✓ Files (download from old app)
✓ Product mappings (export CSV)
✓ Order history (export data)
✓ Email templates (copy HTML)
✓ Settings (screenshot)
✓ Active links (export list)

Store: Multiple locations (local + cloud)

5. Monitor Closely

Post-migration monitoring:

First 24 hours: Monitor constantly
First week: Check daily
First month: Weekly reviews

Track:
• Error rates
• Support tickets
• Download success
• Email delivery
• Customer feedback

Migration Support

Getting Help

Support resources:

Documentation:

• Migration guide (this article)
• API documentation
• Video tutorials
• Knowledge base

Direct support:

• Live chat (fastest)
• Email support
• Screen sharing sessions
• Dedicated migration assistance (Enterprise)

Migration service:

Available: Custom migration service
Includes:
• Data export from old app
• File upload to Alva
• Product mapping
• Testing
• Go-live support

Cost: Custom quote
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Contact: support@alvaapps.com

Next Steps

Importing File Data - Bulk file imports
Bulk File Operations - Managing many files
Data Migration Best Practices - Advanced tips