Use the File Migration Agent
Use Canopy's File Migration Agent to bulk upload your firm's document history into client records in a single, automated process.
Why it matters: Manually uploading thousands of documents one by one would take weeks. The File Migration Agent lets you upload your entire file system at once, so all your document history is available in Canopy from day one.
Table of Contents
Before You Start
Gather the following before you download the agent:
Organized file system — Your client folders should be organized on a local hard drive, machine, or cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive).
Canopy login credentials — You'll need your standard Canopy username and password.
IT approval (if applicable) — If your firm has strict security policies, ask your IT team to temporarily white-list the File Migration Agent to allow download and execution.
Prepare Your Files
The File Migration Agent matches files to client records based on your top-level folder names. These must match your Canopy client names exactly.
Review your top-level folder structure.
Example: If you have a folder named "Smith & Associates LLC", it must appear in Canopy as "Smith & Associates LLC" (same spelling, capitalization, spacing).
If needed, rename top-level folders to match your Canopy client names exactly.
Once you confirm folder names match, do not move or rename any files — the agent will scan from this point forward.
📝 Note: The agent will skip any empty folders. Only files will be uploaded.
Download and Run the File Migration Agent
Download the File Migration Agent for your operating system:
Windows: Download for Windows
Mac: Download for Mac
Open the application.
Log in with your Canopy credentials.
When prompted, select the file path for the folder you want to upload.
This should be your top-level client folder or the parent directory containing all client folders.
The agent will create a manifest — a pre-migration report that scans your folders and identifies every file slated for upload.
This process can take a while depending on your total file size. Be patient.
Let the Upload Complete
Once the manifest is ready, the agent will begin uploading your files. This step can take a significant amount of time depending on your total file size and internet speed.
What to do while uploading:
Keep your computer awake — Don't let it go to sleep or lock.
Maintain a stable internet connection — Avoid disconnecting or switching networks.
Don't change your files — Do not move, rename, or modify any files during the upload, as this can interfere with completion.
Start at the end of your workday — We recommend beginning the process in the evening and letting it run overnight.
Optional — Speed up the upload:
If you need to upload faster, you can run the agent on multiple machines simultaneously. The agent will not duplicate any files, so you can safely split your file system across different computers.
If you lose internet connection:
Simply reconnect your device when you're back online. The agent will automatically restart and continue from where it left off.
Notify Your Migration Specialist
Once the File Migration Agent indicates that the job is complete, notify your Migration Specialist immediately.
They will:
Perform a final review of the uploaded files
Verify files landed in the correct client records
Provide instructions for your next steps
Summary
This article covered how to download the File Migration Agent, prepare your files to match Canopy client names, run the agent, and monitor the upload process. Once complete, notify your Migration Specialist to proceed with verification and next steps.
Need help?
Contact Support or ask Penny, our AI Support Bot, for assistance.