Understanding evidence extractions
Extractions create a new evidence file from an existing parent file. The original file is never modified. Each extraction produces a separate, linked evidence item with its own audit trail.
You may need to extract evidence to:
- Work with third-party (non-Axon) video
- Embed metadata overlays permanently into a file
- Extract clips or markers as standalone evidence
- Save a redacted version of media
This article explains when extraction is required, what happens during extraction, and where extracted evidence appears. For step-by-step instructions, see: Manage metadata, Clips and markers, Related evidence, and Redaction Studio.
What is an extraction?
An extraction creates a new evidence file from an existing file. The existing file is the parent file; the new file is an extracted evidence item linked to the parent.
- The original file is not modified.
- Each extraction creates a new, separate evidence file.
- Extracted files remain linked to their parent.
When is extraction required?
Extraction is required whenever a new or modified version of a file must be created.
Working with third-party video
All third-party video sources (non-Axon sources) must be extracted before editing tools are available. If you do not see options to add markers, create clips, or open Redaction Studio, select More actions (•••), then select Extract. This creates a standalone MP4 file. After extraction, markers, clips, and redaction tools are available — even if the file contains a single video stream.
Expanded direct-edit support for third-party video is planned for a future release. For details, see Clips and markers.
Embedding metadata overlays
Overlays shown during playback are a preview only. To permanently embed overlays, extract the file with the selected overlays enabled. The extracted file will display those overlays when shared. For instructions, see Manage metadata.
Extracting clips or markers
Extracting a clip or marker creates a new evidence file based on the selected time range or frame. The extracted file appears in evidence searches, has its own evidence details page, and remains linked to the parent file. For instructions, see Clips and markers.
Redaction workflows
Redaction can be performed on Axon first-party recordings or on extracted third-party evidence. When media is extracted from Redaction Studio, a new derivative evidence file is created. For instructions, see Redaction Studio.
For long videos that require both clipping and redaction, Axon recommends creating a clip first, extracting it, and then applying redaction to the extracted clip. Skin Blur redaction cannot be applied to clips directly.
What happens when you extract?
When you extract an evidence file:
- A new evidence file is created.
- The file inherits metadata from the parent file.
- The parent and extracted files remain linked.
- Each extracted file maintains its own independent audit trail.
Inherited metadata may include:
- Case IDs
- Categories and tags
- Evidence location
- Retention policies (including any restricted categories)
Where does extracted evidence appear?
Extracted evidence appears in:
- Evidence searches: As individual items in the evidence list
- The evidence details page
- Related tab: For select extraction types (see below)
Related tab (current behavior)
The Related tab currently displays:
- Extracted third-party video files
- Files extracted with embedded overlays
Extracted clips, markers, stitched files, and redactions will be added to the Related tab in a future release.
Markers and Clips tab
Extracted clips and markers are available in the Markers and Clips tab on the evidence details page. They also appear as individual items in the evidence list.
Redaction tab
Extracted redactions are available in the Redaction tab on the evidence details page, and also appear as individual items in the evidence list.
Redacted files will be included in the Related tab in a future release.
Permissions
If extraction options are not visible, confirm you have permission to:
- Edit evidence
- Extract evidence
- Access playback settings (for overlay extractions)
Contact your Axon Evidence administrator if you need permission changes.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I add markers or clips to a third-party video?
Third-party video must be extracted before markers, clips, or redactions can be created. Select More actions (•••), then select Extract.
Why does extracting a clip create a new evidence file?
Extracting a clip creates a separate evidence file so the selected portion can be managed, shared, or redacted independently of the parent recording.
Why do some extracted files appear in the Related tab but others do not?
Currently only extracted third-party files and files extracted with embedded overlays appear in the Related tab. Additional extraction types will be added in a future release.
Can I extract a file from a marker more than once?
Yes. Each extraction creates a new, separate evidence file. If the marker title is identical each time, the resulting files will share that title.
Can I extract audio only from a redaction?
Yes. Redaction Studio supports audio extraction, producing an M4A file with no associated video. You will receive an email notification when the extraction is complete.
