Most items downloaded from Envato Elements are delivered as compressed .zip archive files. Before you can use an item, you need to extract the zip file using appropriate extraction software. The extracted folder will contain the item's files and, in many cases, supporting documentation such as a help file or readme.
This article covers the most common questions about opening, using, and troubleshooting downloaded Envato Elements items.
How do I open and extract a downloaded Envato Elements item?
All Envato Elements items are downloaded as .zip archive files. To use an item, extract the zip file using one of the following tools:
- Windows — The built-in Windows extraction tool (right-click the zip file → Extract All), or a third-party tool such as 7-Zip (free) or WinRAR.
- macOS — Double-click the zip file to extract it using the built-in Archive Utility, or use a tool such as The Unarchiver (free).
Once extracted, the folder will contain the item files and any documentation included by the author.
What software do I need to use Envato Elements items?
Most Envato Elements items require specific software to open, edit, or use. The required software for each item is listed on the item's description page under Details.
Common software requirements include:
- Graphic templates and photos — Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, Canva, Figma.
- Video templates — Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Apple Motion.
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Videos - Most Envato Elements stock videos are provided in QuickTime (.mov) format, which may include ProRes-encoded footage. Please note the following compatibility considerations:
- Android devices (phones and tablets): .mov files are not natively supported. To play or edit these files, you'll need a third-party app such as VLC or Free Video Editing App | Adobe Premiere.
- Windows devices: QuickTime .mov files (especially those using the ProRes codec) do not play by default. You can use a third-party player such as VLC, Professional video editing software | Adobe Premiere, or install a compatible codec pack
- Mac devices: .mov files are natively supported via QuickTime Player.
If you're looking for broader device compatibility, h.264 .mp4 format offers the best cross-platform support.
- Web templates and WordPress themes — A web server environment, WordPress, a code editor.
- Fonts — Any application that supports custom font installation (Windows, macOS, Adobe applications).
- 3D models — Blender, Spline, or any application supporting FBX, GLTF, OBJ, or GLB formats.
- Music and sound effects — Any audio editing or video editing application.
Before downloading an item, check the Details section on the item page to confirm you have the required software.
Please note: Envato Elements does not provide technical support for individual items. If you need help using a specific item, see Item Support for available options.
What should I do if a downloaded item doesn't extract correctly or is missing content?
If a downloaded item does not extract correctly, contains fewer files than expected, or appears to be missing content, the most likely cause is a corrupted download. This can happen if your internet connection was interrupted during the download.
To resolve this:
- Re-download the item from your My Downloads page. Downloads can be re-initiated as many times as needed at no extra cost.
- Use a different extraction tool — If the same zip file fails to extract with your current tool, try an alternative (see the extraction section above).
- Check your internet connection — If downloads are consistently failing or truncating, a slow or unstable connection may be the cause.
If you continue to experience problems after re-downloading, see this article for further troubleshooting steps.
My downloaded Envato file still has a watermark — what should I do?
Files downloaded from Envato Elements with an active subscription are not watermarked. Watermarks appear only on preview files shown on item pages, to prevent unauthorised use of content without a subscription.
If a file you have downloaded contains a watermark, this is not expected behaviour. Please contact the Envato support team with details of the item.
Frequently asked questions
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Are Envato Elements downloads watermarked?
No. Files downloaded with an active Envato Elements subscription are not watermarked. Only the preview versions of items shown on item pages include a watermark. If your downloaded file contains a watermark, contact Envato support.
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What is inside an Envato Elements zip file?
An Envato Elements zip file contains the item's working files — such as template source files, font files, audio files, or image files — and often includes documentation provided by the author, such as a help file, readme, or tutorial. The exact contents vary by item type and author.
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Can I see what's inside a video template before I download it?
Yes. For video templates in the Envato app, open the item detail page and select the Inside the file tile. The package's folder tree opens in the hero area, showing file names and sizes, the application each project file belongs to, and a running count of everything by file type. This is a quick way to confirm a template includes the project files, fonts or media you need — and to see how much of the download is render frames — without downloading the item first.
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Can I preview a font before I download it?
Yes. Font item pages include an interactive preview tester — type your own text and it's rendered in the actual font, so you can check how it handles your real wording before you download and install it. You don't need a subscription to use the tester. Subscribers get a richer font experience in the Envato app, including previewing different weights and adjusting the size.
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Does Envato provide technical support for items?
No. Envato Elements does not provide technical support for individual items. For help using or troubleshooting a specific item, check the documentation included in your download, or see Item Support for more information.
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Where can I check what software is required for an Envato item before downloading?
The software requirements for each item are listed on the item's page under the Details section. Always check this before downloading to confirm you have the required software.
For video templates you can also filter for compatibility straight from the search results page. The Applications Supported filter includes a nested Software Version option, so you can limit results to templates saved in the version of the application you are running.