Export your data
Exporting your data
Download a copy of your content from Settings → Data. Exports run in the background, so you can keep working while one is prepared.
- Under What to include, tick what you want: Messages, Lists (schema), List rows, Documents, Follows, Bookmarks and Blog posts.
- Choose a Format.
- Choose a Scope.
- Choose Start export.
When the export is ready, the page tells you and you get an email with a download link. The link works for 24 hours. Your recent exports are listed on the same page, with their status and a Get link button, and each export is kept for 7 days.
Formats
| Format | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CSV (spreadsheets) | Opening in a spreadsheet | Readable column headings, Yes/No for true and false, multiple values joined with a pipe (|), times in ISO 8601 UTC |
| JSON (lossless) | Scripts and backups | Keeps every detail |
| Markdown | Reading and other tools | Documents with front matter, messages as dated files, lists as tables |
Markdown can't hold follows or bookmarks, so choose CSV or JSON for those.
Scope
- Mine: only what you own.
- Shared with me: lists and documents other people share with you.
- Everything: both.
An Access column shows how you reach each item, so a combined export stays clear.
Everything at once
Tick Also include my SubstratalApps account data (download everything) to add your SubstratalApps account data to the same download.
Exporting one list or document
- On a list, Export downloads that list as CSV, JSON or Markdown.
- On a document, Export downloads it as Markdown or HTML, and Print / PDF opens a printable version.
- In Documents, exporting a folder downloads a zip of its Markdown files.
Importing
The Import section on Settings → Data brings content in:
- CSV into a new list (
.csvor.tsv) - Zip of Markdown files into documents (
.zip) - Mastodon archive into messages (
.zip,.tar.gzor.tgz) - Bluesky repository (CAR) into messages (
.car)
Imported messages are private by default.
Related
- Lists: exporting and importing a single list.
- Documents: document export formats.
- Account & security: deleting your account.