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Exporting Data

Export MongoDB collection data to JSON or CSV files for analysis, backup, or migration.

Starting an Export​

  1. Navigate to Collection:

    • Open Data Explorer
    • Select collection to export
    • Click "Export" button

  2. Or Use Export Menu:

    • Go to Data Explorer
    • Click "Export Data"
    • Select collection

Export Options​

Export Format​

Choose export format:

JSON:

  • Preserves data structure
  • Includes nested objects
  • Maintains data types
  • Best for: Developers, APIs, backups

CSV:

  • Spreadsheet-compatible
  • Flat structure
  • Easy to analyze
  • Best for: Analysis, Excel, reporting

Export Scope​

What to export:

All Documents:

  • Export entire collection
  • No filters applied
  • Complete dataset

Filtered Documents:

  • Export only filtered results
  • Apply filters first
  • Export subset

Selected Documents:

  • Export only selected documents
  • Select documents first
  • Export specific items

Export Configuration​

Field Selection​

Choose which fields to export:

  1. Select Fields:

    • Check fields to include
    • Uncheck to exclude
    • Select all/none

  2. Field Order:

    • Reorder fields
    • Drag to rearrange
    • Affects export order

Data Formatting​

Configure how data is formatted:

Dates:

  • ISO format (default)
  • Custom format
  • Timestamp

Numbers:

  • Preserve decimals
  • Round to places
  • Format as currency

Nested Objects:

  • Flatten (CSV)
  • Preserve structure (JSON)
  • Custom separator

JSON Export​

JSON Options​

Pretty Print:

  • Formatted JSON
  • Human-readable
  • Larger file size

Compact:

  • Minified JSON
  • Smaller file size
  • Machine-readable

Include Metadata:

  • Add _id, timestamps
  • Export metadata
  • Full document info

JSON Structure​

Exported JSON format:

[
  {
    "_id": "507f1f77bcf86cd799439011",
    "name": "John Doe",
    "email": "john@example.com",
    "createdAt": "2024-01-15T10:00:00Z"
  },
  {
    "_id": "507f1f77bcf86cd799439012",
    "name": "Jane Smith",
    "email": "jane@example.com",
    "createdAt": "2024-01-15T11:00:00Z"
  }
]

CSV Export​

CSV Options​

Headers:

  • Include column headers
  • First row field names
  • Makes file readable

Delimiter:

  • Comma (default)
  • Semicolon
  • Tab
  • Custom

Encoding:

  • UTF-8 (default)
  • UTF-8 BOM
  • Other encodings

CSV Structure​

Exported CSV format:

_id,name,email,createdAt
507f1f77bcf86cd799439011,John Doe,john@example.com,2024-01-15T10:00:00Z
507f1f77bcf86cd799439012,Jane Smith,jane@example.com,2024-01-15T11:00:00Z

Handling Nested Data​

For CSV, nested objects are:

  • Flattened: Converted to flat structure
  • Separated: Using dot notation (e.g., address.city)
  • Or Excluded: Nested data not included

Export Process​

Starting Export​

  1. Configure Options:

    • Select format
    • Choose fields
    • Set formatting

  2. Click "Export":

    • Export starts
    • Progress shown
    • File generates

  3. Download File:

    • File ready when complete
    • Click to download
    • Save to computer

Large Exports​

For large collections:

  • Progress Indicator: Shows export progress
  • Estimated Time: Time remaining
  • Background Export: Continues in background
  • Email Notification: Notify when complete (optional)

Exporting Form Data​

From Form Analytics​

Export form submissions:

  1. Open Form: Go to form
  2. Click "Responses": View submissions
  3. Click "Export": Export all responses
  4. Choose Format: JSON or CSV

Filtered Exports​

Export filtered submissions:

  1. Apply Filters: Filter submissions
  2. Click "Export": Export filtered results
  3. Only Filtered: Only filtered data exported

Scheduled Exports​

Setting Up Scheduled Exports​

Automate regular exports:

  1. Create Schedule: Set export schedule
  2. Configure Export: Set options
  3. Set Destination: Email or storage
  4. Activate: Enable schedule

Export Schedule Options​

  • Daily: Export every day
  • Weekly: Export weekly
  • Monthly: Export monthly
  • Custom: Custom cron schedule

Best Practices​

  1. Filter First: Export only what you need
  2. Choose Format: Use appropriate format
  3. Test Export: Test with small dataset first
  4. Verify Data: Check exported data
  5. Secure Files: Protect exported files
  6. Regular Backups: Export regularly for backups

Use Cases​

Data Analysis​

Export for analysis tools:

  • Excel/Google Sheets
  • Python/R scripts
  • Business intelligence tools
  • Data visualization

Data Migration​

Export for migration:

  • Move to new database
  • Migrate to different system
  • Backup before migration
  • Transfer between environments

Reporting​

Export for reports:

  • Generate reports
  • Share with stakeholders
  • Archive historical data
  • Compliance reporting

Backup​

Export for backup:

  • Regular backups
  • Point-in-time recovery
  • Disaster recovery
  • Data preservation

Next Steps​