# How to Export Baserow Tables to CSV - Step-by-Step Guide

> Baserow can turn any table into a portable CSV file for backups or sharing - here is what stays out of the download and how active view filters shape it.

Source: https://opennix.org/en/docs/baserow/tables/export-tables/


Whenever a table needs to leave Baserow - for a backup, an external analysis, or a handoff - exporting produces a downloadable CSV copy of its data, either for the whole table or for a single view with its filters already applied.

## Overview

Exporting captures the current state of a table's data in a format that works with spreadsheet and analysis tools. Export the whole table with all its data, or export a single view containing only a filtered and sorted subset - handy for backups, reports, or moving information elsewhere.

![Baserow table export dialog with view and format selection](/images/baserow/tables/baserow-export-table-dialog.webp)

## What Gets Included in an Export

**Included:** every field value in the visible rows, field names as column headers, the current row order based on sorting, and data formatted according to each field's type (dates, numbers, text, and more).

**Excluded:** anything that is metadata about a row rather than the row's own data - [row revision history](/docs/baserow/rows/row-change-history/), for instance. Data in collaborator fields exports as names or email addresses.

**Filter behavior:** exporting a view respects that view's active filters. If a view is filtered to show only rows where Status equals "Active," the export contains only those rows - great for a targeted report, but it can silently drop data if an active filter is forgotten. Clear all filters before exporting when the full table's data is needed.

## Export Format: CSV

The open-source edition of Baserow supports exporting tables to CSV (comma-separated values) - a universal format that opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and virtually any spreadsheet or database application. CSV is plain text and highly compatible across platforms: reach for it whenever maximum compatibility matters, when importing into another database or system, or when file size matters, since it's the most compact option available.

## How to Export a Table

### Export the Entire Table

Exporting the whole table captures all data regardless of the current filters or view - a complete backup or dataset:

1. Click the `⋮` icon next to the table name in the sidebar.
2. Select **Export table** from the menu.
3. Choose **Export entire table** in the dialog.
4. Select the **CSV** format.
5. Download the file to your device.

The export includes every row and field in the table with values as of the export moment.

### Export a Specific View

Exporting a view captures only the data visible in that view, including its applied filters, sorts, and field visibility settings - useful for a targeted report or for sharing a specific subset of data. See [Export a View](/docs/baserow/views/export-a-view/) for the details.

## Export Strategies for Common Scenarios

**Regular backups.** Export tables to CSV monthly or weekly, depending on how often the data changes, and store the files in cloud storage or a backup system.

**Sharing with outside stakeholders.** Build a filtered view showing only the relevant data, then export that view - a way to share specific information without opening up the whole database.

**Analysis in other tools.** Export to CSV for compatibility with analysis software, BI tools, or statistical packages; clear filters first so the analysis covers the complete dataset rather than a subset.

**Periodic reporting.** Set up a view with the filters and sorts a standard report needs, then export it on a schedule - the same view exported at different times produces a consistent report format with fresh data each time.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What happens to linked table data in an export?** Link-to-table fields export as references showing linked record IDs or primary field values - the actual data from the linked table doesn't come along automatically. For complete information across linked tables, export each one separately and match records by ID.

**Can I export several tables at once?** No, Baserow exports one table at a time. To export several, repeat the process for each; for a full database backup that bundles every table together, use [workspace export](/docs/baserow/workspaces/export-workspaces/) instead.

**Do formula fields export their calculated values or the formulas themselves?** Formula fields export their calculated values, not the underlying logic - if a formula computes "15" from other fields, the export contains "15" as static data.

**How large can exported files get?** Size depends on data volume - very large tables (tens of thousands of rows) can take a few minutes to export. Consider filtering the export or splitting large tables if file size becomes an issue.

Next, read [Delete a Table](/docs/baserow/tables/delete-a-table/) to understand the trash recovery window and what to do before removing a table for good.