How channel exports work
What a channel export can contain, and how to handle the file carefully.
A channel export is a file containing entries from one channel. It is for reviewing or working with data outside Nimbu. An export does not change the channel or its entries.
What does an export contain?
An export includes system fields and the fields configured for the channel. The columns you see therefore depend on that channel's structure.
A channel can, for example, have fields for:
- text, numbers, and dates;
- choices;
- relationships with other data;
- media;
- structured or specialised data, such as calculated values or geographic data.
An export is available as CSV or XLSX. CSV is a simple table format that many programs can use. XLSX is a spreadsheet file.
Filters and languages
The active channel filters determine which entries are included. A filtered list therefore does not automatically produce every entry in the channel.
For a field that can be translated, the export has one column for each site language that can have a value. Relationship and media fields do not have separate columns for each language.
Access and delivery
You need access to the channel to use its export. A sensitive channel also requires extra access for sensitive channels. Access to a channel's structure is not the same as access to its data.
The export is prepared in the background, so the file does not appear in your browser immediately. When it is ready, you receive an email with a downloadable file. The wait can depend on the amount of data and the fields in the channel.
Some data is included only when you are allowed to read it. Owner details, for example, can be added only when you have access to customer data. Encrypted fields can be omitted when the site keeps encrypted values hidden.
Treat an export as confidential
An export can contain more data than is visible at first glance in a list. Store the file only in an approved location and share it only with people who should have access to this channel. Ask an administrator before using or sharing a file outside your organisation.