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Exporting and Backing up your Salesforce Data
Exporting and Backing up your Salesforce Data
Andrew Tzikas avatar
Written by Andrew Tzikas
Updated over a week ago

Salesforce allows users to export their organization’s data. Below are the steps to create a data export in Salesforce. The exact steps might vary depending on your Salesforce edition and settings, so please consult Salesforce documentation or your administrator for the most accurate and current information.

Steps to Export Data in Salesforce:

  1. Login to Salesforce:

    1. Navigate to Salesforce login page and log in with your credentials.

  2. Access Setup:

    1. Click on the gear icon (⚙️) located at the top right corner and select “Setup”.

  3. Navigate to Data Export:

    1. In the “Quick Find” box, type “Data Export”.

    2. Select “Data Export” from the drop-down menu that appears.

  4. Start the Export Process:

    1. Click on “Export Now” or “Schedule Export” depending on your preference.

    2. “Export Now” will create an immediate export.

    3. “Schedule Export” allows you to schedule the data export to occur at regular intervals.

  5. Choose the Data to Export:

    1. Select the objects you want to export. You can usually select standard and custom objects.

    2. Choose the encoding for your export file, if prompted.

    3. Decide whether to include images, documents, and attachments, and whether to include historical audit files if needed.

  6. Schedule the Export (If applicable):

    1. If you are scheduling the export, select the frequency, start and end date, and the preferred time of the export.

    2. You may also need to choose the email addresses to notify once the export is complete.

  7. Review and Confirm:

    1. Review your selections and click on “Start Export” or “Save” to confirm.

  8. Download the Export File:

    1. Once the export is complete, you will receive a notification (usually an email).

    2. Go back to the “Data Export” page in Salesforce.

    3. Download the generated .zip file(s) from the “Data Export” page.

    4. Extract the .zip file(s) to access your exported data, usually in CSV format.

Additional Notes:

  • Permissions:

    • Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to export data. Typically, you will need the “Data Export” permission assigned to your profile or permission set.

  • Backup Frequency:

    • Scheduled data exports can be weekly or monthly, depending on what your organization's needs are.

  • Storage Limits:

    • Consider your organization’s storage limits as the exported files will count against it.

  • Large Data Volumes:

    • For extremely large volumes of data, you might need to use other tools like the Data Loader or consult Salesforce support or your account representative for other options.

Remember, handling organizational data involves responsibility. Always comply with your organization’s policies and legal regulations regarding data export, storage, and sharing.

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