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Export & Data

Admin → Export is where membership CSV, a ChMeetings file, and a database backup start. There is no separate Admin → Backup menu.

The Export Hub​

CardButton
CSV ExportOpen CSV Export — choose fields, then Create File
ChMeetings ExportExport to ChMeetings CSV
Database BackupGo to Database Backup

CSV Export​

  1. Go to Admin → Export.
  2. Click Open CSV Export.
  3. Tick the fields you want under Field Selection. Last Name is always included. There is no marital-status field and no last-login field. Second Address is off by default; see Second address columns.
  4. Under Output Method, pick a Format: CSV Individual Records, CSV Combine Families, or Add Individuals to Cart.
  5. Click Create File.

Add Individuals to Cart does not download a file. It puts the matching people in the cart.

Second address columns​

A family can record an optional second address with a This is the mailing address checkbox (see Families). These columns are left out unless you tick Second Address under Field Selection. When it is ticked, each row gains seven columns taken from the family record:

ColumnContent
Second Address 1, Second Address 2, Second City, Second State, Second Zip, Second CountryThe family's second address; blank when the family has none
Mailing AddressYes when the second address is the family's mailing address, otherwise No

Every member of a family gets the same values, since the second address belongs to the family. The CSV import recognises the same column headers.

ChMeetings Export​

If you are migrating to or integrating with ChMeetings, ChurchCRM can export your data in the format ChMeetings expects.

  1. Go to Admin → Export.
  2. Click Export to ChMeetings CSV.
  3. Use the downloaded file in the ChMeetings import wizard.

Database Backup​

A database backup is a complete SQL dump of all ChurchCRM data — the safest way to make a full copy before upgrades or migrations.

Keep backups offsite

Store backup files outside your web server (e.g., a local drive, cloud storage). A backup on the same server as ChurchCRM is not protected if the server is lost or compromised.

Steps​

  1. Go to Admin → Export and click Go to Database Backup.
  2. Choose Database Only (.sql) or Full Backup (.tar.gz, database plus photos).
  3. Click Generate & Download Backup.

The full backup is a .tar.gz file, not a .sql.gz file.

Restoring from backup​

To restore a database backup, see Backup & Restore.

Scheduling Regular Exports​

ChurchCRM does not have a built-in scheduler for automatic exports. For automated backups, use one of these approaches:

  • Server cron job — Run mysqldump on a schedule and store the output offsite (recommended for self-hosted installs)
  • Hosting panel — Many cPanel or Plesk hosting plans include scheduled database backup options
  • Plugins — The External Backup plugin (bundled with ChurchCRM) can connect to a remote storage provider

Can't find what you need? Ask in Discord, or open an issue on the ChurchCRM repository.