How to Export Databases from Notion?

Databases in Notion are an incredibly powerful way to organize and store your information. However, there may come a time when you need to export your databases—whether for creating backups, sharing with others, or migrating to another platform. This article covers the various methods to export your databases from Notion, updated to reflect current features and best practices.

1. Export as Markdown

Notion lets you export individual pages or entire databases as Markdown files. Markdown is a lightweight markup language that is both easy to read and write, making it an ideal choice for exporting and sharing content. To export a database as Markdown:

1. Open the database in Notion.
2. Click on the ••• icon at the top right corner of the page.
3. Select Export from the dropdown menu.
4. Choose whether you want to export the current page or the entire database.
5. Select Markdown as the export format.
6. Click the Export button.

Notion will generate a Markdown file that you can download. This file includes your database content, preserving text, attachments, and basic formatting.

2. Export as CSV

If you prefer working with spreadsheets, you can export your database as a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file. CSV files are widely supported by applications such as Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. To export a database as CSV:

1. Open the database in Notion.
2. Click on the ••• icon at the top right corner of the page.
3. Select Export from the dropdown menu.
4. Choose whether you want to export the current page or the entire database.
5. Select CSV (Raw) as the export format.
6. Click the Export button.

The resulting CSV file presents your database content in a tabular format, with each item and its properties represented in rows and columns.

3. Export Using the Notion API

For advanced users, Notion offers an API (Application Programming Interface) that lets you programmatically export your database content. The Notion API allows you to retrieve database data in JSON format so you can integrate it into other applications or systems. To export your database using the API:

1. Authenticate and obtain an API token from Notion by creating an integration and acquiring the necessary credentials.
2. Use the API to retrieve your database content in JSON format, specifying the properties and filters to extract only the data you need.
3. Process the JSON data as required—for example, by saving it to a file or importing it into another platform.

Using the Notion API gives you flexibility and full control over your exported data, although it does require programming knowledge and familiarity with RESTful APIs.

Additional Export Options

Notion now also supports exporting pages as PDF or HTML files. These options are ideal for sharing static content like reports or presentations. Here’s how you can do it:

1. To export as PDF, open the page you wish to export, click on the ••• icon, select Export, choose PDF as the format, and then export.
2. To export as HTML, follow the same steps and select HTML if available.

Conclusion

Exporting your databases from Notion is simple and flexible with its built-in export functionalities. Whether you choose Markdown files for readability, CSV files for spreadsheet compatibility, or the API for a customized solution, Notion offers methods to suit various workflows. Choose the method that best fits your needs and take your Notion databases with you wherever you go. Happy exporting!