Use MikroTik’s built-in scheduler to export your config to a file every day, then upload it to an FTP server or email it.
Example scheduler script:
/system scheduler add name="daily-export" interval=1d start-time=02:00:00 on-event=
/export compact file="daily-backup-[/system clock get date]"
/tool e-mail send to="admin@example.com" subject="Daily Router Config" file="daily-backup-[/system clock get date].rsc"
Note: Replace the email settings and file naming as needed.
By default, RouterOS hides sensitive information like passwords, PSKs for wireless, and VPN secrets. They appear as "..." in the export. The show-sensitive flag reveals this information in plain text.
Syntax:
/export show-sensitive file=full-config-with-passwords
Warning: This file, if leaked, grants full access to your network. Always encrypt or store it in a secure, access-controlled vault.
When you export a configuration from a router that had MAC Telnet or WinBox discovery enabled, the exported script will include commands like /tool mac-server set allowed-interface-list=none. On a different router with different interface names, this might lock you out. Always review exported interfaces before applying to new hardware.
The mikrotik export configuration command is far more than a simple backup tool. It is the bridge between devices, the documentation of your network’s logic, and the scriptable foundation for automation. By mastering flags like compact, verbose, and show-sensitive, and by understanding when to export a full config versus a specific subtree, you gain complete control over your RouterOS environment.
Remember: A network without a recent configuration export is a disaster waiting to happen. Schedule your exports, store them securely, and practice restoring them in a lab. When the unexpected occurs—and it always does—you’ll be grateful for the 20-line .rsc file that brings your entire network back to life.
Next Steps: Create a scheduled export script on your production router today. Then, try to import it into a Cloud Hosted Router (CHR) on your PC. You’ll learn more in one failure and recovery cycle than in hours of reading documentation.
Mastering the MikroTik Export Configuration: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you are migrating to a new RouterBOARD, setting up a backup strategy, or troubleshooting a complex firewall rule, knowing how to properly use the Mikrotik export configuration command is an essential skill for any network administrator.
Unlike a standard binary backup file, an export generates a RouterOS script (.rsc). This script is human-readable, editable, and—most importantly—can be partially applied to other devices. 1. Why Use Export Instead of Backup?
MikroTik offers two primary ways to save your settings: .backup files and .rsc exports.
Binary Backup (.backup): Best for a full "system restore" on the exact same device. It includes sensitive data like passwords and user accounts but is not readable by humans.
Configuration Export (.rsc): Generates a plain-text script of the commands needed to recreate your setup. It is ideal for version control (GitHub), auditing, and moving configurations between different hardware models. 2. Basic Export Commands
The export command is executed via the Command Line Interface (CLI). You can access this through Winbox (New Terminal), SSH, or Telnet. Export the Entire Configuration To see your entire setup printed in the terminal: /export Use code with caution. Save Export to a File
To save the configuration to the router’s storage (which you can then download via Winbox > Files): /export file=my_config Use code with caution. This creates a file named my_config.rsc. 3. Advanced Export Techniques
One of the most powerful features of the MikroTik export tool is the ability to filter what you save. Export Specific Sections
If you only need your firewall rules or your IP addresses, you don't need the whole file. Navigate to the submenu and run export:
/ip firewall filter export file=firewall_only /ip address export file=addresses_only Use code with caution. The "Compact" Export (RouterOS v6 & v7)
By default, newer versions of RouterOS use "compact" export, which only shows values that differ from the factory default. This makes the file much cleaner and easier to read. /export compact Use code with caution. Exporting Without Sensitive Data
If you are sharing your configuration on a forum or with a consultant, you should hide sensitive information like Wi-Fi passwords and VPN secrets: /export hide-sensitive Use code with caution. mikrotik export configuration
(Note: In RouterOS v7, sensitive data is hidden by default unless specified otherwise.) 4. How to Import a Configuration
Once you have your .rsc file, applying it to a new router is straightforward.
Upload the file: Drag and drop the .rsc file into the Files window in Winbox. Run the Import command: /import file-name=my_config.rsc Use code with caution.
Pro Tip: Before importing a full configuration to a new router, it is best practice to reset the router to "No Configuration" to avoid IP conflicts or command errors. 5. Common Issues & Best Practices
Interface Names: If you export a config from a router with 10 ports and import it to one with 5, the script may fail when it looks for ether10. Always review the script in a text editor (like Notepad++) before importing.
Version Compatibility: While RouterOS is generally backwards compatible, moving a configuration from v7 back to v6 can cause syntax errors due to the new routing stack in v7.
Automated Backups: You can create a Scheduler script that runs /export file=daily_config every night to ensure you always have a fresh recovery point. Conclusion
The MikroTik export configuration tool is more than just a backup utility; it’s a powerful way to manage, share, and learn RouterOS. By using specific exports and cleaning up sensitive data, you can maintain a professional and secure networking environment.
The /export command in MikroTik RouterOS is the primary tool for generating a human-readable script of your device's configuration. Unlike a binary backup file (which is intended for the same device), an export generates a RouterOS script (.rsc) that can be edited, audited, or imported into other devices. Core Export Commands
To generate an export, open the Terminal in Winbox or via SSH and use the following commands:
Full Export: export file=myconfig — Creates a complete script of all non-default settings and saves it as myconfig.rsc in the Files menu.
Compact Export: export compact file=myconfig — (Commonly used in older versions like v5/v6) Generates a cleaner script by only including settings that differ from the factory defaults.
Verbose Export: export verbose file=myconfig — Includes every single parameter, including those still at their default values. This is useful for deep troubleshooting or learning default behaviors.
Section-Specific: /ip firewall filter export file=fw_rules — Navigating to a specific menu allows you to export just that section (e.g., only firewall rules or hotspot profiles).
Show Sensitive: export show-sensitive — By default, RouterOS v7 hides passwords and keys. Use this flag if you need to include them in the export for a full migration. Export vs. Backup Export (.rsc) Backup (.backup) Format Plain-text (Script) Binary (Encrypted) Readability Human-readable in any text editor Not editable Portability Can be partially imported to different models Restricted to same/identical model Hardware Does not usually include MAC addresses Includes MACs and serial numbers Security Hides sensitive data by default in v7 Includes all system data and users Best Practices for Migration
export/import ROS configuration - Beginner Basics - MikroTik Forum
To export a MikroTik configuration, you use the /export command in the terminal to generate a script-based .rsc file. Unlike binary .backup files, these are plain-text and human-readable, making them ideal for auditing or migrating settings between different hardware models. Core Export Commands
You can run these commands by opening New Terminal in WinBox or via SSH.
Export configuration via API - General - MikroTik community forum
To report or export the configuration of a MikroTik router, you use the /export command in the terminal. Unlike a standard binary backup, an export creates a plain-text script (.rsc) containing the commands needed to recreate your settings. Quick Export Commands
Run these in the New Terminal window within Winbox or an SSH session: Goal Full Report export file=myconfig Saves the entire config to myconfig.rsc. Compact Report export compact file=myconfig Saves only changes from default settings. Verbose Report export verbose file=myconfig
Saves all settings, including defaults (useful for reference). Partial Report /ip address export file=ips Exports only a specific section (e.g., IP addresses). Hide Passwords export hide-sensitive Use MikroTik’s built-in scheduler to export your config
Exports the config without sensitive data (passwords, keys). Step-by-Step Procedure
export config problem - Beginner Basics - MikroTik community forum
This paper provides a technical overview of the MikroTik configuration export process, a critical function in RouterOS management used for auditing, migration, and partial system replication. 1. Introduction: Export vs. Binary Backup
MikroTik offers two distinct ways to save configuration data, each serving a different technical purpose:
Export (.rsc): A human-readable text script containing RouterOS commands. It is ideal for migrating settings between different hardware models.
Backup (.backup): A binary, non-editable file that captures the entire state of the router, including MAC addresses and passwords. It is intended for restoring the exact same device. 2. Core Export Methodologies
The primary method for exporting configuration is through the Command Line Interface (CLI), accessible via Winbox, SSH, or Telnet. Global Full Export
To generate a complete script of all non-default settings, use the root level command:/export file=filename Partial (Sub-menu) Export
Users can export specific modules (e.g., firewall rules or IP addresses) by navigating to that sub-menu:/ip address export file=address_config 3. Key Parameters and Visibility
Recent versions of RouterOS (v7+) introduced stricter security and verbosity controls for exports: Difference between backup and export-how to monitor changes
command in MikroTik’s RouterOS is a powerful tool used to generate a human-readable script of your device's configuration. Unlike a standard binary backup, an export is a plain-text
file that you can edit, audit, or use to replicate settings across different hardware models. The Core Difference: Export vs. Backup
Understanding the difference is critical for data integrity: /system backup binary file . It is intended for restoring to the exact same
device or identical hardware. It includes sensitive data like local users and passwords. plain-text script
. It is portable between different hardware models and can be opened in any text editor like It typically does export user passwords or decrypted certificates. How to Export Your Configuration You can perform an export using the New Terminal or via SSH. 1. Exporting to the Terminal Screen
To simply view your configuration without saving it to a file, type: Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
This is useful for quick audits or copying specific sections manually. 2. Exporting to a File To save the configuration as a script file on the router: New Terminal Run the command: export file=my_config Navigate to the menu on the left sidebar. my_config.rsc and drag it to your desktop or right-click to download. 3. Partial Exports
If you only need a specific section (e.g., Firewall rules), navigate to that menu first: /ip firewall filter export file=firewall_only Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Advanced Export Flags hide-sensitive
: In older RouterOS versions, this prevents passwords (like PPPoE or wireless keys) from appearing in the text file. show-sensitive
: In newer versions, sensitive data is hidden by default; use this flag if you intentionally want to include it. : Formats the output into shorter, more compact lines. How to Import an Exported Configuration To apply a saved file to a new or reset router: Upload the file to the list by dragging and dropping it into New Terminal import file-name=my_config.rsc
When importing to a different model, always review the script first. Interfaces might be named differently (e.g., sfp-sfpplus1 ), which can cause the script to fail if not adjusted. that you can use for your next export? Difference between backup and export-how to monitor changes
While there is no formal academic research paper dedicated exclusively to this specific CLI command, the official documentation from MikroTik and specialized whitepapers on network administration thoroughly detail its mechanics. Note: Replace the email settings and file naming as needed
The /export command in MikroTik RouterOS is a powerful utility used to generate a script of the router's current configuration. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how the command operates, its security implications, and how it compares to standard backups. ⚙️ Core Mechanics of the Export Command
The /export command reads the MikroTik configuration database and converts it into human-readable console commands. The resulting file is given a .rsc extension and can be opened in any standard text editor. Primary Command Variants
Full Export: /export file=myconfig — Captures the entire router configuration and saves it to a file.
Compact Export: /export compact file=myconfig — (Default in RouterOS v6/v7) Only exports settings that differ from the factory default, making the file significantly cleaner and easier to read.
Sectional Export: /ip address export file=address_only — You can navigate to any submenu and export strictly that subset of rules. 📊 Direct Comparison: Export vs. Backup
Network engineers often confuse the export script with the backup file. They serve entirely different operational purposes. Backup/Restore vs export/import - General - MikroTik Forum
Managing your MikroTik router effectively requires a deep understanding of its configuration management tools. While binary backups are common, the MikroTik export configuration command is often the superior choice for migration, auditing, and selective restoration because it produces human-readable scripts. What is a MikroTik Export Configuration?
A configuration export is a plain-text script (typically with a .rsc extension) containing the CLI commands required to recreate your router’s current state. Unlike binary backups, which are designed for the exact same physical device, export files can be edited and applied to different models or updated versions of RouterOS. Core Export Commands and Options
You can run an export from the New Terminal at any level of the menu hierarchy. Running it from the root (/) exports everything, while running it within a submenu (like /ip firewall) only exports that specific section.
Critical Flaw with hide-sensitive config export - MikroTik Forum
Exporting Mikrotik Configuration: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mikrotik devices are widely used in networking environments due to their reliability, flexibility, and affordability. However, there may be situations where you need to export the configuration of your Mikrotik device, such as when you're upgrading to a new device, setting up a redundant system, or simply for backup purposes. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of exporting your Mikrotik configuration.
Why Export Mikrotik Configuration?
Exporting your Mikrotik configuration is essential in various scenarios:
Methods to Export Mikrotik Configuration
There are two primary methods to export your Mikrotik configuration:
Schedule regular exports to a networked server (e.g., using FTP/SCP/SMB):
The most basic form of the command is executed from the terminal:
/export
This command dumps the entire configuration (excluding default or hardware-specific settings) to the terminal screen. For a router with a complex configuration, this can be thousands of lines long. To make it useful, you typically want to save it to a file.
You can filter the export to specific modules:
At its core, exporting a configuration means converting the active RouterOS configuration (stored in the binary .backup file or the live running configuration) into a human-readable, ASCII text script. This script consists of RouterOS CLI commands that, when run on another MikroTik device, would recreate the original setup.
Unlike a binary backup file (which is great for restoring to the exact same hardware but unusable for inspection or version control), an exported configuration script allows you to: