Exporting Your Vault

Overview

Export your vault data for backup purposes or to migrate to another service. Exports include all your logins, secure notes, and other items.

Export Formats

Recommendation: Use encrypted JSON for backups, unencrypted only for migration.

Exporting Your Vault

1. Log in to the web vault at vault.heimlane.io
2. Go to Tools > Export Vault
3. Select the file format:
   • Encrypted JSON - Password-protected export
   • JSON - Plain JSON format
   • CSV - Comma-separated values
4. Enter your master password to confirm
5. For encrypted export, set an export password
6. Click Export Vault
7. Save the file to a secure location

What’s Included

Included in export:

• Logins (usernames, passwords, URIs)
• Secure notes
• Cards
• Identities
• Folder structure
• Custom fields

NOT included:

• File attachments (export separately)
• TOTP seeds (for security)
• Sharing relationships
• Revision history

Exporting Attachments

Attachments must be exported individually:

1. Open an item with attachments
2. Click on the attachment
3. Download it manually

For bulk attachment export, use the CLI tool or API.

Security Considerations

Unencrypted exports:

• Contain all your passwords in plain text
• Delete immediately after use
• Never email or upload to cloud storage
• Treat like the vault itself

Encrypted exports:

• Protected by your export password
• Safer for backup storage
• Remember the export password - we can’t recover it

Storing Backups Safely

Good practices for backup storage:

1. Encrypted USB drive - Store offline in a safe place
2. Encrypted cloud folder - Only if using strong encryption
3. Safety deposit box - For critical backup copies
4. NOT in email - Never email yourself vault exports

Importing to Another Password Manager

If migrating away from Vault:

1. Export as CSV or JSON
2. Check the target app’s import documentation
3. Import into the new app
4. Verify all data transferred correctly
5. Securely delete the export file

Troubleshooting

Problem: Export file is empty

Solutions:

1. Ensure you have items in your vault
2. Check if filtering is applied
3. Try a different format

Problem: Can’t open encrypted export

Solutions:

1. Use the exact password you set during export
2. Export is tied to the password, not your master password
3. Re-export if you’ve forgotten the password

Tips

• Schedule regular encrypted backups (monthly)
• Store backups in multiple secure locations
• Test restoring from backup periodically
• Include the export date in the filename