Data Export
How to export all data for a client mind as a portable bundle -- for backups, data requests, or preparing a client handoff.
Why Export Data#
There are three common reasons to export a client mind:
- Client data request. A client asks for a copy of everything you have stored about them. Data portability is a right, not a favor.
- Backup before changes. Before a major cleanup, re-ingestion, or client mind deletion, export first so you have a safety net.
- Handoff preparation. When an engagement ends, the export is the raw material for the polished client handoff document.
Running an Export#
Switch to the client mind and ask:
"Export everything for Acme"Or be specific about the format:
"Export the Acme client mind as markdown"This calls the handoff tool, which gathers all data for the client and produces a structured bundle.
Two Formats#
JSON (Default)#
A machine-readable bundle containing everything in the client mind. This is the canonical format -- complete, structured, and suitable for re-import in the future.
"Export Acme as JSON"The JSON bundle includes:
- Client Mind metadata (name, creation date, cadence settings)
- Brand voice (tone, vocabulary, examples, words to avoid)
- All memories (facts, decisions, commitments, preferences, campaign outcomes, stakeholder info)
- Rocks, issues, and agenda items
- Campaign history
- Stakeholder profiles
- Team members
Markdown#
A human-readable summary organized by section. Useful for sharing with clients or reviewing in a document editor.
"Export Acme as markdown"The markdown version has the same sections but formatted as a readable document with headers, bullet points, and tables.
Including Raw Documents#
By default, exports do not include the original ingested documents (transcripts, emails, uploaded files). These can be large and are usually not needed.
If you want the raw source material included:
"Export Acme with raw documents"This adds the raw_documents section to the bundle. Useful for a complete archive or when the client wants everything, including original source material.
What Gets Excluded#
Some data is intentionally left out of exports:
| Excluded | Why |
|---|---|
| Embeddings (vector data) | Not portable across different AI models |
| Internal metadata (decay scores, customer IDs) | System internals, not client data |
| Other clients' data | Strict isolation -- only the requested client mind is exported |
| Hidden/dismissed memories | Already flagged as incorrect or outdated |
Privacy and Access Levels#
Who runs the export affects what is included:
- You (the CMO): Full export including private and sensitive memories and raw documents. You stored them, you get them.
- A VA with viewer access: Private and sensitive memories are excluded. Raw documents are excluded -- even if the VA requests them with
include_raw. The export reflects what the VA can see, nothing more.
Export Size#
Most client minds produce exports under 1MB. Even large client minds with thousands of memories stay manageable.
If the export exceeds 1MB (typically only when raw documents are included), Coppermind writes it to a temporary file and gives you the file path instead of displaying the content inline.
When to Export#
| Scenario | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Client asks for their data | "Export [client] as JSON" -- give them the JSON file |
| Before deleting a client mind | Export first as a safety net |
| End of engagement | Export, then use it to prepare a client handoff |
| Quarterly backup | Export each active client as JSON for your records |
| Sharing a client snapshot with a colleague | Export as markdown for readability |
Key Details#
- Read-only operation. Exporting does not modify or delete any data.
- Requires client mind access. You can only export client minds you own or have been granted access to.
- No re-import yet. The JSON format is designed for future re-import, but the import tool has not shipped yet. For now, exports are one-way.
- Deletion is permanent. If you delete a client mind, the data is gone. Always export before deleting.
Related Guides#
- Client Handoff -- turning an export into a polished deliverable for the successor
- Data Privacy and Isolation -- how client data is kept separate
- Team Sharing -- understanding access levels and what VAs can see
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