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Mikrotik Export Configuration Link

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 mikrotik export configuration

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 command in MikroTik’s RouterOS is a powerful tool

2. The Verbose Export

Command: /export verbose Usage: This outputs every single configuration parameter, regardless of whether it is a default setting or not. Why use it? This is rarely used for daily backups. It is primarily used for debugging or identifying exactly what the "factory default" state was versus the current state. It creates very large files that are difficult to parse manually.

Export Only Interfaces and Bridges

/interface export file=interfaces

This method creates a valid script that contains only the commands from that submenu. You can later import the firewall-only.rsc file onto another router without affecting its existing interface or routing settings.

4. Order of Operations

Exported scripts are generated in the correct order (interfaces first, then IP addresses, then firewall). However, if you manually edit the script, you might break dependencies. Example: adding a firewall rule that references a non-existent address list. Test edited scripts in a lab or virtual CHR first.

Why Use export Instead of .backup?

| Feature | .backup file | export file | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Format | Binary (not readable) | Plain text (readable/editable) | | Restore target | Same RouterOS version & hardware | Any RouterOS device (any version/hardware) | | Editing | Not possible | Yes (e.g., change IPs or interfaces) | | Automation | Difficult | Easy (use with scripts/Ansible) |

Key Takeaway: Use .backup for full disaster recovery of the exact same unit. Use export for documentation, migration, and troubleshooting. This method creates a valid script that contains

2. Example Export Configuration (Annotated)

Here is a "Long Content" example of what a standard Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) MikroTik configuration looks like when exported. You can copy this structure to document your own network or restore a backup.

# software id = A1B2-C3D4
# model = RB750Gr3
# serial number = ABC12345678
/interface bridge
add admin-mac=48:A9:8A:12:34:56 auto-mac=no comment=defconf name=bridge-local
/Interface ethernet
set [ find default-name=ether1 ] name=ether1-WAN
set [ find default-name=ether2 ] name=ether2-LAN
set [ find default-name=ether3 ] name=ether3-LAN
set [ find default-name=ether4 ] name=ether4-LAN
set [ find default-name=ether5 ] name=ether5-LAN

/interface wireless


Restoring from an Export File


Restoring is straightforward, but dangerous if you’re connected remotely. The safest method is via local console or serial cable.


Command:


/import file=my-config.rsc



If your export file contains a command that changes the IP address or disables your management interface, you will lose connectivity. Best practice: Always keep an out-of-band management route or use Safe Mode (/system safe-mode) before importing.


Safe Mode Sequence:


    

  1. Enter Safe Mode: [Ctrl] + [X]
    2. 

  2. Run /import file=my-config.rsc
    3. 

  3. Verify all is well.
    4. 

  4. Exit Safe Mode to make changes permanent, or reboot to revert.
    5. 



1. How to Generate the Export


Before looking at the content, it is important to know how to generate it safely.


    

  • Compact Export (Recommended):
/export compact
This hides default values, making the script shorter and easier to read.
    • 

  • Full Export:
/export
Shows every single setting, including defaults.
    • 

  • Export Sensitive Data:
/export show-sensitive
Includes passwords and keys (handled carefully in the example below).
    •
Let's Play