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Export guide

How to export your Salesforce data

Last verified: 2026-10-09 · Menu names change between plans and versions; check the vendor documentation below, and we confirm exact steps with you once you qualify.

Short answer

As a CRM, Salesforce holds opportunities, activities, notes and stage history. You run the export yourself, from the app or through its API, after removing personal and confidential details. Nothing leaves your company until you approve it.

Export from the app

  1. Step 1

    Open Data Export

    As an admin, go to Setup and search for Data Export.

  2. Step 2

    Choose objects

    Select Export Now (or schedule), include the objects you need such as Opportunity, Task, Event and notes, and include history where available.

  3. Step 3

    Download the files

    Salesforce emails when the ZIP files of CSVs are ready. Download them within the time window shown.

  4. Step 4

    Check the file before sharing

    Open a sample of the export, confirm the date range and record count, and flag anything personal or confidential. Don't send anything yet — we review the package together first.

Export through the API

  1. Step 1

    Create a connected app or integration user

    Give it read-only access to the objects you need. Keep credentials internal.

  2. Step 2

    Use Bulk API or Data Loader

    Bulk API 2.0 or Data Loader exports large objects efficiently, including field history tables.

  3. Step 3

    Pull history in batches

    Page through records by date range, respecting rate limits. Save raw JSON to your own storage. Large histories can take several days.

Plan limits and formats#

  • Limits and formats depend on your plan and are confirmed with you after qualification.

What to leave out#

  • Names, emails, phone numbers and addresses of customers and staff
  • Passwords, API keys, tokens and other credentials
  • Payment card and bank details
  • Attachments you haven't reviewed (they often hold IDs or contracts)
  • Records covered by client NDAs, privilege or contracts that limit reuse
  • Anything you mark confidential, such as pricing or strategy

Terms to check first#

  • Your content is usually yours, but plan terms can limit bulk export, API use or automated access.
  • Check whether your plan includes the export or API features you need before starting.
  • Respect API rate limits; large exports may need to run in batches over several days.
  • Don't share admin logins. You run the export yourself, with our guidance.

Vendor documentation

Related

Read why buyers want this data

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