> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gaiodataos.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gaiodataos.com/tools/export-and-import-projects.md).

# Export and Import Projects

<figure><img src="/files/VWv94tp6hvVGX1AbLKLL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## **Project Overview Panel**

At the top-left of the screen, you'll find a panel showing your current project (e.g., `Proj: Gaio Doc`) along with key metadata:

* Application ID (`app:31`)
* Data bucket name (`bucket_31`)
* Number of flows, dashboards, forms, and other technical components

This panel also includes the main actions to **export and import** your project.

***

## **How to Export an Application**

<figure><img src="/files/5tL3mRq0ZqgOxKd7hgDO" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can export your current application — including flows, parameters, forms, APIs, AI dashboards, and tables — into a single **`.zip` file containing multiple `.json` files**. This is ideal for:

* Creating backups
* Sharing with teammates
* Migrating between environments (e.g., dev → prod)
* Reusing the structure in new applications

### &#x20;Step-by-step:

1. Click the **Export** button in the bottom section of the project panel.
2. A new window will open with tabs such as:
   * `Flow`: SQL and visual flows
   * `Params`: parameters used across the app
   * `Forms`: custom user input forms
   * `Discovery`: AI-enabled searches, insights, and tables
   * `API`, `Maps`, and more
3. Select the items you wish to include by ticking their checkboxes.
4. Click the **Export** button in the top-right corner.
5. A `.zip` file will be generated containing your app's structure and logic.

***

### View Exported Files

<figure><img src="/files/xlLICKVES9rw1au3rtyQ" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After exporting, go to the **Files** panel (folder icon in the sidebar). Your uploaded `.zip` file will appear under the `backups` folder. From there, you can:

* View the file
* Download it
* Delete it

***

## **How to Import an Application**

<figure><img src="/files/wcOlPPDURW664XYtPi7g" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Importing allows you to fully or partially restore a project from a previously exported `.zip` file.

### Step-by-step:

1. Click the **Import** button in the project panel.
2. A new screen will prompt you to upload your `.zip` file:
   * Drag and drop the file
   * Or click **“Browse Files”** to select it
3. Click **Import**.
4. Gaio will process the contents and restore:
   * Flows
   * Parameters
   * Forms
   * Discovery insights and AI-related items
   * APIs and additional elements

***

### Best Practices

* Always export a backup before making critical changes
* Use the import/export feature to replicate applications across buckets or environments