Editing Export a list

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'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Contacts]] > export a list

== How to Export a List ==

Exporting lists of contacts in ActiveCampaign is a crucial feature that allows users to manage their marketing and communication strategies effectively. By exporting contact information, you can analyze engagement, track campaign success, and maintain organized records. This feature is essential for generating reports, keeping backups, or migrating data to other platforms. It is particularly useful for marketers and sales teams who need to work with contact data externally.

This article will guide you through the process of exporting a list of contacts to a CSV file.

== How to Access This Feature ==

To export a list of contacts, navigate to the '''Contacts''' section in your ActiveCampaign account. 

1. Click on '''Contacts''' in the left menu to view the Lists overview page.

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==

Follow these steps to successfully export a list of contacts:

=== Step 1: Navigate to the Lists Page ===
Once you are in the '''Contacts''' section, click on '''Lists''' to go to the Lists overview page.

=== Step 2: Select the List to Export ===
From the Lists overview page, click on the name of the list you wish to export. This action will open the selected list.

=== Step 3: Choose the Contact Status ===
In the opened list, click on the '''Status''' dropdown menu to select which contacts you want to export. You can choose from the following contact statuses:
- Active
- Unconfirmed
- Unsubscribed
- Bounced
- Any (Default option is Active)

=== Step 4: Initiate the Export ===
Next, click the '''Export''' button. This will prompt the '''Export Options''' modal to appear.

=== Step 5: Configure Export Options ===
In the '''Export Options''' modal, type a name for your export into the provided field. Then, select the fields you wish to include with the export. You can click the '''Other Fields''' checkbox to select or unselect all fields at once. 

*Please Note:* Avoid using special characters (!, #, $, etc.) in the export name as this will result in the file exporting as a text document instead of a CSV file.

=== Step 6: Complete the Export ===
Click the '''Export''' button to finalize your selection. The export will start running in the background, and a confirmation message will appear at the top of the page. You are free to navigate to a different page, log out, or close your browser while the export continues to process.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==

When exporting a contact list, multiple configuration options allow you to customize your export, including:

- **Status**: Choose from Active, Unconfirmed, Unsubscribed, Bounced, or Any.
- **Fields Included**: Select specific fields to include in your export like custom fields, lead scores, deal scores, etc.
- **Export Name**: The name you give to your export should be concise and free of special characters.

The export will include the following default fields:
- '''List Name''': The name of the list you exported.
- '''Email''': The email address of the contact.
- '''First Name''': The first name of your contact (if available).
- '''Last Name''': The last name of your contact (if available).
- '''Phone Number''': The contact's phone number (if available).
- '''Status''': Subscriber status of the contact.
- '''Date Contact Record Created''': When the contact was added.
- '''IP Address''': The most recent IP address.
- '''User Agent''': Most recent browser and operating system.
- '''Date Subscribed''': Date the contact subscribed.
- '''Date Unsubscribed''': Date the contact unsubscribed.
- '''Organization''': Associated organization of the contact (if available).

== Best Practices and Tips ==

- Make sure to verify the '''Status''' selected to ensure you are exporting the correct group of contacts.
- Regularly back up important contact lists to avoid data loss.
- For complex data analysis, consider exporting fields that are most relevant to your marketing objectives.
- Monitor the maintenance of your contact lists and ensure that fields like '''First Name''' and '''Last Name''' are consistently populated.

== Common Use Cases with Examples ==

- **Campaign Performance Analysis**: Exporting active contacts can help evaluate engagement with previous campaigns.
- **Data Migration**: Exporting lists for transferring data into a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool.
- **Reporting**: Generating periodic reports on subscriber statuses for marketing initiatives.
- **Segmentation**: Exporting specific segments of contacts for targeted outreach or feedback collection.

== Troubleshooting Section ==

If you encounter issues during the export process, consider the following:

- Ensure that you are not using special characters in the export name.
- If the export failed, check for connectivity issues or refresh your browser.
- Confirm that you are in the correct list before initiating the export.

== FAQ Section ==

=== 1. Can I export contacts from multiple lists at once? ===
No, you can only export contacts from one list at a time.

=== 2. What types of files can I export my contact list as? ===
You can export your contact list as a CSV file. 

=== 3. How long will the export link be valid? ===
The download link for the export will be valid for 7 days.

=== 4. Are contact notes included in the export? ===
No, contact notes cannot be exported.

=== 5. Can I cancel an export once it has started? ===
No, once the export process is initiated, it cannot be canceled.

=== 6. What should I do if the export takes too long? ===
If the export is taking longer than expected, ensure your internet connection is stable and the system isn’t experiencing downtime.

=== 7. Where can I view my previous exports? ===
You can view your previous exports by clicking on '''Contacts''' > '''Exports''' in your account.

This article provides detailed information on how to export a list in ActiveCampaign. For further reading, please refer to related articles for exporting single contacts or all contacts, as well as insights on GDPR regulations affecting your export practices.
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