Commands & useful options
Recent versions of RouterOS (v7+) introduced stricter security and verbosity controls for exports: Difference between backup and export-how to monitor changes
At its core, exporting a configuration means converting the active RouterOS configuration (stored in the binary .backup file or the live running configuration) into a human-readable, ASCII text script. This script consists of RouterOS CLI commands that, when run on another MikroTik device, would recreate the original setup.
The , created with /export , saves your settings as a plain-text script file , making it a much more flexible tool for migrating configurations between different devices or simply for having a version-controlled, human-readable history of your setup. It is considered "version-safe" as you can edit and import it across different hardware and RouterOS versions without major issues. This guide focuses on the export command, which is the cornerstone of modern network management.
script file that can be edited or used to migrate settings to another device. Unlike a binary backup, an export allows you to see the exact commands used to configure the router. MikroTik community forum 1. Core Export Commands All exports are performed via the or via SSH. Configuration Management - RouterOS - MikroTik mikrotik export configuration
Unlike a binary backup file (which is great for restoring to the exact same hardware but unusable for inspection or version control), an exported configuration script allows you to:
/ip firewall export file=firewall-rules
/import file=migration-full.rsc
To save the output directly to a file on the router, use the file parameter. The file will be stored in the router's internal storage and can be downloaded via FTP, WebFig, or WinBox. Commands & useful options Recent versions of RouterOS
RouterOS offers two primary ways to save configurations. Understanding the difference is critical for network administrators:
Here's a quick reference of all /export command parameters and their effects.
By default, recent RouterOS versions hide passwords. To explicitly ensure that sensitive information (like VPN secrets, wireless pre-shared keys, and user passwords) is omitted, use: /export show-sensitive=no Use code with caution.
It is the best way to move configurations between different MikroTik models. It is considered "version-safe" as you can edit
user wants a comprehensive, long-form article about "mikrotik export configuration." This requires covering all aspects: basic commands, filtering, backups, automation, security, troubleshooting, and best practices. To gather this information efficiently, I will perform a broad search covering the main aspects of this topic. that the initial search results are in, I have a good starting point. The next step is to gather more detailed information from the most relevant sources. I will open the official documentation pages for configuration management, configuration import/export, backup, and also check the community forum for practical tips and examples. collected information provides a solid foundation for the article. The next step is to provide a comprehensive response that covers all the key aspects of MikroTik configuration export. The response will be structured into several parts: an introduction, the fundamental /export command, key parameters, working examples, advanced techniques (including automation and Git integration), security best practices, and a conclusion. Now I will start writing the article.ing a configuration from a MikroTik router is a foundational skill for any network administrator. It's the first line of defense against hardware failure, the cornerstone of efficient network migrations, and the key to unlocking automation across a fleet of devices.
(Conversely, if you to include passwords to migrate everything to a new router, change this flag to show-sensitive=yes ). Export Only What Has Changed (Compact)
Exporting Mikrotik configuration is crucial for several reasons: