Export for Editing existing objects

Understand how to export your Catalog, Glossary and Policy objects from the platform.

This guide provides a formal overview of the workflow for exporting existing metadata from Decube for bulk editing. It is intended for data stewards and administrators who need to update large volumes of metadata efficiently. The export process allows you to download current metadata as a structured CSV, make updates offline, and re-import changes. For detailed CSV structure, field requirements, and editing best practices, refer to the CSV Template Structure for Editing Existing Items documentation.

1. Accessing the Export Feature

Navigate to My Account > Export/Import > Export tab and select the Edit existing items tab. This section enables you to download a CSV containing the current metadata for selected objects.

2. Export Workflow

Step 1: Select Export Type

Choose the type of metadata you want to export. Supported types include:

  • Catalog objects with tables (Dataset): Schemas, tables, and columns

  • Catalog objects with data jobs, dashboards, etc. (Non-Dataset): Charts, dashboards, and data jobs

  • Glossary: Glossary items, categories, and terms

  • Classification Policies: Policy definitions

Each type offers a tailored filter experience to help you target relevant metadata.

Step 2: Apply Filters

After clicking the Configure & export CSV button, you will be directed to the filters screen. Filters help you limit the export to only the metadata you need, improving speed and file manageability.

General Rules

  • Single Source Requirement: Only one data source can be selected per export for Catalog objects.

  • Optional Filters: Available for all object types, including asset selection, type, owners, tags, classification policies, and empty attribute filters.

Filter Fields by Export Type

  • Catalog (Dataset): Filter by source, schema, table, object type, owners, tags, classifications, and empty attributes.

  • Catalog (Non-Dataset): Filter by source, asset, object type, owners, and empty attributes.

- **Glossary:** Filter by glossary, category, term, object type, owners, and empty attributes. If no filters are applied, all glossary objects will be exported.

- **Classification Policies:** Filter by policy and empty attributes.

These filters are designed to reduce cleanup effort by allowing targeted metadata extraction.

3. Export Process

  1. Select export type and apply filters

  2. Name your CSV export (e.g., finance-glossary-cleanup.csv)

  3. Click Download CSV to trigger the export job

A message will indicate that your CSV is being prepared. Once complete, you will receive an email notification with a direct link to download the file from the History tab in the Export/Import section.

4. Downloading and Managing Exports

  • Access the History tab via the email link or UI to view all past export/import actions.

  • For each export, you will see a status indicator:

    • Success: Download CSV button is available.

    • Failed: Status is marked as Failed, with a tooltip showing the error message and a Retry Export button to re-trigger the export.

These outcomes help you quickly troubleshoot and complete your bulk export tasks.

5. Next Steps: Editing and Re-Importing

After downloading your CSV, refer to the CSV Template Structure for Editing Existing Items for:

  • Field definitions and constraints

  • Editable vs. identifier fields

  • Example CSV formats

  • Best practices and troubleshooting

Note: Do not modify identifier fields in the exported CSV. Only update permitted attributes as described in the template structure documentation.

For further assistance, consult the Decube documentation or contact support.

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