# Export for Editing existing objects

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](https://docs.decube.io/csv-template-structure-edit-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.

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### 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.

<figure><img src="https://1779874722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FTw0qpCVzfrIXqS4FEg4T%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-977efa930863e8fe0f24b1dd4bec9b41de287031%2Fimage.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://1779874722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FTw0qpCVzfrIXqS4FEg4T%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-3cf7a165595b63e6fa68f90fd3a138e2906c0173%2Fimage.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://1779874722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FTw0qpCVzfrIXqS4FEg4T%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-bf065d8400a566a2018a5f5edde9863d0de5780f%2Fimage.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://1779874722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FTw0qpCVzfrIXqS4FEg4T%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ceba7d786b1b7af63308470d4ec2034c3fac8820%2Fimage.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

## Custom attributes in exports

* Exported CSVs include custom attribute columns named `CA: <Attribute Name>`.
* Only custom attributes present on at least one of the exported items are included in the file.
* Custom Attributes must be created in your organization's settings before they can be referenced in export/import CSVs. See [Creating & managing custom attributes](https://docs.decube.io/org-settings/custom-attributes).

Example

| Asset | CA: CA1 | CA: CA2 | CA: CA3 |
| ----- | ------- | ------- | ------- |
| A1    | ✅       | ✅       |         |
| A2    |         | ✅       | ✅       |
| A3    | ✅       |         | ✅       |
| A4    |         |         |         |

## 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.

<figure><img src="https://1779874722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FTw0qpCVzfrIXqS4FEg4T%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-01c47c250d6ac314b47a98bce10d84e56c5b62ac%2Fimage.png?alt=media" alt="" width="281"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 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](https://docs.decube.io/csv-template-structure-edit-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.