Export Passwords from 1Password: Step-by-Step

This guide shows you how to export your passwords and other data from 1Password, so you can back them up, move to another password manager, or keep a readable copy for offline storage. You’ll learn the exact steps for both the desktop app and the web vault, plus what to do if the export fails or looks wrong.

What You’ll Need

• A 1Password account (or a local vault in older versions) with your master password or biometric unlock ready.
• The 1Password desktop app installed on Windows, macOS, or Linux, or access to your account at my.1password.com.
• If you use 1Password 8, make sure the app is up to date (check the menu: Help > Check for Updates).

Step-by-Step

Export from the 1Password 8 Desktop App

1. Open the 1Password app and unlock it with your master password, Touch ID, or Windows Hello.
2. In the left sidebar, choose the vault you want to export. If you have multiple vaults, you’ll need to export each one separately.
3. Click the ⋮⋮ (three dots) menu at the top of the item list, or right-click on the vault name in the sidebar.
4. Select Export from the dropdown menu.
5. In the dialog that appears, choose a file format:
   • 1PUX (recommended): A JSON-based format that preserves most item details, including custom fields, notes, and attachments (attachments are included as embedded data).
   • CSV: A plain-text table with columns like Title, Username, Password, URL, and Notes. This is best for spreadsheets or importing into another manager, but it loses custom fields and attachments.
   • TXT: A simple text dump of each item’s fields. Rarely used now.
6. Click Export.
7. Choose a location to save the file. On Windows, you may see a prompt asking for your Windows password or PIN to confirm the export – this is a security feature. Enter it to continue.
8. Once saved, the file is yours. Keep it safe – it contains all your passwords in plain text (if CSV/TXT) or in a structured format (1PUX).

Export from the 1Password Web Vault

1. Go to my.1password.com in your browser and sign in.
2. In the left sidebar, click the vault you want to export.
3. Click the ⋮⋮ (three dots) menu at the top of the item list, or right-click on the vault name.
4. Select Export.
5. Choose 1PUX or CSV (the web vault only offers these two formats).
6. Click Export and download the file to your computer.

Export from 1Password 7 (Legacy)

1. Open 1Password 7 and unlock it.
2. Click File > Export.
3. Choose a vault and a format (1PIF, CSV, or TXT). 1PIF is the old 1Password interchange format, still readable by some tools.
4. Save the file to a secure location.

Common Mistakes

• Exporting only one vault – If you have multiple vaults (e.g., Personal and Shared), exporting one vault does not include the others. You must repeat the export for each vault.
• Choosing CSV when you need attachments – CSV exports do not include attachments, custom fields, or file items. If you need those, use 1PUX.
• Forgetting to include Secure Notes – Secure Notes are items too; they export with the vault, but only if you select that vault. If you store notes in a separate vault, export that vault too.
• Saving the export in an insecure location – The file contains all your passwords in readable form. Do not store it in a shared folder, email it, or leave it on your desktop.
• Not checking the export after saving – A quick look at the file can confirm it contains what you expected.

Tips

• Use 1PUX for backups – It preserves the most data and is the recommended format for moving to another password manager.
• Use CSV for spreadsheets – If you need to import into Excel or a simple CSV-based manager, CSV is fine, but be aware of its limitations.
• Export before making major changes – If you’re about to delete items or reorganize vaults, export first as a safety net.
• Store the export in a password-protected archive – You can zip the file with a strong password (e.g., using 7-Zip or macOS Archive Utility) for extra security.
• Consider a manual backup – For critical items, you might also write down a few essential passwords in a fireproof safe, but don’t rely on that as your only backup.

Troubleshooting

• Export button is greyed out – This usually means you’re not the owner of the vault. In shared vaults, only the owner or an administrator can export. Ask the owner to export or grant you permission.
• Windows asks for your PIN/password and you don’t remember it – The export is protected by the Windows account password. If you’ve forgotten it, you’ll need to reset your Windows password first, or use the web vault instead.
• CSV opens with garbled characters (e.g., accents) – Open the CSV in a text editor and re-save it as UTF-8 with BOM, or import it into a spreadsheet that handles UTF-8 properly.
• Export file is empty – If you exported an empty vault, the file will be empty. Check that you selected the correct vault with items.
• 1PUX import into another manager fails – Some managers don’t fully support 1PUX. Try exporting as CSV instead, or check the target manager’s documentation for specific import steps.
• Can’t find the export option in the web vault – Make sure you’re on the correct vault page, and look for the ⋮⋮ menu near the top right of the item list. If it’s still missing, try using the desktop app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does exporting delete anything from 1Password?

No, exporting creates a copy of your data. Your original items remain untouched in 1Password.

Can I export all vaults at once?

No, the export function works per vault. You must export each vault individually.

Are my passwords stored in plain text in the export file?

Yes, in CSV and TXT exports, passwords appear as plain text. In 1PUX, they are also readable if you open the file in a text editor, though the structure is JSON. The file is not encrypted unless you encrypt it yourself.

Can I import the exported file back into 1Password?

Yes, you can import 1PUX or CSV files back into 1Password using the Import feature (File > Import in the desktop app). This is useful for restoring a backup.

What is the difference between 1PUX and 1PIF?

1PUX is the modern format used by 1Password 8. 1PIF is an older format from 1Password 7 and earlier. 1PUX is more complete and is the recommended format for current versions.

Can I export from the mobile app?

No, the mobile apps (iOS/Android) do not support exporting. Use the desktop app or the web vault.

Is it safe to export my passwords?

It is safe if you store the exported file securely and delete it after you’ve finished using it. The file contains sensitive data, so treat it like you would your physical keys.

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