Kodavara Guide
ClickUp Backup and Export: What You Can and Cannot Save
An export is not a backup. ClickUp lets you export data in several ways, but there is no full-workspace backup or restore, and users have long asked for one. This guide separates the two ideas and shows how to keep dated copies of the data that matters.
Last reviewed October 2026. ClickUp changes often, so check ClickUp's help center for the latest. Written by Kodavara, an independent ClickUp Partner. Not published or endorsed by ClickUp.
What ClickUp Does Today
What You Can Do Natively
Start with the features available on your ClickUp plan.
The Workspace Export
Workspace export produces a CSV of tasks that includes comments, checklists and time tracked, with links to attachments but not the files. Download links expire after about an hour.
Trash Keeps Deleted Items
Deleted items go to Trash and can be restored for a limited period that depends on your plan. Time entries and some history can be lost on restore.
Doc Export and Version History
Docs export one at a time as PDF, HTML or Markdown, without inline comments or attachments. Docs also keep page version history.
The API
The ClickUp API is the practical route for programmatic or scheduled exports, and third-party connectors use it.
Where It Falls Short
The Gaps People Run Into
If these are your problem, keep reading.
- ClickUp has no full-workspace backup and restore. It is one of the most requested features on ClickUp's feedback board.
- An export is a readable data dump, not a restorable backup. Re-importing a CSV does not recreate your hierarchy, views, automations or history.
- There is no bulk export of Docs.
- Export links expire quickly, and nothing keeps dated copies for you.
- Attachments come out as links, not as the files.
Worked Example
Example: A Simple Archive Plan
Separate exports by type, run them on a schedule and keep the files somewhere you control.
| Export | Rows Are | Scope | Schedule | File |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tasks archive | Tasks | Whole workspace, archived included | Monthly | tasks-{date}.xlsx |
| Time archive | Time entries | Whole workspace | Weekly | time-{date}.csv |
| Hierarchy | Spaces, Folders and Lists | All | Monthly | hierarchy-{date}.csv |
| People | Users | All | Monthly | people-{date}.csv |
Sample data for illustration.
How DataFlow Does It
Set It Up Once
DataFlow keeps scheduled, dated copies of your ClickUp data. It is an export tool, not a restore tool, and it is honest about that.
Create One Export Per Kind of Data
Make a DataFlow for tasks, one for time entries, one for people and one for your Space, Folder and List structure.
Scope It Workspace-Wide
Include everything you want to keep, and switch on archived items so closed work is captured.
Add Attachment Links If You Want Them
Include attachment names and links inline, or as a separate attachments file with one row per attachment. These are links, not the files.
Schedule a Dated Copy
Run weekly or monthly with a filename that includes the date, as CSV or Excel.
Download and Store the Files
Delivery is an emailed download link, the run history, or a task in ClickUp on higher plans. Files are kept for a period that depends on your plan, so download them and store them yourself.
FAQ
Common Questions
Not here? Ask us.
Does ClickUp have a backup?
There is no full-workspace backup or restore. Deleted items can be restored from Trash for a period, and exports give you readable copies of your data.
Is an export the same as a backup?
No. An export is a copy you can read. A backup lets you restore your workspace as it was. Exports do not recreate your structure, views, automations or history.
Can DataFlow restore my workspace?
No. DataFlow exports data on a schedule. It cannot import data back into ClickUp or restore anything.
Does DataFlow export attachments?
It exports attachment names and links, inline or in a separate file. It does not download the attachment files themselves.
Does it export comments?
Not currently.
How long are the files kept?
For a period that depends on your plan. After that they are deleted, so download and store the files you need to keep.
Keep Reading
Related Guides
Scheduled Exports
ClickUp has no built-in scheduled export.
Read the Guide →GuideExport Custom Fields
ClickUp's workspace export leaves out custom fields.
Read the Guide →GuideWorkspace Cleanup
How to clean up a messy ClickUp workspace: merge duplicate custom fields, remove unused setup, and audit what you have before you delete.
Read the Guide →LiveDataFlow
The Kodavara app behind this guide, with features, examples and FAQs.
Learn More →Want Help Setting This Up?
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