The export command generates a script in MikroTik's proprietary command syntax. This script details every configuration parameter currently set on the router, from IP addresses and firewall rules to queue trees and user permissions.
The primary advantage of an export file (typically saved as a .rsc file) is that it is plain text. This allows administrators to:
To export the entire configuration to a text file stored on the router’s filesystem:
/export file=my-config
This creates a file named my-config.rsc in the router’s root directory (/). You can then download this file via WinBox, FTP, or SCP for safekeeping.
While compact hides details, verbose includes everything—even default settings and initialization commands. This is rarely needed for daily work but is invaluable for debugging why a specific default value was overridden. mikrotik export configuration
Syntax:
/export verbose file=debug-config
MikroTik offers two primary backup methods, and understanding the difference is crucial.
| Feature | Configuration Export (.rsc) | Binary Backup (.backup) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Format | Plain Text Script | Encrypted Binary File |
| Readability | Human-readable | Not readable |
| Portability | Can be restored on different RouterOS versions or hardware models (with manual tweaking). | Best restored on the exact same router model and RouterOS version. |
| Security | Passwords are visible (unless hide-sensitive is used). | Supports strong encryption (encryption flag). |
| Use Case | Migration, auditing, partial restores, version control. | Full disaster recovery (snapshot). |
Best Practice: Maintain both. Use .backup files for quick "bare metal" restores of the same device, and use .rsc files for auditing, migrating to new hardware, and version tracking. The export command generates a script in MikroTik's
To run an exported .rsc script and restore config:
/import file-name.rsc
Or via drag-and-drop into WinBox Files → right-click → Import.
The import will add configuration on top of existing settings. To replace the entire config, first reset:
/system reset-configuration no-defaults=yes skip-backup=yesThen import after reboot.
When executed without arguments, the export command prints the configuration to the terminal screen (standard output). To actually back up the file, you must redirect the output to a file.
The Command:
/export file=my-router-backup
The Result:
This creates a file named my-router-backup.rsc in the router's file list. You can then download this file via FTP, SFTP, WinBox (Dragging and dropping), or TFTP.
Example of a Secure Export:
/export hide-sensitive file=secure-backup-2023-10-27
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