# Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade

> Exporting contacts made easy: select desired contacts, customize columns, and download a .csv file for seamless transfers or other uses. No hassle, just quick and efficient contact management.

- Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/bulk-actions/contacts-export-as-csv-upgrade
- Section: Contacts / Bulk Actions
- Reading time: 4 min
- Images: 11, each explained below
- Modified on Wed, 24 Dec, 2025 at 5:59 AM

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Exporting contacts from GHL Customer Care is a simple process that allows you to download and store customer information for various purposes. Whether you need to back up your contact list, migrate data to another CRM, or analyze customer details, exporting to a **CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file** makes it easy. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, explain key export settings, and answer common questions.

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

-   [What is Export Contacts as CSV Upgrade?](#what-is-export-contacts-as-csv-upgrade)[](#key-benefits-of-contacts-export-upgrade)
-   [Key Benefits of Contacts Export Upgrade](#key-benefits-of-contacts-export-upgrade)[](#why-export-contacts)
-   [Why Export Contacts](#why-export-contacts)[](#prerequisites-and-limitations)
-   [Prerequisites and Limitations](#prerequisites-and-limitations)[](#how-to-export-contacts-as-a-csv)
-   [How to Export Contacts as a CSV](#how-to-export-contacts-as-a-csv)[](#frequently-asked-questions)
-   [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[](#related-articles)
-   [Related Articles](#related-articles)

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# **What is Export Contacts as CSV Upgrade?**

The Contacts Export Upgrade replaces the old, browser-based export with a scalable backend service. Instead of waiting for a CSV to download in the foreground, your export job is queued on GHL Customer Care’s servers, processed in parallel, and tracked in real time from the Bulk Actions dashboard. Once complete, a ready-to-download file appears in Bulk Actions and remains available for 30 days.

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## **Key Benefits of Contacts Export Upgrade**

-   **Work Uninterrupted:** Exports run asynchronously—no UI blocking.
-   **Scales to Big Data:** Far fewer failures on multi-million-row datasets.
-   **Real-time Visibility:** Track progress on the Bulk Actions page.
-   **Hands-free Alerts:** Get notified when files are ready—no manual checks.
-   **Built-in Retention:** 30-day cloud storage protects against accidental loss.
-   **Controlled Access:** Admin-only downloads support security and compliance.

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## **Why Export Contacts**

The **Export Contacts** feature lets users download their GHL Customer Care contacts into a CSV file. The exported file contains important details such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, tags, and custom fields (if selected). Some more reasons/use cases are as follows:

-   **CRM Migration** – Moving contacts to a different CRM platform.
-   **Marketing & Outreach** – Creating lists for email or SMS campaigns.
-   **Data Backup & Security** – Storing an offline copy of your contacts.
-   **Team Collaboration** – Sharing lists with colleagues or business partners.
-   **Analytics & Reporting** – Using data to generate insights.

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## **Prerequisites and Limitations**

-   The file will be in **CSV format** and can be opened in **Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet software**.
-   Some data, such as **notes exceeding 255 characters**, may be truncated.
-   Exports do **not include automation history** (e.g., past emails, and SMS logs).
-   **Only Admin Users Can Export Contacts.** If you do not see the export option, check your user role permissions or contact an admin.

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## **How to Export Contacts as a CSV**

### **Step 1**: Navigate to the Contacts Page

1.  Navigate to **Contacts** from your sub-account.
2.  Click on **Smart** **Lists**.

![Step 1: Navigate to the Contacts Page (image 1 of 11)](https://jumpshare.com/share/1mr76Pjvq41YC62X9d9e+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-14+at+11.34.56+PM.png)

**Step 1: Navigate to the Contacts Page (image 1 of 11)**

This screenshot appears in the "Step 1: Navigate to the Contacts Page" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". The text alongside this image reads: Navigate to Contacts from your sub-account. Click on Smart Lists. Immediately after, the guide continues: Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection. Check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export. To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts.
- Where to go: Navigate to Contacts from your sub-account. Click on Smart Lists.
- Controls: Contacts, Smart, Lists
- Next: Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection. Check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export. To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts.

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts from your sub-account.
2. Click on Smart Lists.

### **Step 2:** Selecting Contacts for Export

1.  Use the **Advance Filters** to refine your selection.
    
    
![Step 1 of 3: Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection](https://jumpshare.com/share/ccdRtfqt7fDs0vehmNIg+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-14+at+11.41.32+PM.png)

**Step 1 of 3: Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection**

This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 3 in the "Step 2: Selecting Contacts for Export" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you use the Advance Filters to refine your selection. The next step is to check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export.
- What this covers: Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection.
- Controls: Advance Filters, boxes, all contacts, Select All Contacts.
- Next: Check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export.

Full procedure:

1. Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection.  <- this image
2. Check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export.
3. To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts.

    
2.  Check the **boxes** next to the contacts you want to export.  
    
3.  To export **all contacts**, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on **Select All Contacts.**
    
    
![Step 3 of 3: To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields…](https://jumpshare.com/share/Vqe73k6mjY8tZM1OvVRd+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-14+at+11.49.03+PM.png)

**Step 3 of 3: To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields…**

This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 3 in the "Step 2: Selecting Contacts for Export" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you to export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts.
- What to choose: To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts.
- Controls: all contacts, Select All Contacts., Advance Filters, boxes

Full procedure:

1. Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection.
2. Check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export.
3. To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts.  <- this image

    

### **Step 3:** Customize Fields (Optional)

**Note:** The **CSV file will only contain the columns** that are currently visible in the Contacts table. If a field is missing in your exported data, go back and check the column settings before exporting again.

1.  Click on the **Manage Fields** button.  
    
2.  **Check** or **Uncheck** boxes to include or exclude specific columns in the export.
3.  Once you’ve selected the desired columns, they will be reflected in the **E****xported CSV file**.

![Step 3: Customize Fields (Optional) (image 4 of 11)](https://jumpshare.com/share/O2M5Xzrwz5DHeEd8aIoB+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-14+at+11.56.10+PM.png)

**Step 3: Customize Fields (Optional) (image 4 of 11)**

This screenshot appears in the "Step 3: Customize Fields (Optional)" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". The text alongside this image reads: Click on the Manage Fields button. Check or Uncheck boxes to include or exclude specific columns in the export. Once you’ve selected the desired columns, they will be reflected in the E xported CSV file. Immediately after, the guide continues: After selecting contacts, click on More. Click on Export. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. You’ll see a success message indicating….
- What to click: Click on the Manage Fields button. Check or Uncheck boxes to include or exclude specific columns in the export. Once you’ve selected the desired columns, they will be reflected in the E xported CSV file.
- Controls: CSV file will only contain the columns, Manage Fields, Check, Uncheck, E, xported CSV file
- Next: After selecting contacts, click on More. Click on Export. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.

Full procedure:

1. Click on the Manage Fields button.
2. Check or Uncheck boxes to include or exclude specific columns in the export.
3. Once you’ve selected the desired columns, they will be reflected in the E xported CSV file.

### **Step 4:** Export Contacts

1.  After selecting contacts, click on **More.**  
    
2.  Click on **Export**.
    
    
![Step 2 of 8: Click on Export](https://jumpshare.com/share/6zQc3Epuz42Miqq7DVRu+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-15+at+12.02.19+AM.png)

**Step 2 of 8: Click on Export**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you click on Export. For context, this section explains: After selecting contacts, click on More. Click on Export. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started. Click on Check Progress to see…. The next step is to or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
- What to click: Click on Export.
- Controls: Export, More., three, dots, Export., Check, Progress, push notification
- Next: or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.

Full procedure:

1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
2. Click on Export.  <- this image
3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.

    
3.  or, click on the **three** **dots** beside + Add Contact button and click on **Export.**
    
    
![Step 3 of 8: or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on…](https://jumpshare.com/share/eP9CCZoxSiHY1eSTvI1A+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-15+at+12.12.16+AM.png)

**Step 3 of 8: or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on…**

This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. The next step is to confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
- What to click: or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
- Controls: three, dots, Export., More., Export, Check, Progress, push notification
- Next: Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.

Full procedure:

1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
2. Click on Export.
3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.  <- this image
4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.

    
4.  Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on **Export**.
    
    
![Step 4 of 8: Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export](https://jumpshare.com/share/GP9NMEGJgCLCd50wQuF6+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-15+at+12.19.41+AM.png)

**Step 4 of 8: Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export**

This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. The next step is to you’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
- How to confirm: Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
- Controls: Export, More., three, dots, Export., Check, Progress, push notification
- Next: You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.

Full procedure:

1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
2. Click on Export.
3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.  <- this image
5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.

    
5.  You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
6.  Click on **Check** **Progress** to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
7.  You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
    
    
![Step 7 of 8: You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background](https://jumpshare.com/share/bspEDo6C9zEIv4dPwKC7+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-15+at+12.21.06+AM.png)

**Step 7 of 8: You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background**

This screenshot accompanies step 7 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you you can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background. The next step is to you’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
- What this covers: You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
- Controls: More., Export, three, dots, Export., Check, Progress, push notification
- Next: You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.

Full procedure:

1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
2. Click on Export.
3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.  <- this image
8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.

    
8.  You’ll receive a **push notification** once the export file is ready for download.
    
    
![Step 8 of 8: You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for…](https://jumpshare.com/share/gDd8rmSp2UE2Pt8RPKSN+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-15+at+12.31.07+AM.png)

**Step 8 of 8: You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for…**

This screenshot accompanies step 8 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you you’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
- What this covers: You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
- Controls: push notification, More., Export, three, dots, Export., Check, Progress

Full procedure:

1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
2. Click on Export.
3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.  <- this image

    

### **Step 5:** Downloading from Bulk Actions

1.  Go to **Contacts** > **Bulk Actions**.
    
    
![Step 1 of 4: Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions](https://jumpshare.com/share/pWdaJHArDfA6JcwH3SCR+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-15+at+12.34.45+AM.png)

**Step 1 of 4: Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions**

This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 4 in the "Step 5: Downloading from Bulk Actions" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you go to Contacts > Bulk Actions. For context, this section explains: Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions. Locate your export row — you’ll see: Click Down Arrow(Download) icon to save the file to your system. After 30 days, the download link will be disabled. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Bulk Actions. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. The next step is to locate your export row — you’ll see.

- Path: Contacts > Bulk Actions
- Where to go: Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions.
- Fields: Locate your export row — you’ll see:, Operation: Export, Status: Complete, File name: e.g., Export_Contacts_All_Oct_2025.csv
- Controls: Contacts, Bulk Actions, Down Arrow(Download), disabled
- Next: Locate your export row — you’ll see:

Full procedure:

1. Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions.  <- this image
2. Locate your export row — you’ll see:
3. Click Down Arrow(Download) icon to save the file to your system.
4. After 30 days, the download link will be disabled.

    
2.  Locate your export row — you’ll see:
    
    1.  **Operation:** _Export_
        
    2.  **Status:** _Complete_
        
    3.  **File name:** e.g., Export\_Contacts\_All\_Oct\_2025.csv
3.  Click **Down Arrow(Download)** icon to save the file to your system.
    
4.  After **30** days, the download link will be **disabled**.
    
    
![Step 4 of 4: After 30 days, the download link will be disabled](https://jumpshare.com/share/VzqB5D4os1qDi2UVAXBx+/Screen+Shot+2025-10-15+at+12.38.43+AM.png)

**Step 4 of 4: After 30 days, the download link will be disabled**

This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 4 in the "Step 5: Downloading from Bulk Actions" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you after 30 days, the download link will be disabled. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Bulk Actions. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below.

- Path: Contacts > Bulk Actions
- What this covers: After 30 days, the download link will be disabled.
- Fields: Locate your export row — you’ll see:, Operation: Export, Status: Complete, File name: e.g., Export_Contacts_All_Oct_2025.csv
- Controls: disabled, Contacts, Bulk Actions, Down Arrow(Download)

Full procedure:

1. Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions.
2. Locate your export row — you’ll see:
3. Click Down Arrow(Download) icon to save the file to your system.
4. After 30 days, the download link will be disabled.  <- this image

    

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## **Frequently Asked Questions**

**Q: Where will the file be downloaded to?**

The file will be saved to your device’s local storage (local drive).

**Q: Can I export only specific data fields for each contact in the exported .csv file?**

You can customize the columns in the exported .csv file by selecting or deselecting specific data fields before initiating the export. This way, you can focus on the most relevant information.

**Q: What happens if a contact's latest note exceeds 255 characters?**

Only the latest note of up to 255 characters is included when exporting contacts. If a contact's latest note is longer than this limit, it will be truncated to fit within the 255-character constraint.

**Q: Can I export contacts from multiple accounts or locations simultaneously?**

You must export contacts separately for each sub-account or location. However, you can combine the resulting .csv files in a spreadsheet application to consolidate contact data from multiple sources.

**Q: Is it possible to schedule automatic exports of contact data?**

This feature is not available at this time.

**Q: Who can download exported files?**  
Only **Agency Admins** and **Location Admins** can download completed exports from Bulk Actions.

**Q: How long are exported files available?**  
Export files are available for 30 days. After that, the download option is disabled.

**Q: How do I import the exported .csv file into another contact management platform?**

Most contact management platforms provide an import feature that supports .csv files. You will need to follow the specific import instructions for the target platform, which typically involves mapping the columns in the .csv file to the appropriate fields in the new system.

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## **Related Articles**

-   [Getting Started - Create New Contact](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/getting-started-w-ghl-customer-care/foundational-setup/getting-started-create-and-manage-contacts)
-   Bulk Importing Contacts Via CSV Walkthrough
-   [Getting Started with Smart Lists](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/smart-lists/how-to-create-manage-smart-lists)
-   Contacts - Manage and Merge Duplicates

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Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com