/system scheduler add name="daily-export" interval=1d start-time=02:00:00 on-event= /export compact file="daily-backup-[/system clock get date]" /tool e-mail send to="admin@example.com" subject="Daily Router Config" file="daily-backup-[/system clock get date].rsc"
Use both . Schedule daily binary backups for disaster recovery and regular text exports for version control, documentation, and cross-platform migration. Advanced Techniques: Automation and Remote Export Exporting via SSH You can export a configuration directly to your local machine without storing a file on the router first. Using SSH, run: mikrotik export configuration
/export compact file=my-compact-config When you want to quickly see only the custom settings on a router, or when you need a smaller script for slow management links. 2. verbose – The Nuclear Option 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. This is rarely needed for daily work but
/import file=migration-full.rsc after reboot. Run /export compact again and compare with the original using a diff tool. Restoring from an Export File Restoring is straightforward, but dangerous if you’re connected remotely. The safest method is via local console or serial cable. At its core
This article dives deep into every aspect of the export command on RouterOS, from basic syntax to advanced scripting techniques, ensuring you never lose a critical configuration again. At its core, exporting a configuration means converting the active RouterOS configuration (stored in the binary .backup file or the live running configuration) into a human-readable, ASCII text script. This script consists of RouterOS CLI commands that, when run on another MikroTik device, would recreate the original setup.
/export verbose file=debug-config By default, RouterOS hides sensitive information like passwords, PSKs for wireless, and VPN secrets. They appear as "..." in the export. The show-sensitive flag reveals this information in plain text.
/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. The true power of mikrotik export configuration lies in its optional parameters. Using the right flags can save you hours of editing. 1. compact – Removing the Fluff The compact flag removes comments, default values, and redundant command snippets. The result is a lean, minimal script that only contains settings that deviate from defaults.