The export command, on the other hand, creates a plain text .rsc (RouterOS script) file of your configuration. This is a standard script that can be easily read, edited, and, most importantly, used to deploy your settings onto a completely different MikroTik device model or RouterOS version. For this reason, export is the essential tool for migrating, replicating, or simply documenting your network's setup.
To generate an export, open the in Winbox or via SSH and use the following commands:
In RouterOS v6 and v7, the export command is "compact" by default. It only exports settings that differ from the factory default configuration. If you want to explicitly enforce this behavior, use: /export compact Use code with caution. Export a Specific Configuration Section
Managing a MikroTik router—whether a small home unit or a massive ISP-level Core Switch—requires careful configuration management. The command-line interface (CLI) in MikroTik RouterOS offers a powerful feature called , which allows administrators to save, transfer, and backup configurations in a human-readable script format. mikrotik export configuration
The primary advantage of an export file (typically saved as a .rsc file) is that it is . This allows administrators to:
Then she dragged the backup-jan-12-2025.rsc file into WinBox’s Terminal and ran:
script file that can be edited or used to migrate settings to another device. Unlike a binary backup, an export allows you to see the exact commands used to configure the router. MikroTik community forum 1. Core Export Commands All exports are performed via the or via SSH. Configuration Management - RouterOS - MikroTik The export command, on the other hand, creates a plain text
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This guide provides a deep dive into using the /export command in RouterOS (current as of 2026), covering everything from simple backups to complex, automated scripting. What is a MikroTik Export File ( .rsc )?
Drag and drop the file directly from WinBox onto your computer desktop. To generate an export, open the in Winbox
: Use a client like FileZilla or WinSCP. Connect using your router's IP and administrator credentials to download the file.
Do not import /user configurations from one router to another, as this can overwrite the admin user or break security.
Only use this when migrating, and immediately delete the file afterward to maintain security.
: Generates a standard text file of CLI commands. It allows you to review configuration logic, edit parameters manually, and deploy the configuration across different MikroTik hardware models. Basic MikroTik Export Commands