---
metadata:
  - name: generator
    content: Diplodoc Platform v5.50.6
alternate:
  - https://ydb.tech/docs/en/recipes/backup-collections/exporting-to-external-storage.md?version=main
  - https://ydb.tech/docs/ru/recipes/backup-collections/exporting-to-external-storage.md?version=main
sourcePath: en/core/recipes/backup-collections/exporting-to-external-storage.md
---
> **Documentation Index:** Fetch the complete configuration index at https://ydb.tech/docs/en/llms.txt

# Exporting Backups to External Storage

Export backup collections to S3-compatible storage or filesystem for disaster recovery.

## Export to S3

For large backups or disaster recovery, export directly to S3-compatible storage:

```bash
# Export a backup collection to S3
ydb export s3 \
  --s3-endpoint storage.yandexcloud.net \
  --bucket my-backup-bucket \
  --item src=.backups/collections/production_backups,dst=backups/production_backups

# Export specific backup to S3
ydb export s3 \
  --s3-endpoint storage.yandexcloud.net \
  --bucket my-backup-bucket \
  --item src=.backups/collections/production_backups/20250821141425Z_full,dst=backups/20250821141425Z_full
```

## Export to filesystem

For smaller backups or local testing, export to local filesystem:

```bash
# Export a backup collection
ydb tools dump -p .backups/collections/production_backups -o /backup/exports/production_backups_export

# Export specific backup from a collection
ydb tools dump -p .backups/collections/production_backups/20250601120000Z_full -o /backup/exports/backup_20250601
```

## Export best practices

- **Export each backup separately**: Export full backups and incrementals individually to maintain chain integrity
- **Preserve chain order**: When exporting a chain, export the full backup first, then incrementals in order
- **Verify exports**: Check that exported data is complete before deleting cluster-stored backups
- **Schedule regular exports**: Automate exports to external storage for disaster recovery

## Next steps

- [Importing and Restoring Backups](https://ydb.tech/docs/en/recipes/backup-collections/importing-and-restoring.md?version=main)
- [Backup Maintenance and Cleanup](https://ydb.tech/docs/en/recipes/backup-collections/maintenance-and-cleanup.md?version=main)