A table export copies a selected part of your database into a downloadable file. Use SQL when you need its structure and records for restoration, or CSV when you need data for a spreadsheet. A single-table export is not a complete website or database backup.
The final action may be labelled Export or Go. Available formats and detailed options vary by phpMyAdmin version.
Before you start
- Identify the database and table used by the application. Decide whether you need one table, selected records, or the entire database before exporting.
- Choose secure storage for the download. Tables can contain personal information, access tokens, or business records, so share an export only with an authorized recipient.
Instructions
Select the database
Open cPanel, then Databases and phpMyAdmin. Select the full database name in the left navigation.
Open the required table
Click the table you intend to copy and confirm its name in the page heading. The scope selected before Export determines what you are exporting.
Choose an export format
Open Export. For a restorable table copy, choose SQL. Use CSV only when you need a data file for analysis or a workflow that explicitly requires it.
Review the scope
Use Custom when you need to inspect table, row, or output options. For an SQL backup, include the table structure and required data; avoid unintentionally limiting the export to selected rows.
Download and label the file
Choose Export or Go and save the resulting file. Record its database, table, date, and format so you can distinguish it from a full database backup later.
Check the result
- Confirm the download completed and the file contains the expected table or data columns.
- For recovery use, test the SQL export in a separate database rather than importing it over the live table.
Troubleshooting
- The file contains the wrong scope.
- Return to the required database or table before Export, then review Custom options. Selecting a database instead of a table changes the export scope.
- A CSV file will not restore the application.
- CSV is a data exchange format, not a full replacement for an SQL backup with table structure. Re-export as SQL when that is the recovery requirement.
Watch the video
The video may show an older interface. Use the written instructions above when screen names differ.
Continue with a related task
- How to Download a Backup from cPanel
- How to Import a Database with phpMyAdmin in cPanel
- How to Edit a Database Record with phpMyAdmin in cPanel
