Mikrotik Export Configuration Official

One of the most powerful features often overlooked by beginners is the ability to export only a specific configuration subtree. You don't always need the whole router config.

While the terminal is the most powerful interface, WinBox and WebFig also offer export functionality:

WinBox:

WebFig:

⚠️ Important distinction:

The MikroTik /export command is a powerful feature that allows you to dump your device's configuration into a human-readable script file (.rsc). Unlike binary backups, exported files can be edited in any text editor and used to clone settings onto different hardware. Key Feature Highlights mikrotik export configuration

The following options allow you to customize how your configuration is prepared: Difference between backup and export-how to monitor changes

Master MikroTik Configurations: A Guide to the Export Command

Managing a MikroTik router requires more than just setting up rules; it involves ensuring you can recover, migrate, or audit your setup at any time. While many users rely on the standard "Backup" feature, the /export command is often the superior choice for flexibility and readability. Understanding the /export Command

Unlike a standard binary backup—which is a full system snapshot intended only for the exact same hardware—an export generates a human-readable script in .rsc format. This script contains the CLI commands required to recreate your current configuration from scratch. Why Use Export Instead of Backup?

Portability: You can easily copy and paste parts of the script into a different MikroTik model. One of the most powerful features often overlooked

Transparency: You can open the .rsc file in any text editor (like Notepad++) to see exactly what has been configured.

Selective Export: You can export the entire router or just specific sections, such as /ip firewall or /interface wireless. How to Export Your Configuration

The most common way to run an export is via the New Terminal in Winbox or WebFig. 1. Exporting to the Terminal Screen If you just want to see the configuration quickly, type: /export Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard

This will print your entire configuration directly into the terminal window. 2. Saving to a File

To save the configuration as a file that you can download later, use the file argument: /export file=MyFullConfig Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard WebFig:

After running this, a file named MyFullConfig.rsc will appear in your Files list. 3. Exporting Specific Sections

If you only need your firewall rules, navigate to that menu first or specify the path: /ip firewall export file=FirewallOnly Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 4. The "Compact" Export (Recommended)

In newer versions of RouterOS (v6+), the export is "compact" by default, meaning it only shows changes from the default factory configuration. To ensure a clean script, many admins use: /export hide-sensitive file=SafeConfig Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard

Note: The hide-sensitive flag ensures passwords and private keys are not included in the plain-text file. Moving the Configuration

First Time Configuration - RouterOS - MikroTik Documentation

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Here is a "Long Content" example of what a standard Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) MikroTik configuration looks like when exported. You can copy this structure to document your own network or restore a backup.

# software id = A1B2-C3D4
# model = RB750Gr3
# serial number = ABC12345678
/interface bridge
add admin-mac=48:A9:8A:12:34:56 auto-mac=no comment=defconf name=bridge-local
/Interface ethernet
set [ find default-name=ether1 ] name=ether1-WAN
set [ find default-name=ether2 ] name=ether2-LAN
set [ find default-name=ether3 ] name=ether3-LAN
set [ find default-name=ether4 ] name=ether4-LAN
set [ find default-name=ether5 ] name=ether5-LAN
/interface wireless
/export show-sensitive file=full-sensitive-backup

/ip firewall export file=firewall-only