The mikrotik export configuration command is far more than a simple backup tool. It is the bridge between devices, the documentation of your network’s logic, and the scriptable foundation for automation. By mastering flags like compact, verbose, and show-sensitive, and by understanding when to export a full config versus a specific subtree, you gain complete control over your RouterOS environment.
Remember: A network without a recent configuration export is a disaster waiting to happen. Schedule your exports, store them securely, and practice restoring them in a lab. When the unexpected occurs—and it always does—you’ll be grateful for the 20-line .rsc file that brings your entire network back to life.
Next Steps: Create a scheduled export script on your production router today. Then, try to import it into a Cloud Hosted Router (CHR) on your PC. You’ll learn more in one failure and recovery cycle than in hours of reading documentation.
To report or export the configuration of a MikroTik router, you use the /export command in the terminal. Unlike a standard binary backup, an export creates a plain-text script (.rsc) containing the commands needed to recreate your settings. Quick Export Commands
Run these in the New Terminal window within Winbox or an SSH session: Goal Full Report export file=myconfig Saves the entire config to myconfig.rsc. Compact Report export compact file=myconfig Saves only changes from default settings. Verbose Report export verbose file=myconfig
Saves all settings, including defaults (useful for reference). Partial Report /ip address export file=ips Exports only a specific section (e.g., IP addresses). Hide Passwords export hide-sensitive mikrotik export configuration
Exports the config without sensitive data (passwords, keys). Step-by-Step Procedure
export config problem - Beginner Basics - MikroTik community forum
You can filter the export to specific modules:
Restoring is straightforward, but dangerous if you’re connected remotely. The safest method is via local console or serial cable.
Command:
/import file=my-config.rsc
If your export file contains a command that changes the IP address or disables your management interface, you will lose connectivity. Best practice: Always keep an out-of-band management route or use Safe Mode (/system safe-mode) before importing.
Safe Mode Sequence:
Use MikroTik’s built-in scheduler to export your config to a file every day, then upload it to an FTP server or email it.
Example scheduler script:
/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"
Note: Replace the email settings and file naming as needed. The mikrotik export configuration command is far more
The true power of mikrotik export configuration lies in its optional parameters. Using the right flags can save you hours of editing.
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.
Syntax:
/export verbose file=debug-config
/interface export file=interfaces
This method creates a valid script that contains only the commands from that submenu. You can later import the firewall-only.rsc file onto another router without affecting its existing interface or routing settings.