# rds-export

Part of **RDS**

# ApsaraDB RDS Data Export and Import Console Guide

## Operations Overview

| Operation | Console Entry | Prerequisites | Description |
|----------|---------------|---------------|-------------|
| Export Data | Console > DMS > Data Export > Create Export Task | Source RDS instance must be accessible in DMS; Correct character encoding must be verified in query results | Export RDS table data and/or structure to SQL, CSV, or Excel formats via DMS |

## Operation Steps

### Export Data

**Navigation**: Console > DMS > Data Export > Create Export Task

**Prerequisites**:
- Source RDS instance must be accessible in DMS
- Correct character encoding must be verified in query results

1. Navigate to the **Data Export** section in DMS  
   - Element: **Data Export** (menu) — left navigation panel

2. Select the export task option  
   - Element: **Export** (menu) — left navigation panel

3. Configure export settings on the task creation page  
   - Element: **Tables to export** (checkbox) — main content area  
     - Notes: Select one or more tables to include in the export.

4. Choose the output file format  
   - Element: **File type** (dropdown) — main content area  
     - Options: SQL script, CSV file, Excel file

5. (Optional) Specify the character encoding  
   - Element: **Character set** (dropdown) — main content area  
     - Options: UTF-8, GBK, GB2312  
     - Notes: Default is UTF-8. Verify encoding matches your source data to avoid corruption.

6. Select what content to export  
   - Element: **Export content** (radio) — main content area  
     - Options: Data only, Structure only, Data and structure  
     - Notes: For full data restoration to self-managed instances, select **Data and structure**.

7. Submit the export task  
   - Element: **Submit** (button) — main content area  
     - Notes: After clicking, a confirmation may appear. Wait for the success message indicating the export task has been queued.

| Parameter | Type | Required | Options/Values | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|----------------|-------------|
| Tables to export | checkbox | Yes | — | Select one or more tables to include in the export. |
| File type | dropdown | Yes | SQL script, CSV file, Excel file | Choose the format of the exported file. |
| Character set | dropdown | No | UTF-8, GBK, GB2312 | Specify the character encoding for the exported file. |
| Export content | radio | Yes | Data only, Structure only, Data and structure | Define what parts of the table are included in the export. |

## FAQ

Q: Where can I find the Data Export feature in the console?  
A: Go to the Data Management Service (DMS) console, then use the left navigation panel to select **Data Export** > **Export**.

Q: What should I select in "Export content" if I want to restore data to a self-managed database?  
A: Select **Data and structure** to include both table schema and row data, which is required for full restoration.

Q: Can I export multiple tables at once?  
A: Yes. Use the **Tables to export** checkboxes to select one or more tables in the same export task.

Q: Why is my exported file showing garbled text?  
A: This usually occurs due to a character encoding mismatch. Verify the correct **Character set** (e.g., UTF-8, GBK) matches your source data before exporting.

Q: Do I need special permissions to use the export feature in DMS?  
A: You must have access to the RDS instance within DMS and sufficient permissions to read the target tables. Instance ownership or DMS logical database permissions are typically required.

## Pricing & Billing

### Billing Model  
Export operations are typically free within the DMS service limits. DMS export features are part of the free tier for eligible accounts.

### Free Tier  
No explicit cost mentioned; DMS export features are part of the free tier for eligible accounts.

### Billing Notes  
Export operations are typically free within the DMS service limits. Check the DMS pricing page for any usage-based charges.