---
title: "Exporting your matter data from Notion"
url: https://thematteros.com/features/data_export
updated: 2026-10-17
author: Raghav Handa
---

# Exporting your matter data from Notion

Because MatterOS lives in your own Notion workspace, you export its data with Notion's export tools, which can produce formats such as Markdown, CSV and PDF depending on what you export. The template has no export button of its own. Exports are useful as backups and for moving to another system.

## Key takeaways

- You own the data; there is no separate MatterOS account to close.
- Use Notion's export for pages and database CSVs, and check what the file keeps.
- Test a restore or import before you rely on any export as a backup.
- Treat export files as sensitive client information and store them accordingly.

## What you can export

| Part of MatterOS | Useful export | Check |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Matters, Actions, Time, Clients | CSV of each database | Relations may export as text names rather than live links |
| Matter pages and notes | Markdown or PDF | Layout and embedded databases can differ |
| Evidence files | Attached files in the export | Linked files stored elsewhere are not included |
| Research library | Markdown or CSV | Cross-references between notes |

- Notion: export your content: https://www.notion.com/help/export-your-content


## A backup routine

1. Choose a schedule that matches how much change your practice sees, such as monthly.
2. Export the workspace or the key databases with Notion's export tool.
3. Store the file in an encrypted location that meets your firm's retention and access rules.
4. Open the export once to confirm it is readable.
5. Delete old exports when your policy says to.


## Leaving or switching

If you ever move away from Notion, export each database as CSV and keep the matter relation columns, because they let another system rebuild links. The template does not include migration scripts, so plan for some manual mapping.

- Matter management in Notion: https://thematteros.com/blog/matter-management-in-notion


## What the template cannot do

MatterOS has no backup service, no scheduled export and no copy of your data on our side. Backup responsibility sits with you and with Notion's own service. Check Notion's current documentation on backups, trash and retention, and your professional rules on keeping client files.

- Security and responsibility: https://thematteros.com/security


## FAQ

### Does MatterOS back up my data?

No. Your data is in your Notion workspace, so exports and backups are your responsibility.

### Can I export to CSV?

Notion can export databases as CSV. Check the current help article for options and limits.

### Will relations survive an export?

They usually appear as text. Verify with a test export.

### Do I lose the template if I cancel Notion?

You keep the files you exported. The live workspace depends on your Notion account.

## Sources

- [Notion: Export your content](https://www.notion.com/help/export-your-content)