> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.begin.eu/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Export workspace data
> Download the owner’s archive of workspace records before closing or moving a workspace.
Request a workspace export when you need a copy of the records held by the whole workspace. It includes records for people who have left, alongside schedules, timesheets, payroll runs, documents and settings.
Only the workspace owner can request and download this archive. An administrator who is not the
owner does not see the workspace export card.
## Request the archive
Check the workspace switcher, then go to **Settings → Workspace settings**.
Scroll to **Workspace data** and choose **Request export** in the **Workspace export** row.
The row shows that Begin is gathering your data. You can leave the page while it runs; larger
workspaces can take longer.
Return to the same row. When it is ready, select **Download** and save the ZIP file before the
expiry date shown.
The archive contains workspace records as JSON and CSV, not uploaded files; download documents separately from Documents. You can request at most two exports an hour. Keep this export separate from an ordinary report export: it covers the workspace, rather than one report or selected date range. You can inspect the exported files, but Begin has no self-service import to restore a workspace from this archive.
## Resolve an unavailable download
| What you see | What to do |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Preparing | Wait for the current request; only one export can be prepared at a time. |
| Ready | Download before the displayed expiry. The file remains available for seven days after completion. |
| Failed | Choose **Request a new export**. Contact support if it keeps failing. |
| Expired | Choose **Request a new export** to prepare another copy. |
If **Workspace data** is missing, check that you are the owner of the selected workspace. Giving someone general workspace-management permission does not grant export access.
## Download before deleting
If you plan to delete the workspace, wait for the export to finish and download it first. A
request still being prepared is not a copy you have saved.
For only your own records in the current workspace, use [your personal data export](/for-managers/settings/privacy-and-data). That is a separate archive with different access and contents.
* The workspace export query, request and download all enforce ownership. A Begin support session is refused even when it can otherwise administer the workspace.
* Export scope includes the workspace roster, including former members, and eligible tenant data. It is not a person or date-range filter.
* Authentication credentials and operational secrets are not part of a customer export.
* Requests are limited to two an hour; requests and downloads are recorded in the audit log. Uploaded files are not bundled.
* Expiry cleanup removes the prepared archive, not the live workspace records. The workspace must remain accessible to request and download its archive.
## Next
Prepare to close the workspace.
Review recorded workspace activity.
## Still need help?
Email the Begin team and we'll get back to you.
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