Export Categories Tool for BigCommerce
🔧 Quick Info: Export Categories pulls category information from your BigCommerce store into a CSV or Excel spreadsheet. Export your entire category structure or use filters to select specific categories, then choose the fields you want included in the finished file.
What It Does
Export Categories pulls your BigCommerce categories into a spreadsheet. You choose which categories to include, select the fields you want included as columns, and choose either CSV or Excel as the file format.
You can export your complete category structure or narrow the results using filters such as keyword, selected categories, parent categories, storefront, and visibility.
The export runs as a background job, so you do not need to keep the page open while it processes. When the file is ready, you receive an email containing a link to download it.
When Should You Use This?
- You want a backup or snapshot of your current BigCommerce category structure.
- You plan to edit category information in a spreadsheet and re-import it using Import Categories.
- You need a list of categories for review, reporting, or auditing.
- You want to review category SEO fields, visibility, sort order, URLs, or product counts.
- You need category data for only one storefront, parent category, or selected group of categories.
Before You Get Started
- Decide what you want to export. You can export every category or narrow the results by storefront, keyword, selected categories, parent categories, or visibility.
- Choose a file format. Export the file as CSV or Excel.
- Decide which fields you need. A broad group of fields is selected by default, but you can include or remove individual columns.
- Confirm the delivery email. The completed file is delivered through a download link sent by email.
How to Use It
1 Open the Tool
Open the Export Categories tool from your BigCommerce tools dashboard.
2 Choose the Storefront
If your BigCommerce store has more than one storefront, select the storefront or category tree you want to export. The available category filters update to match your selection.
3 Filter the Categories
On the Select Categories step, leave the optional filters blank to export every category or use one or more filters to narrow the results:
- Category Keyword – Searches the category list by keyword.
- Select Categories – Exports specific categories you choose.
- Select Parent Categories – Limits the export based on selected parent categories.
- Category Visibility – Choose Visible, Not Visible, or All Categories.
4 Enter the Filename
On the Export Options step, review or change the filename. The tool provides a default filename that includes the current date.
5 Choose the File Format
Select the format for the exported file:
- CSV – A simple, universal format supported by most spreadsheet and database applications.
- Excel – An Excel workbook that can be opened directly in Microsoft Excel and compatible spreadsheet applications.
6 Select the Export Fields
Choose the fields you want included as columns in the spreadsheet. A broad set of fields is selected by default, but you can add or remove fields based on what you need.
7 Confirm Email Delivery
On the Email Delivery step, confirm the email address that should receive the download link. Your account email is filled in by default.
8 Start the Export
Start the export. The tool creates the spreadsheet as a background job, so you can close the page while it processes.
9 Download the File
When the export is finished, you’ll receive an email containing a download link. Open the link to download the completed CSV or Excel file.
File and Field Reference
Choose any combination of the fields below to include as columns in your export. A broad set of fields is selected by default.
| Field | Notes |
|---|---|
| ID | The category’s unique BigCommerce ID. |
| Parent ID | The ID of the category’s parent. A value of 0 or a blank value indicates a top-level category. |
| Name | The category name. |
| Description | The category description. |
| Page Title | The SEO page title assigned to the category. |
| Meta Keywords | The category’s meta keywords, joined together with commas. |
| Meta Description | The SEO meta description assigned to the category. |
| Search Keywords | Keywords used by your store’s internal search. |
| Sort Order | The category’s position among categories sharing the same parent. |
| Layout File | The template or layout file assigned to the category. |
| URL | The category’s web address or URL path. |
| Image URL | The complete web address of the category image when one is assigned. |
| Is Visible | Indicates whether the category appears on the storefront using a true or false value. |
| Views | The number of views recorded for the category. |
| Product Count | The number of products assigned to the category. Selecting this field may make the export take longer because the tool must look up the products assigned to each category. |
| Default Product Sort | The default sorting method used for products displayed in the category. |
Export Speed: Selecting Product Count can increase the time needed to create the export because the tool must retrieve product information for every included category.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
I didn’t receive my file
The file is delivered through an email containing a download link after the background job finishes. Confirm that the email address entered on the Email Delivery step is correct and check your spam or junk folder.
My export is taking a long time
Including Product Count requires the tool to look up the products assigned to every category, which can significantly increase processing time. Run the export without Product Count if you do not need that information.
Which file format should I choose?
Choose Excel if you plan to open and edit the file directly in a spreadsheet application. Choose CSV for a simple format that works with most spreadsheet, database, and import tools. Either format can be used with Import Categories.
Can I export only certain categories?
Yes. Use the Category Keyword, Select Categories, Select Parent Categories, Storefront, and Category Visibility filters on the Select Categories step to control which categories are included.