Export Categories Tool for BigCommerce
? Quick Info: You can export categories from BC to a file.
What it does
Export Categories pulls your BigCommerce categories into a spreadsheet. You choose which categories to include, pick the fields (columns) you want, and select a file format. The export runs in the background, and when it is ready you receive an email with a link to download the file.
When to use it
- You want a backup or snapshot of your category structure.
- You plan to bulk-edit categories in a spreadsheet and re-import them with Import Categories.
- You need a list of categories with their SEO fields, visibility, sort order, or product counts for review or reporting.
Before you start
- Decide what to export. You can export everything or narrow it down by keyword, specific categories, parent categories, or visibility.
- Pick a file format: CSV or Excel.
- Know where the file goes. The finished file is emailed to you as a download link, so make sure the email address is correct.
Step-by-step
1 Open the Export Categories tool.
2 Select Categories step:
- If your store has more than one storefront, choose the storefront (category tree).
- Optionally type a Category Keyword to filter the list.
- Optionally choose specific categories under Select Categories, or limit by Select Parent Categories.
- Optionally set Category Visibility to Visible, Not Visible, or leave it on All Categories.
3 Export Options step:
- Enter a Filename (a default name with today’s date is provided).
- Choose a File Format (CSV or Excel).
- Pick your columns on the Choose your file’s columns screen. Fields are grouped into sections (Category, SEO, Visibility & Stats) that you can search and select all at once.
4 Email Delivery step: the download link is emailed to you when the export finishes — your own email is prefilled; change it or turn email delivery off on this step if you prefer.
5 Start the export. It runs in the background.
6 Download your file from the tool when it finishes — or from the link in the email.
File / field reference
Pick any combination of the fields below to include as columns in your export. By default a broad set is pre-selected.
| Field | Notes |
|---|---|
| Id | The category’s unique ID. |
| Parent Id | The ID of the parent category (0 or blank means top level). |
| Name | The category name. |
| Description | The category description. |
| Page Title | SEO page title. |
| Meta Keywords | Keywords, joined together with commas. |
| Meta Description | SEO meta description. |
| Search Keywords | Keywords used by your store’s search. |
| Sort Order | The category’s position among its siblings. |
| Layout File | The template/layout file assigned to the category. |
| URL | The category’s web address (path). |
| Image URL | Full web address of the category image, when one is set. |
| Is Visible | Whether the category shows on your storefront (true/false). |
| Views | Number of views recorded for the category. |
| Product Count | How many products are in the category. (Including this looks up each category’s products, so the export may take longer.) |
| Default Product Sort | The default sort order for products in the category. |
Troubleshooting / FAQ
I didn’t get my file.
Check your spam folder, confirm the email address on the Email Delivery step, and make sure delivery wasn’t turned off (it’s on by default for exports). You can also download the file from the tool once the background job finishes.
My export is taking a long time.
Including Product Count makes the tool look up products for every category, which adds time. Leave it unticked if you don’t need it.
Which format should I pick?
Use Excel if you want to open it directly in a spreadsheet app, or CSV for a simple, universal format. Either can be re-imported with Import Categories.
Can I export only some categories?
Yes. Use the keyword, category, parent category, and visibility filters on the Select Categories step.