# Export Data Formats

Backing up and exporting your Simkl data ensures you always have a copy of your watch history, ratings, memos, and more. Simkl offers three primary export formats to suit a variety of needs:

1. **Simple .CSV File Backup** (Pro feature)
2. **.zip Archive with JSON File** (Pro feature)
3. **Export via Simkl API** (Free for all SIMKL Members)

{% hint style="success" %}

* It’s 100% free to use for **everyone**, the API to get all your data using <https://api.simkl.com/> that many apps use to export your watch history from SIMKL.
* **Pro members** get access to specialized tool to export in specific easy to read format for excel - CSV files.
* **VIP members** get access to automatic backups that api responds in (json format) to your email or google drive once a month.
  {% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://simkl.com/apps/backup/>" %}

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FPWxQBlDoWxxutZ2rTuyK%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e7ad726a-6514-41fb-9f05-0da62fb28493" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 1. Simple .CSV File Backup

The Simple CSV backup is ideal for users who want a quick snapshot of their watchlist. It includes only the last watched episode for each TV show or anime, without detailed per-episode records. This format is great for spreadsheet analysis or as a lightweight backup.

{% embed url="<https://simkl.com/apps/import/csv/>" %}

#### What’s Included?

* **Simkl ID**: Unique identifier for each title.
* **Title**: Show or movie name.
* **Watchlist Status**: (`watching`, `plan to watch`, `completed`, etc.).
* **WatchedDate**: Date and time when the last episode was watched.
* And few other details

#### How to Download

1. **Go to** your Simkl **Apps → Export →  Backup**.
2. Under **Simple .CSV file backup**, click **Download Backup**.
3. Save the CSV file to your computer.

***

### 2. .zip Archive with JSON File

The JSON export provides a comprehensive backup of your entire Simkl history. All your data is packaged into a single ZIP archive for portability.

#### What’s Included?

* **User Profile**: Account metadata.
* Full list of Movies, TV shows and anime, Watchlist with ratings, etc.
* **Memos**: Personal notes on episodes and titles.
* **External IDs**: `simkl`, `tvdb`, `imdb`, etc.

#### How to Download

1. **Go to** your Simkl  **Apps → Export →  Backup**..
2. Click **Download Backup** under the **.zip archive with .json file**.
3. Extract the ZIP on your device to access the JSON file.

***

### 3. Export Using Simkl API

For developers or power users, the Simkl API allows on‑demand data exports and integration with custom tools. With API access, you can programmatically retrieve your watchlist, history, and metadata in JSON format.

{% embed url="<https://simkl.com/apps/import/json/>" %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**JSON API DOCS: See API Get All items**

Possible values: <https://simkl.docs.apiary.io/#reference/sync/get-all-items/get-all-items-in-the-user's-watchlist>
{% endhint %}

#### Key Endpoint: Get All Items in Watchlist

```
GET https://api.simkl.com/sync/all-items/{type}/{status}?date_from=YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SSZ&extended=full&episode_watched_at=yes&memos=yes
```

* **type**: `anime`, `tv`, or `movie`
* **status**: `watching`, `plan to watch`, `completed`, `dropped`, `on hold`
* **date\_from** (optional): ISO 8601 date to only return items updated after this timestamp
* **extended** (optional): `full` to include episode lists; omit for minimal data
* **episode\_watched\_at** (optional): `yes` to include watch timestamps per episode
* **memos** (optional): `yes` to include user memos

#### Benefits

* Real‑time exports without visiting the website.
* Ideal for creating personal dashboards or syncing with home media servers.
* Highly customizable with query parameters.

***

Exporting your Simkl data safeguards your watch history and empowers you to analyze or migrate it as needed.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of a CSV, the completeness of a JSON backup, or the flexibility of the API, Simkl has you covered.

Always keep a recent export on hand to ensure you never lose track of your viewing journey!