> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.pears.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.pears.io/engage/direct-contacts/export.md).

# Export

Export direct contact data from PEARS as an Excel workbook.

The Direct Contacts export generates an Excel (.xlsx) workbook containing your direct contact records, including demographic breakdowns and contact method totals. The file downloads as `Direct Contact Export` followed by the date and time the export was run.

## Getting Started

To export direct contacts, navigate to the Direct Contacts list under the **Engage** menu and click the **Export** button. The export includes all direct contacts matching your current filters.

The arrow next to the **Export** button opens a menu of additional options. If your account has permission to export uploads, that menu includes **Export with Uploads**, which delivers the workbook together with an archive of the files attached to the exported records. Exports that include uploads are always emailed to you rather than downloaded in your browser.

![Screenshot: The Direct Contacts list view with the Export button highlighted and active filter options for reporting period, unit, and program area visible above the records table](https://2560412328-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Ff0820LrBGQ9ZA8SC4BR1%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-304b68a56586f199e95022e1f68e037c7cc66f91%2Fdirect-contacts-export-button.png?alt=media)

{% hint style="info" %}
**TIP:** Apply filters before exporting to limit the results to a specific reporting period, unit, or program area. Large exports are processed in the background and you will receive an email when the file is ready to download.
{% endhint %}

## Workbook Structure

The export workbook contains the following worksheets:

* **Codebook** — Describes each column in the workbook and provides notes about the exported data.
* **Direct Contact Data** — One row per direct contact record with fields including the reporting user, organization, reporting periods, unit, program areas, linked action plans, date range, total contacts, contact method breakdowns (in person, phone, email, video conference, social media, text, other), demographic breakdowns by gender, age, ethnicity, and race, comments, attachment counts, custom fields, completion status, and timestamps. The action plan columns are included when your organization uses the **Action Plans** field on direct contacts.