> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wplake.gitbook.io/advanced-views/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wplake.gitbook.io/advanced-views/features/workflow/components-export.md).

# Components export tool

In Advanced Views, [*Layouts*](/advanced-views/getting-started/first-layout.md) and [Post Selections](/advanced-views/getting-started/first-post-selection.md) are the primary entities, which can be exported and imported using the **Export** tool. It makes it easy to back them up or replicate them across different installations.

#### Component export vs. Cross-installation components

Both features support exporting and importing components, but they serve different purposes.

1. **Component export** is the simplest option for creating backups or performing a one-time migration of components between installations.
2. [Cross-Installation components](/advanced-views/features/workflow/cross-installation-components.md) are designed for long-term reuse across multiple installations. They let you maintain standalone, reusable components, which include related Meta Groups**.**

## **1. How to export components**

1. Visit your admin area and open the Advanced Views: Tools Page. 
2. Click on the Export tab.
3. Switch on *Export All Layouts* and *Export All Post Selection* to export all of the items. 
4. (Alternatively, select the relevant *Layouts* and *Post Selections* to export from the list.) 
5. **Click** on the **Process** button to export the file.

<figure><img src="/files/u64C0CQKAZLYwKrw6zG3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once the export has completed, you'll see a **Success!** message with the number of *Layouts* and/or *Post Selections* that were exported.

<figure><img src="/files/pU7ZdRLGeJqbniWbtbLk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After that, your browser will automatically download the generated export file in a `.txt` format. Internally, this file contains JSON, but the format is used to simplify further uploading.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Note: Advanced Views exports include only its own *Layouts* and *Post Selections*.

Related **ACF /Meta Box or Pods Field Groups** won’t be included; you need to handle them separately.
{% endhint %}

## **2. How to import components**

{% hint style="warning" %}
Important! **First import** the related **ACF, Meta Box, or Pods Field Groups,** then import your *Layouts* and *Post Selections*.
{% endhint %}

1. Visit your admin area and open the Advanced Views: Tools Page.&#x20;
2. Click on the Import tab.
3. &#x20;Click on the **Add File** button to upload the 'acf-views-export-yyyy-mm-dd.txt' file.

<figure><img src="/files/p8Emx2Vr9i8YUiKGd9xS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once the import file has been assigned, click on the **Process** button to import.

<figure><img src="/files/8bWkUCFrOkGfZYmvzuiC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once the export has completed, you'll see a **Success!** message with the number of *Layouts* and/or *Post Selections* that were imported.