AutomationExport Orders To A CSV File
Last updated: October 07 2024
Written and researched by experts at Avada
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By
Sam 
Are you feeling overwhelmed by a sea of order data within your Shopify store? Let us unlock the power of data-driven decision-making and streamline your order management by guiding you on how to export orders to a CSV file on Shopify.
Ready to simplify your workflow and gain valuable insights? Keep reading to learn how!
How to Export Orders to a CSV File on Shopify
Step 1: Access Orders
- In your Shopify admin, click on Orders in the left sidebar.
Step 2: Filter Orders (Optional)
- If you need to export specific orders, use the search bar or filters to narrow down the list.
Step 3: Export Orders
- Click the Export button located at the top right corner of the page.
Step 4: Choose Export Options
In the popup, select the desired options:
- Orders to export: “Current page” (visible orders) or “All orders”
- Export as: Choose “CSV for Excel, Numbers, or other spreadsheet programs”
Step 5: Start Export
- Click the Export orders button.
Remember, exporting orders is a great way to gain insights into your sales data and streamline your business operations.
Troubleshooting guide
Exporting orders to CSV is usually straightforward, but even I’ve run into a few hiccups along the way. Here are some common issues you might face, and how to troubleshoot them based on my experience:
“Export Orders” button is grayed out/unclickable
- Filtered View: Ensure you’re on the main “Orders” page, not a filtered view. Some filters may limit export functionality. I once spent ages trying to export from a filtered view before realizing my mistake!
- Browser Issue: It’s rare, but sometimes a browser glitch can cause this. Try a hard refresh (Ctrl+Shift+R or Cmd+Shift+R) or a different browser.
Email with CSV download link never arrives
- Check Spam: The email might be in your spam or promotions folder. Double-check there first.
- Wait Time: For very large exports, it can take a while. Shopify usually states an estimated time on the export confirmation page. Give it a bit longer before panicking.
- Email Settings: Ensure your Shopify account has the correct email associated with it and that it’s not bouncing emails.
Downloaded CSV is blank or has errors
- Re-export: Sometimes, the export process can glitch. Try exporting again, perhaps with a smaller date range to see if that works.
- App Conflicts: If you use apps that heavily modify orders, they might interfere with the export. Try disabling them temporarily and re-exporting.
- Shopify Support: If you keep getting bad files, it’s time to contact Shopify Support. They can check on their end if there’s a system issue.
CSV Formatting Issues when Opening
- Encoding: This is the most common culprit. When opening the CSV in Excel or other software, make sure to specify the encoding as UTF-8.
- Column Delimiters: Some software might misinterpret the separators between columns. Check if your program allows choosing the delimiter (usually a comma).
When to Export Orders to a CSV File on Shopify
- In-Depth Sales Analysis: I once needed to understand customer purchasing patterns across different product categories and time periods. Exporting orders to CSV allowed me to pivot the data in spreadsheets, revealing insights that Shopify’s built-in reports couldn’t provide.
- Accounting & Reconciliation: When it’s tax time, having a clean CSV of all transactions makes reconciling with my accounting software a breeze. It’s saved me hours of manual cross-checking!
- Custom Reporting: Shopify’s built-in reports are good for the basics, but sometimes I need a specific view. Exporting orders lets me build custom reports tailored to my needs, whether it’s tracking a specific promotion’s performance or analyzing customer demographics.
- Data Backup & Archiving: It’s always wise to have a local copy of your crucial data. Regularly exporting orders provides a backup in case of any unexpected issues with Shopify’s system.
- Integration with Other Systems: If I want to use my order data in a CRM, email marketing platform, or other tool, exporting to CSV is often the easiest way to make that data transfer happen smoothly.
- Order Fulfillment (Especially for Large Stores): For bulk shipments or when coordinating with a fulfillment center, providing them with a CSV of orders is often more efficient than them logging into your Shopify admin.
- Troubleshooting & Dispute Resolution: If there’s a payment dispute or customer inquiry about a past order, having the full order details in a CSV can be helpful for quick reference and investigation.
FAQs
Shopify's built-in export function doesn't offer column customization, so you'll export all standard order details. If you need specific data, filter the orders before exporting or manipulating the CSV file afterward in a spreadsheet program.
Yes, custom fields added to your orders will generally be included in the CSV export. However, the exact column name might differ slightly, so check the CSV headers carefully.
Large exports can take time, and Shopify might email you the file instead of providing an immediate download. Consider filtering by date range or using third-party apps for faster or scheduled exports if you regularly need large datasets.
This often happens due to encoding issues. Try opening the CSV in a different spreadsheet program or text editor, specifying the encoding as UTF-8. If the problem persists, reach out to Shopify support for assistance.
Exporting orders only creates a copy of the data; it doesn't delete anything from your store. You can safely export your orders without worrying about losing any information.
In conclusion
Mastering the art of exporting your Shopify orders to a CSV file opens up a world of possibilities for in-depth analysis, seamless integration with other systems, and streamlined business operations. Have you leveraged the power of order exports to gain valuable insights or optimize your workflow? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.
