Export Your Data
Converge Team
Part of the Help Scout migration guide
Learn how to export your customer data, conversation history, and contacts from Help Scout before migrating to a new platform.
How to Export Your Data from Help Scout
Help Scout does not offer a one-click bulk export for conversations or contacts. Reporting data can be exported as CSV or XLSX from the Reports section, but conversation thread contents are excluded. Full data extraction requires the Mailbox API or a request to Help Scout's support team.
Export Reporting Data (CSV/XLSX)
Go to Reports, select the report type (All Channels, Email, Company, or Happiness), set your date range, then click the Export/Print icon in the top-right corner. Choose CSV or XLSX format and click Export. You'll receive an email with a download link when the file is ready. This export includes conversation metadata (ID, assignee, status, tags, subject, timestamps, custom fields, response times, satisfaction ratings) but does not include conversation thread contents or satisfaction rating comments.
Request a Customer List CSV
Help Scout can provide Account Owners with a .CSV file containing all customer names and email addresses. This must be requested by contacting Help Scout's support team directly -- there's no self-service option. Note that this export does not include conversation history, phone numbers, or custom field data.
Full Export via the Mailbox API
For complete data including conversation threads, customer details, and attachments, you'll need to use the Mailbox API. This requires technical resources to write scripts that paginate through your conversations and contacts. Third-party tools like helpscout-export.com can simplify this process if you don't have developer support.
Knowledge Base (Docs) Export
Docs articles are available through the Docs API. There's no in-app export for knowledge base content. If you have a small number of articles, copying them manually may be faster than writing API scripts.
Saved Replies and Workflows
Help Scout doesn't offer export for saved replies or workflow configurations. Screenshot or manually copy your saved replies so you can recreate them as quick replies on your new platform. Document your workflow conditions and actions for reference during setup.
What to Prioritize
Focus your export effort on what you'll actually need after switching:
- • Customer contacts -- Request the CSV from Help Scout support, or use the API for richer data including phone numbers and custom fields
- • Conversation history -- Export via API for compliance or reference. New conversations will flow into your new platform fresh.
- • Reporting data -- Export from Reports for historical metrics before canceling
- • Saved replies -- Copy manually, these are typically a manageable number
Note: the reporting export permission (Reports: Export reporting data) must be enabled for your user role. Check with your Account Owner if you don't see the export option.
Need the full migration guide?
This page covers export your data specifically. For the complete step-by-step migration process:
Read the complete Help Scout migration guide →Ready to try Converge?
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