# Export a table

The export control turns the table in front of you into text you can take elsewhere: a Markdown table to paste into a note, a CSV to open in a spreadsheet, or the code that embeds the table 1back into a note. Open it from the **export** control on the table toolbar.

## The export menu

| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Copy Markdown table | Copies the table as a Markdown table to the clipboard |
| Copy CSV | Copies the table as CSV to the clipboard |
| Export CSV file | Downloads the table as a `.csv` file |
| Copy table embed code | Copies the `operon-table` code block that embeds this table in a note. See [Embed a table in a note](/docs/docs-110-embed-a-table-in-a-note/) |

If the table has no rows, there is nothing to export and Operon tells you so.

## What gets exported

Export uses the table's current rows and columns:

- **The visible columns**, in their current order. Hidden columns are left out, and the line number, task icon, and task type helper columns are included when they are shown.
- **The current row set**, in the current sort order and narrowed by whatever filter, search text, and scopes are active. Export a filtered or searched table and you export just that slice, not every task and not only the rows currently visible in the viewport.
- **Textual cell values**, using the same display text the table resolves for its cells. Helper columns and compact-rendered cells export their underlying text or icon value, not the visual-only button or compact rendering.

The export is a flat table: it carries the header row and the data rows, but not the [group headings](/docs/docs-107-table-grouping-and-sorting/) or the [summary](/docs/docs-108-table-summaries/) footers. If you want a grouped or summarized breakdown, read it in the table itself.

## Markdown and CSV

The two text formats suit different destinations:

- **Markdown table** pastes straight into a note as a normal Markdown table. Line breaks inside a cell become `<br>` and any pipe characters are escaped, so the table stays valid.
- **CSV** opens in any spreadsheet. Values are quoted and escaped as CSV needs, and a cell that begins with a spreadsheet formula character is written safely so a spreadsheet does not treat it as a formula.

**Export CSV file** downloads the same CSV as a file named after the preset and the date and time, so repeated exports stay easy to tell apart.

## Copy embed code

The last option, **Copy table embed code**, does not export the data. It copies the small code block that renders this preset's table inside a note, the same block described in [Embed a table in a note](/docs/docs-110-embed-a-table-in-a-note/). Reach for it when you want a live table in a note rather than a static copy.

## Tips

> [!tip] Filter first, then export
> Export takes the table as it stands. Narrow it with the search box and scopes, or switch to a tighter preset, before you export. You get exactly the slice you want and nothing else.

## FAQ

**Does export include hidden columns?** No. Only the visible columns are exported, in their current order.

**Does it respect my filter and search?** Yes. Export takes the current filtered, searched, and sorted row set, so any active filter, search text, or scope is reflected.

**Are group headings and summaries exported?** No. The export is a flat header-and-rows table. Read groups and summaries in the table itself. See [Table grouping and sorting](/docs/docs-107-table-grouping-and-sorting/) and [Table summaries](/docs/docs-108-table-summaries/).

**What is the difference between the CSV options?** Copy CSV puts it on the clipboard; Export CSV file downloads it as a `.csv` file.

**Is Copy table embed code an export of my data?** No. It copies the code block that embeds the live table in a note, not the rows. See [Embed a table in a note](/docs/docs-110-embed-a-table-in-a-note/).

## Related

- [Operon Docs MOC](/docs/docs-001-operon-docs-moc/)
- [Table overview](/docs/docs-105-table-overview/)
- [Table columns](/docs/docs-106-table-columns/)
- [Table cells: display and behavior](/docs/docs-112-table-cells-display-and-behavior/)
- [Table grouping and sorting](/docs/docs-107-table-grouping-and-sorting/)
- [Table summaries](/docs/docs-108-table-summaries/)
- [Embed a table in a note](/docs/docs-110-embed-a-table-in-a-note/)
- [Table presets](/docs/docs-109-table-presets/)