As one of the best eCommerce platforms, Shopify offers a range of built-in tools to export product data. But does this functionality extend to Shopify export collections – and if not, how can you download them with minimal effort?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! This article will address all your questions and explain detailed steps:
- Step 1. Install StoreRobo
- Step 2. Select the CSV template
- Step 3. Pick the data type to export
- Step 4. Choose the fields to export
- Step 5. Export Shopify products in collections
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Can You Export Collections Shopify?
Not directly. Shopify’s admin interface does not currently offer a built-in feature to export collections as a CSV file. You can export products, but collections must be handled differently.
That said, there are reliable third-party tools that let you export collection data with ease. In the following sections, we’ll walk you through two effective Shopify export collections solutions to help you download your Shopify collections efficiently.
Shopify Export Collections: How to Export Shopify Products Using Apps
To address Shopify’s lack of built-in tools, our team has conducted extensive research for the most reliable third-party export apps. Among the options we tested were popular titles like Collections Import Export Pro, EZ Exporter, IMPEX Collection Import Export, and others. While these apps performed adequately for small collections, we were not satisfied with the slow speeds, frequent lags, and missing data upon export completion.
Ultimately, our members agreed to narrow our options down to StoreRobo Import Export.
Although the Enterprise package ($100/month for unlimited collections) admittedly did not live up to expectations, we were quite impressed by the performance of its Basic plan ($10/month for up to 300 collections) and the Pro plan ($20/month for up to 3,000 collections), both about 17% cheaper if billed yearly. Plus, the Free plan allows you to export up to 10 collections, so you can always test it out before committing.
Besides CSV, the app also exports to Excel (XLSX) and Google Sheets, and its paid plans let you schedule exports or send files straight to FTP/SFTP.
Below is the step-by-step guide in this Shopify tutorial on how to download Shopify export collections with this app:
Step 1. Install StoreRobo
First, go to the Shopify App Store and type “StoreRobo Import Export” into the search bar. Once the app appears on the results page, click “Install” to connect it to your Shopify store.
Step 2. Select the CSV template
Now, open the app’s Home page. Under the Export section, select “Shopify CSV” as your template, then click “Proceed” to move on to Step 3.
Step 3. Pick the data type to export
Next, under “Select data,” choose Smart Collections (automated collections) or Custom Collections (manual collections) as the data type you want to export from your Shopify store.
Step 4. Choose the fields to export
Here, click on the data type you selected earlier in Step 3 to view more options. Under “Columns,” you can use checkboxes to select the specific fields you want to include.
If desired, click “Add new filter” and use the following filters to narrow down the data you are exporting:
- Handle
- Title
- Published at
- Updated at
- Product count
Step 5. Export Shopify products in collections
Finally, click “Export” to export products from Shopify in collections immediately, or click “Schedule” to run the export at a later time.
Once your Shopify export collections job changes to “Completed” (you’ll also get an email notification), simply download your collection data as a CSV file from the app.
Other Apps for Shopify Export Collections
Although StoreRobo Import Export stands out as our top pick for Shopify export collections, it’s always wise to explore a few alternatives to find the best fit for your specific needs. Below are some additional apps that may be worth considering!
|
App |
Pricing |
Advantages |
Drawbacks |
|
Collections Import Export Pro |
Free for up to 50 records/month; paid plans from $19.99/month (unlimited) |
– Bulk import/export of collections with rules, metafields, SEO data, and templates – Also handles pages, blogs, and navigation menus – Supports CSV and XLSX files |
– Clunky interface – Occasional bug reports from users |
|
Meet Collections Import Export |
Free for 5 collections per job; $3.99/month or $30/year for unlimited |
– Simple, beginner-friendly interface – Exports both automated and manual collections – Tracks your import/export history |
– Limited features – Very few user reviews so far |
|
IMPEX Collection Import Export |
Free for 5 collections; $2.99/month (50 collections) to $4.99/month (unlimited) |
– Exports smart and manual collections, with or without product details – Advanced filters – Ready-made CSV template |
– Mixed user feedback – Some reported errors |
|
Exportier ‑ Data Export |
$4.99–$39.99/month (14-day free trial, no free plan) |
– Exports collections plus products, orders, customers, and more – Scheduled exports and custom columns – Google Drive and FTP integration |
– Row limits on lower plans (200–1,500 rows per export) – Advanced features locked to higher tiers |
|
Matrixify (formerly Excelify) |
Free for up to 10 collections; paid plans from $20/month (300 collections) to $200/month (unlimited) |
– Handles very large datasets – Supports automation and many data types – Works with Excel, CSV, and Google Sheets |
– Steep learning curve – Interface can overwhelm new users |
That said, these apps all share a common limitation for Shopify export collections: they mostly support basic export functions only, despite their claims. Simply put, if your store involves complex data structures or a large number of entities, a more powerful import/export or migration service is definitely necessary.
Advanced Shopify Export Collections with LitExtension
Overall, StoreRobo performs decently for 3,000 collections and fewer. However, the serious lack of customization options and product types will fall short if your store is more complex. Worse, given the limited direct support, you are on your own if issues arise during the Shopify export collections process, no matter which plan you choose!
That’s why LitExtension is a much more robust alternative. With extensive customization options and a dedicated team backed by 15+ years of experience, you can export not just Shopify collections but also other data types, including products, customers, orders, taxes, SEO URLs, and more.
So far, there are two tailored LitExtension migration packages to suit your Shopify data export and store transfer needs:
- Automated: With this package, you will perform the entire migration yourself and reach out to our team for extra guidance and advice whenever you need it.
- All-in-One: Once you sign up, our experts will handle EVERYTHING for you from start to finish and even provide post-migration service.
Keep reading to decide which option better fits your goals!
LitExtension Automated migration
As mentioned, the Automated package is your best bet if you want to manage and control the migration yourself (including Shopify collections and other types of data). In just 5 simple steps, you can instantly move your Shopify store to a new platform:
Step 1. Create your account
To get started, go to the registration page and fill out the sign-up form with your name, email, and password (or go to “Log in” and click “Sign in with Google” if you already have an email).
Step 2. Set up your current Shopify store
Next, open the “Migration” page and click “Create New Migration.” Here, select Shopify from the dropdown list of Source Carts and enter your store’s URL. Once done, follow the easy prompts on the screen to connect this store to LitExtension.
Step 3. Set up your Target Cart
Now, select your Target Cart (the platform you’re migrating to), such as BigCommerce. Like in Step 2, enter the URL of this store, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection.
Step 4. Choose entities to migrate
The new screen will display all data types you can migrate. Tick the options you want, such as categories (Shopify collections), products, orders, customers, and store settings. Or, simply select “All” if you want a complete transfer.
For more requirements, scroll a bit to explore additional options (check the image below). Up to 6 of them are free, while the rest come at a small fee.
Step 5. Begin your migration
Now, click “Start Free Demo Migration” to transfer up to 20 items per data type (e.g., 20 collections, 20 customers) at NO cost. Review the demo results carefully to ensure everything has been transferred correctly; if satisfied, you can now proceed with the actual migration! Better yet, if your store has fewer than 100 entities, the full migration is completely free.
There’s no need to stay glued to your screen during the full migration. The entire process runs in the cloud and keeps going even if you close your browser, so just sit back and wait for our confirmation email.
Better yet, our support does not stop here. For 60 days after your full migration, you’ll get free and unlimited re-migrations, smart updates, and recent data migrations (as long as the new data doesn’t exceed 5% of the initial migration).
Ready to Move Your Shopify Store?
LitExtension Automated Migration Tool transfers your collections, products, customers, and orders from Shopify to your new platform – fast, accurate, and hassle-free.
Learn how Shopify can support your business:
- How To Do Shopify Data Export Manually & Automatically
- How to Perform Shopify Export Products | Latest Updated
LitExtension All-in-One migration
Although the Automated package handles the basics (Shopify export collections and more), you must still manage the entire process yourself. There is no issue with that, but only when Shopify and your Target Cart work similarly. Otherwise, the major compatibility problems and complex setups will send you fumbling!
To sidestep all these technical headaches, you can opt for the All-in-One package instead. Our team of experts will take care of every single migration detail for you once you specify your requirements! Let us show you how it works:
Step 1. Consultation with LitExtension experts
First, reach out to us to book a consultation. Our specialists will discuss your specific goals and data types, such as categories (Shopify export collections), orders, customer data, or even unique features from your current Shopify store.
Once we finalize your requirements, sign the Service Level Agreement (SLA), and receive your payment, you can trust us with the rest of the process. A dedicated Personal Assistant (PA) will keep you updated as we handle everything from start to finish.
Step 2. Data mapping and setting by experts
Next, our team will prepare your new store for the upcoming migration by:
- Setting up and validating your Target Cart
- Installing the necessary plugins and extensions
- Preparing the migration environment
- Running demo migrations for each data type
Furthermore, throughout the stage, we will offer UNLIMITED demo migrations so you can monitor progress and provide feedback where applicable.
Step 3. Perform full eCommerce replatforming
Once everything is set, we will execute the full migration for you while keeping you updated and answering any questions or concerns along the way. Before handing over, we run multiple rounds of checks with our in-house automated testing system. Better yet, all additional options are included for free, while the Automated package covers up to 6 of them!
IMPORTANT: Ongoing support after migration
Once your full migration is complete, we will conduct a detailed review to ensure your new store runs smoothly and meets all your established requirements from Step 1.
Most importantly, even after the final review, our dedicated support still continues:
- You’ll get up to 60 days of support after your migration (30 days for projects up to $1,000, 60 days for larger ones).
- During that time, you’ll have 2 free re-migrations, plus free smart updates and recent data migrations (as long as the new data doesn’t exceed 5% of the initial migration).
Bonus: How to Import Shopify Collections
Now that we’ve covered the Shopify export collections process, you might naturally be wondering about the opposite: how to import collections into Shopify.
Just like with exporting, you have two options for Shopify import collections:
- Install the StoreRobo Import Export app, navigate to the Import section, and follow the steps—similar to those we already outlined in the export guide above.
- Sign up for LitExtension’s Automated or All-in-One packages (highly recommended for a smooth, worry-free experience).
Let us know if you need more detailed guidance!
Bonus Reading 2: How to Import Products into Shopify Collections
In the previous sections, we have explored both Shopify export collections and import collections. Now, let’s take a quick look at how to handle a Shopify CSV import for individual products into specific collections, an essential step to keep your store organized and navigable!
Shopify’s own product CSV already supports this. Simply add a column with the header “Collection” to your import file and enter the collection name in the product’s first row. If that collection doesn’t exist yet, Shopify will create it for you. However, each product can be added to only one collection this way.
To assign a product to multiple collections at once, you’ll need a third-party app (as discussed above). In this case, you can include an extra column labeled “Collection” or “Custom Collections” in your CSV file. This column lets the app recognize which collections each product belongs to and automatically assign it accordingly during the import process.
In the image example below, “Product 1” is being uploaded and linked to multiple collections at once. These include both named and numbered collections, such as Collection A and Collection B, as well as Custom Collections from collection-1 through collection-5.
But what if your chosen import app or tool doesn’t support this feature? Don’t worry. You can still import your products as usual and then manually assign them to the appropriate collections afterward through your Shopify admin. It may take a bit more time, but it ensures every product is sorted exactly where it should be.
Shopify Export Collections: FAQs
What is an export collection?
An export collection means downloading a Shopify collection (a group of products organized to help customers browse your store more easily) to your computer or another storage location, usually as a CSV file.
How do I export all collections from Shopify?
Shopify export collections isn’t possible natively, so you’ll need a third-party app such as StoreRobo Import Export. If you need more than collections or want to move your whole store, LitExtension can transfer your collections along with products, customers, orders, and other data.
How do you transfer collections between Shopify stores?
You can install a third-party app like StoreRobo Import Export or contact LitExtension, since Shopify has no native collection exporter (its product CSV can only assign each product to one collection during import).
How do I export everything from Shopify?
Shopify doesn’t have a one-click “export all” option. You can export products, customers, orders, and inventory as CSV files from their sections in the admin, but other data, such as collections, pages, and blog posts, requires a third-party app or a migration tool like LitExtension.
How do I copy a collection in Shopify?
You can create a new collection manually and add the same products to it, or use a Shopify app that supports bulk collection duplication.
Final Words
Overall, downloading Shopify export collections is no simple task, given the lack of a built-in exporter. Whether you are managing product categories or planning a bulk Shopify import inventory update, third-party tools like StoreRobo might perform decently for simple requirements but are still not enough to fill in the huge gap! Not to mention, if the collection export is just part of your complete store migration, these temporary solutions will inevitably fall short in the long run.
That’s why LitExtension Shopify Migration is the ultimate solution for Shopify export collections and full store migration. Backed by 15+ years of expertise, our team has completed 300,000+ migrations for more than 200,000 customers across 100+ countries. You can trust us to deliver the same exceptional results for you!
Let Our Experts Handle Your Shopify Migration!
With the All-in-One Migration Service, our experts move your collections and every other store entity from Shopify to your new platform, so you can focus on growing your business.
