Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction

  2. Why Exporting Your Dolibarr SQL Database Matters

  3. Understanding Dolibarr's Architecture

  4. Prerequisites Before Exporting the Database

  5. Accessing the Dolibarr Interface

  6. Methods for Exporting SQL Data from Dolibarr

    • Using the Dolibarr Interface

    • Using Dolibarr’s Data Tools

    • Using phpMyAdmin or Command-Line (Advanced Reference)

  7. Step-by-Step Guide to Export via Dolibarr Interface

  8. Export Formats and Their Use Cases

  9. Best Practices for SQL Export Management

  10. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

  11. Securing Your Exported Data

  12. Automating Backups and Exports in Dolibarr

  13. Real-World Scenarios and Use Cases

  14. Conclusion

1. Introduction

In a digital business landscape, data integrity and availability are crucial. Dolibarr, as a modular and open-source ERP/CRM system, provides comprehensive tools for business management. One important yet sometimes overlooked capability is the ability to export your SQL database. Whether for backup, migration, audit, or external analysis, exporting your database is a task every Dolibarr administrator should understand deeply.

This guide aims to walk you through the why, what, and how of exporting a SQL database via Dolibarr’s native interface and associated methods, all while prioritizing security and best practices.

2. Why Exporting Your Dolibarr SQL Database Matters

Exporting your SQL database is not just a technical process; it’s a strategic safeguard. It allows you to:

  • Create secure backups

  • Migrate to new servers or Dolibarr versions

  • Analyze or transform your data externally

  • Comply with legal or auditing requirements

  • Restore data in case of accidental deletion or corruption

Regular database exports are an essential part of any disaster recovery plan.

3. Understanding Dolibarr’s Architecture

Before exporting, it’s helpful to understand how Dolibarr structures its data. Dolibarr runs primarily on PHP and MySQL/MariaDB. The database contains tables for users, products, invoices, proposals, projects, third parties, and modules.

Exporting the SQL database means creating a .sql file or similar format that replicates the entire schema and data. This can later be imported into another instance or analyzed using other tools.

4. Prerequisites Before Exporting the Database

Ensure you:

  • Have administrator access in Dolibarr

  • Know your database credentials if accessing from outside the interface

  • Have adequate storage on your server to handle the export file

  • Confirm that there are no ongoing operations like batch imports, updates, or module installations

5. Accessing the Dolibarr Interface

Log in to Dolibarr as an admin. From the top menu, go to: Home > Admin Tools > Data Management or Backup Module

Note: The availability of export options may depend on your installed modules and user permissions.

6. Methods for Exporting SQL Data from Dolibarr

There are several ways to export SQL data:

A. Using the Dolibarr Interface
Dolibarr offers a built-in backup module that can export the entire SQL database with a simple click.

B. Using Dolibarr’s Data Tools Module
More granular exports (e.g., tables, filtered records) are available using the Data Tools module.

C. Using phpMyAdmin or CLI (Advanced)
If you’re comfortable with databases, you can use phpMyAdmin or MySQL command-line tools to export the database manually.

7. Step-by-Step Guide to Export via Dolibarr Interface

Let’s explore the standard procedure using Dolibarr’s built-in module:

  1. Log into your Dolibarr dashboard.

  2. Navigate to Admin Tools > Backup.

  3. Click on Download SQL Dump or similar.

  4. Choose the format (often .sql.gz for compressed or .sql for plain text).

  5. Wait for the system to prepare the file and trigger the download.

Depending on your version, there may be options to schedule backups or define storage locations.

8. Export Formats and Their Use Cases

  • .sql: Plain text SQL script, easy to read, suitable for manual imports

  • .sql.gz: Compressed SQL, better for large databases, reduces storage usage

  • .csv: Table-level exports, best for data analysis or migration to spreadsheets

Choose based on your technical capabilities and the intended use of the data.

9. Best Practices for SQL Export Management

  • Always name your exports with a date and time: dolibarr_backup_2025_05_14.sql.gz

  • Store backups offsite or in secure cloud storage

  • Set up a recurring export schedule

  • Encrypt sensitive files when storing or sending externally

  • Test restore procedures regularly to ensure backups are usable

10. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

  • Incomplete exports: Always verify file size and test a sample import.

  • Exporting during updates: Avoid performing exports during system updates to prevent data inconsistencies.

  • Permission issues: Ensure your Dolibarr user has full admin rights and file system permissions.

11. Securing Your Exported Data

A database contains sensitive client and business data. Protect it by:

  • Encrypting the export file using tools like GPG or AES

  • Storing in restricted-access folders or encrypted drives

  • Using secure FTP or encrypted email for transfers

  • Avoiding public cloud folders without encryption

12. Automating Backups and Exports in Dolibarr

While manual exports are fine, automation ensures reliability:

  • Use Dolibarr’s scheduled task module (cron jobs)

  • Script exports using the command-line interface if you have server access

  • Set alerts for failed or missed exports

Automation reduces dependency on human intervention and strengthens disaster recovery.

13. Real-World Scenarios and Use Cases

  • Migrating to a new Dolibarr version: Export the SQL file, update your Dolibarr instance, import the old data.

  • Third-party integration: Export data tables to import into another system like Power BI or Tableau.

  • Legal auditing: Provide historical data snapshots as part of audit compliance.

  • Recovery after system crash: Use your latest SQL dump to restore business continuity.

14. Conclusion

Exporting a SQL database in Dolibarr is more than just a technical routine—it’s a strategic necessity. With the built-in interface, even non-technical administrators can perform secure and effective data backups. Whether you’re maintaining compliance, preparing for upgrades, or simply ensuring business continuity, mastering this process ensures your ERP data remains under your control.

Remember: Backups are only useful if they exist, are secure, and can be restored. With Dolibarr’s powerful yet user-friendly tools, you have everything you need to protect and mobilize your data.