How to Export a GitLab Project: Simple Methods Explained

Exporting a GitLab project can seem tricky at first, but it’s actually pretty simple once you know the steps. Whether you’re using the graphical user interface (GUI) or the terminal, this guide will walk you through everything. We’ll also cover what gets exported, what doesn’t, and how to handle any issues that might come up.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to have at least the Maintainer role to export a GitLab project.
  • The GUI method is user-friendly but may struggle with large projects.
  • Exporting via the terminal can be faster for big projects.
  • Not all project data gets exported, so check what’s included beforehand.
  • You can use APIs and third-party tools for more complex migrations.

Getting Started with GitLab Project Export

Checking Prerequisites

Before diving into the export process, ensure you meet the necessary prerequisites. You must have at least the Maintainer role for the project you wish to export. Additionally, review the list of items that are exported, as not all project data will be included. This step is crucial to avoid any surprises later on.

Navigating to Project Settings

To start the export, navigate to your project’s settings. On the left sidebar, select ‘Search or go to’ and find your project. Once there, go to Settings > General. This is where you’ll find the options needed to initiate the export process.

Initiating the Export Process

Now that you’re in the right place, it’s time to initiate the export. Expand the ‘Advanced’ section within the General settings. Here, you’ll see the ‘Export project’ button. Click it to start the export. After the export is generated, you can either follow a link in an email you’ll receive or refresh the project settings page and select ‘Download export’ to get your exported file.

Remember, the export is stored in a temporary shared directory before being moved to your configured uploads directory. A worker deletes these export files every 24 hours, so make sure to download your export promptly.

Understanding What Gets Exported

When you export a GitLab project, it’s important to know what data will be included and what won’t. This helps you plan better and avoid surprises during the migration process. Let’s break it down.

List of Exported Items

Here’s a quick overview of what gets exported:

  • Project and wiki repositories
  • Project uploads
  • Project configuration (excluding integrations)
  • Issues, including comments and iterations
  • Merge requests, including diffs and comments
  • Commit comments
  • Labels and milestones
  • Snippets and releases
  • Time tracking and other project entities
  • Design management files and data
  • LFS objects
  • Issue boards
  • CI/CD pipelines and pipeline schedules
  • Protected branches and tags
  • Push rules
  • Emoji reactions
  • Project and inherited group members (if the user has the Maintainer role)

Items Not Included in Export

Some items are not part of the export process. These include:

  • Child pipeline history
  • Pipeline triggers
  • Build traces and artifacts
  • Package and container registry images
  • CI/CD variables
  • Webhooks
  • Any encrypted tokens
  • Number of required approvals
  • Repository size limits
  • Deploy keys allowed to push to protected branches
  • Secure files
  • Activity logs for Git-related events
  • Security policies associated with your project
  • Links between issues and linked items
  • Links to related merge requests

Checking Export Compatibility

Before you start the export, make sure your GitLab version is compatible. You can import project file exports that were exported from a version of GitLab up to two minor versions behind. For example, if your destination version is 13.0, you can import from versions 13.0, 12.10, and 12.9.

Tip: Always review the list of items that are exported and not exported to avoid any surprises during the migration process.

Exporting a GitLab Project via GUI

Exporting a GitLab project through the GUI is straightforward and user-friendly. This method is ideal for those who prefer a visual interface over command-line operations. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth export process.

Exporting a GitLab Project via Terminal

Terminal Commands for Export

Exporting a GitLab project via the terminal is a powerful alternative to the GUI. First, ensure you have terminal access to the GitLab server. Use the following command to create a backup of your project:

gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create

This command generates a backup of the entire GitLab instance, not just a single project. The backup file is stored in the configured backup directory, usually /var/opt/gitlab/backups/.

Setting Up Terminal Access

Before you can export via terminal, you need proper access. Make sure you have SSH access to the GitLab server. If you don’t, contact your admin to set it up. Once you have access, navigate to the GitLab installation directory, typically /var/opt/gitlab/.

Verifying Export Success

After running the export command, check the backup directory to ensure the file was created. You can list the files in the backup directory with:

ls /var/opt/gitlab/backups/

Look for a file with a .tar extension. This file contains your exported data. If the file is present, your export was successful. If not, you may need to troubleshoot or try the export again.

Remember, exporting via terminal is a great way to handle large projects that might struggle with the GUI export process.

Advanced Tips for GitLab Project Export

Editing Export Files

You can add or remove data from export files. For example, you can:

  • Manually add users’ public emails to the project_members.ndjson file.
  • Trim CI pipelines by removing lines from the ci_pipelines.ndjson file.

To edit a project export file:

  1. Extract the exported .tar.gz file.
  2. Edit the appropriate file. For example, tree/project/project_members.ndjson.
  3. Compress the files back to a .tar.gz file.

You can also make sure that all members were exported by checking the project_members.ndjson file.

Managing Exported Data

Once you have your exported data, it’s crucial to manage it properly. Store your export files in a secure location to prevent unauthorized access. Regularly back up these files to avoid data loss. If you’re using GitLab Premium, take advantage of its advanced features for better data management.

Ensuring Data Integrity

Ensuring the integrity of your exported data is vital. Verify that all necessary files and data have been included in the export. Use checksums to confirm that the files have not been altered during the export process. If you encounter any issues, refer to GitLab’s troubleshooting guides or seek help from their support team.

Properly managing and verifying your exported data ensures a smooth import process later on.

Importing Your Exported GitLab Project

Preparing for Import

Before you can import a project, you must have already exported it. Make sure you have the exported file ready. Check the compatibility of the GitLab versions between the source and destination. You need at least the Maintainer role on the destination group to proceed.

Importing via GUI

  1. On the left sidebar, select Create new and then New project/repository.
  2. Choose Import project.
  3. In the Import project from dropdown, select GitLab export.
  4. Enter your project name and URL. Then, select the file you exported previously.
  5. Click Import project.

You can check the status of your import using the API. If there are any errors, the API will let you know.

Importing via Terminal

If you prefer using the terminal, you can also import your project this way. First, make sure you have terminal access. Use the following command to start the import process:

curl --request POST --header "PRIVATE-TOKEN: <your_access_token>" --form "file=@<path_to_your_exported_file>" "<your_gitlab_instance>/api/v4/projects/import"

Replace <your_access_token>, <path_to_your_exported_file>, and <your_gitlab_instance> with your actual details. This command will upload your exported file and start the import process.

Verifying Import Success

After the import process is complete, you should verify that everything has been imported correctly. Check the project settings and make sure all your data is there. If you encounter any issues, you can refer to the GitLab documentation or seek help from the community.

Importing a project can sometimes be tricky, but with the right steps, it becomes a breeze. Always double-check your settings and data to ensure a smooth transition.

Alternative Methods for Project Migration

exporting GitLab project

Using Project Import/Export API

The Project Import/Export API is a powerful tool for migrating projects. It allows for automated and scriptable migrations, making it ideal for large-scale or repetitive tasks. You can export a project from one GitLab instance and import it into another using simple API calls. This method is especially useful for continuous integration and deployment pipelines.

Migrating Projects by URL

Migrating projects by URL is a straightforward method. You simply provide the URL of the repository you want to import. This method is quick and easy, but it may not include all project data, such as issues and merge requests. It’s best suited for smaller projects or when you only need the codebase.

Third-Party Tools for Migration

Several third-party tools can help with GitLab project migration. These tools often offer additional features, such as data transformation and validation. Some popular options include GitHub Importer, GitLab Migration Tool, and others. Always check compatibility with your GitLab version before using a third-party tool.

When choosing a migration method, consider the size and complexity of your project, as well as your specific needs and constraints. Each method has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to export a GitLab project?

To export a GitLab project, you need to have at least the Maintainer role for the project. Also, make sure you review the list of items that are exported because not everything is included.

How do I start the export process in GitLab?

First, go to your project. Then, select Settings > General from the left sidebar. Expand the Advanced section and click on Export project. Once the export is ready, you’ll get an email with a link or you can download it from the project settings page.

What items are included in the GitLab project export?

Exported items usually include project and wiki repositories, uploads, issues, merge requests, labels, milestones, snippets, and CI/CD pipelines. However, some items like build traces, artifacts, and CI/CD variables are not included.

Can I export a GitLab project using the terminal?

Yes, you can export a GitLab project using terminal commands. This can be useful for large projects or if you encounter issues with the GUI method.

What should I do if my project export is taking too long?

If your project export is taking too long, it might be due to the size of the project. For large projects, consider using the terminal method for export. If the issue persists, you may need to contact GitLab support.

How do I import an exported GitLab project?

To import an exported project, go to the new GitLab instance. Use the Import project option in the settings, and upload your exported file. Make sure the GitLab versions of both instances are compatible.

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