---
name: "lxc.export"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "lxd-client"
version: "5.0.2+git20231211.1364ae4-9+deb13u7"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/lxc.export"
---

# lxc.export(1)

Export instance backups

## NAME

lxc-export - Export instance backups

## SYNOPSIS

**lxc export \[:\] \[target\] \[--instance-only\] \[--optimized-storage\] \[flags\]**

## DESCRIPTION

Description:\
   Export instances as backup tarballs.

## OPTIONS

**--compression**=""\
 	Compression algorithm to use (none for uncompressed)\`\`

**--instance-only**\[=false\]\
 	Whether or not to only backup the instance (without snapshots)

**--optimized-storage**\[=false\]\
 	Use storage driver optimized format (can only be restored on a similar pool)

## OPTIONS INHERITED FROM PARENT COMMANDS

**--debug**\[=false\]\
 	Show all debug messages

**--force-local**\[=false\]\
 	Force using the local unix socket

**-h**, **--help**\[=false\]\
 	Print help

**--project**=""\
 	Override the source project\`\`

**-q**, **--quiet**\[=false\]\
 	Don't show progress information

**--sub-commands**\[=false\]\
 	Use with help or --help to view sub-commands

**-v**, **--verbose**\[=false\]\
 	Show all information messages

**--version**\[=false\]\
 	Print version number

## EXAMPLE

```
  lxc export u1 backup0.tar.gz
      Download a backup tarball of the u1 instance.
```

## SEE ALSO

**[lxc(1)](/lxc/1.md)**

## HISTORY

27-Jun-2026 Auto generated by spf13/cobra