Only an Owner can export a site; Editors and Viewers cannot. Use a fresh export when you want to move the current Tracy copy to another host.
The ZIP contains personal data and site secrets. Keep it private, and review its contents before sharing it with a hosting provider or anyone helping with the move.
Who can export a site?
Only an Owner can export a site; Editors and Viewers cannot.
If you need the package and do not have the Owner role, ask an Owner to prepare it. See Team, roles and invitations.
What does a fresh export include?
A fresh export includes the copy’s site files and database, including files over 50 MB, with a README explaining how to move the site.
For WordPress and Joomla, symbolic links are excluded, and the package removes Tracy’s connection and automatic admin sign-in files. Read the package’s README for its scope and the sign-in instructions for your new host. Do not assume every integration or extension will work unchanged on another host.
- Open “My Sites” and find the site.
- Open its “More” menu and select “Export site as ZIP”.
- Read the privacy warning and “Export details”.
- Select “Prepare ZIP”. For an imported Joomla site with a working live connection, use one of the sync choices described below instead.
- Wait until “Your ZIP is ready” appears, then select “Send code”.
- Enter the six-digit code sent to your signed-in account’s email address, then select “Download”.
- Check that the ZIP has downloaded to your device and keep it somewhere private.
“Download started.” means Tracy started the browser download. Check your browser’s download result before relying on the saved copy.
If this does not work: Check that you are an Owner and read the displayed error. Report a missing export option or persistent failure through Tracy Discord, without sharing the ZIP or its codes publicly.
Is downloading an old backup the same as exporting the current site?
An old backup represents the site at that backup point, and ordinary backups can omit files over 50 MB.
Downloading that point does not add changes made later or recover large files that were not kept in it. Use “Export site as ZIP” for a fresh package that includes large files, rather than assuming a download from the backup history is a complete copy of the current site.
If this does not work: Read the selected backup’s scope and the ZIP’s README before attempting a move. See Undo and backups for backup scope and restore limitations.
Should I sync an imported Joomla site before exporting?
Choose to sync first if the ZIP should include changes made on the live original since Tracy last read it.
For a supported imported Joomla site with a working live connection, the export dialog offers two choices:
- “Sync from live, then export” brings live-site changes into Tracy’s copy before preparing a fresh ZIP.
- “Export without syncing” prepares a fresh ZIP of Tracy’s copy as it stands.
Sync from live does not send Tracy’s changes to the original host. Review Sync from live before continuing, including its conflict rules and warnings about new records that cannot safely be kept side by side.
If this does not work: Resolve any failed sync or pending record decision before relying on a newly synced ZIP. A ZIP of the current copy does not include later changes that exist only on the original site.
How long is the ZIP available?
The prepared ZIP is kept for 24 hours after it is ready; each download link lasts five minutes.
The export limit is 1 GiB. Tracy refuses packages over the limit and can also refuse preparation when the site’s host lacks temporary space. Preparation can be refused when another export is running or too many exports have been requested.
If this does not work: Read the reason before retrying. For a size or space refusal, review the site’s files before removing anything, or contact Tracy Discord. For a limit caused by other running or recent exports, wait before trying again. If a link expires, return to the export dialog; if the prepared package has expired, prepare a new one.
Why are there two different codes?
The emailed download code verifies your download; the separate Install code is for the WordPress or Joomla installer when the new host’s database is on a different server.
The download code expires after 10 minutes. Enter it in “Enter the code from your email”, then select “Download”. If it expires or Tracy reports too many attempts, select “Resend code” and use the new email code.
For a WordPress or Joomla package, “Install code” appears in the export dialog when the package has one. Keep it with that ZIP and use it if the installer requests it. A database on the same server does not require the Install code. The Install code is not a replacement for the email code that authorizes the download.
If this does not work: Reopen “Export site as ZIP” to look for that package’s Install code. Follow the installer message if a package has no code or rejects the code, and do not post either code publicly.
Does exporting move the site automatically?
Exporting prepares a downloadable copy; it does not move the site to another host or change your DNS.
Read the README included with your ZIP before uploading it. It explains the destination requirements, installation, address changes and signing in after the move. WordPress and Joomla packages provide an installer; EmDash packages have separate installation instructions without that installer.
For a WordPress or Joomla move, use an empty web folder and an empty database. Open the installer immediately after unpacking: until it runs, anyone who opens its address can use it. If you upload the ZIP into the web folder, anyone who guesses its name can download the whole site until it is removed. If the installer reports that it could not delete the ZIP, installer or package files, delete those files immediately. Do not leave the installation waiting on a publicly reachable host.
Replacing another copy with the package can lose changes made only on that other copy, including orders, comments and sign-ups. The package does not include a hosting account, DNS changes, mail delivery or a guarantee that plugins, extensions or themes will work on the new host.
If this does not work: Keep the current site intact while you investigate the destination failure. Check the new site’s pages and admin access before changing DNS. See Domains, DNS and HTTPS for domain guidance.
What happens if I stop using Tracy?
If you stop using Tracy, your site is kept and can still be downloaded for 6 more months.
This retention policy does not promise that the site will remain publicly hosted throughout that period. It also does not extend the 24-hour availability of an individual prepared ZIP. Keep a private copy of your export before making a move or requesting deletion, and contact Tracy Discord about your site’s retention or access.
Frequently asked questions
Who can export a site?Only an Owner can export a site; Editors and Viewers cannot.
What does a fresh export include?A fresh export includes the copy’s site files and database, including files over 50 MB, with a README explaining how to move the site.
Is downloading an old backup the same as exporting the current site?An old backup represents the site at that backup point, and ordinary backups can omit files over 50 MB.
Should I sync an imported Joomla site before exporting?Choose to sync first if the ZIP should include changes made on the live original since Tracy last read it.
How long is the ZIP available?The prepared ZIP is kept for 24 hours after it is ready; each download link lasts five minutes.
Why are there two different codes?The emailed download code verifies your download; the separate Install code is for the WordPress or Joomla installer when the new host’s database is on a different server.
Does exporting move the site automatically?Exporting prepares a downloadable copy; it does not move the site to another host or change your DNS.