(lxc_export.md)= # `lxc export` Export instance backups ## Synopsis Description: Export instances as backup tarballs. ``` lxc export [:] [target] [--instance-only] [--optimized-storage] [flags] ``` ## Examples ``` lxc export u1 backup0.tar.gz Download a backup tarball of the u1 instance. ``` ## Options ``` --compression Compression algorithm to use (none for uncompressed) --instance-only Whether or not to only backup the instance (without snapshots) --optimized-storage Use storage driver optimized format (can only be restored on a similar pool) ``` ## Options inherited from parent commands ``` --debug Show all debug messages --force-local Force using the local unix socket -h, --help Print help --project Override the source project -q, --quiet Don't show progress information --sub-commands Use with help or --help to view sub-commands -v, --verbose Show all information messages --version Print version number ``` ## SEE ALSO * [lxc](lxc.md) - Command line client for LXD