How to Export Zendesk Guide Data as CSV

Posted by
Natalia Tomchyshyn

Updated January 17, 2025

Exporting Zendesk Guide data into a CSV file can be a crucial step for businesses looking to analyze, migrate, or repurpose their Help Center content. There are two primary methods to accomplish this:

1. Using a Python Script–This approach was suggested by Scott Havard at the Zendesk community. It involves leveraging the Zendesk Help Center API to extract data manually. It’s a great option for those comfortable with coding and offers flexibility to customize the output according to specific needs.
2. Automated Export with Help Desk Migration–This service simplifies the process by offering an out-of-the-box solution to export Zendesk Guide content, eliminating the need for complex scripting.

Below, we’ll explore the Python script method in detail, including the necessary steps, troubleshooting tips, and considerations. Additionally, we’ll highlight how Help Desk Migration offers a user-friendly alternative for exporting and migrating Zendesk Guide data seamlessly.

Export Zendesk Guide Data by Using a Python Script

1. Download Python Ensure Python is installed on your system.You can download Python from the official website.
2. Install Dependencies Open your command line or terminal and run:bashpip install requests pandas
3. Download Scripts Clone or download the Python scripts repository. Ensure you have the necessary script files that correspond to the type of export you want.
4. Edit Script The scripts require Zendesk credentials to access your Help Center data. Open the script and modify the following:
   • Your Zendesk subdomain
   • API credentials (API token or OAuth credentials)

   Make sure your account has the correct permissions to access the data you need to export.

5. Run the ScriptNavigate to the directory where the script is located. For example, if the script is saved on your desktop, run:bashcd /users/yourname/desktopThen, execute the script using:bashpython articleid.py

   Replace articleid.py with the appropriate script name you want to run.

6. View Output After running the script, a .csv file will be created in the current directory. The file will include article titles, article IDs, and other relevant information from your Zendesk Guide.
   • Article_Information_Export Script: This script will export all available data into one .csv.
   • Other Scripts: These scripts export specific types of data (e.g., article titles only) into a .csv.

Troubleshooting Common Errors

Syntax Errors

If you encounter syntax errors like "Non-ASCII character," ensure the script is saved with proper encoding (preferably UTF-8). Use a text editor like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text to edit the script and save it correctly.

Character Encoding Issues

To avoid UnicodeEncodeError, especially when dealing with special characters, you may need to remove or replace problematic characters in the script. For example:
python

decode_10_nozwsp = decode_10.replace(u'\u200b', '')

Missing Data (Internal Articles)

If you're trying to export internal or draft articles, OAuth alone may not suffice, as it now only exports published content by default. You can use Basic Auth to retrieve internal articles, or modify the endpoint to specify internal sections/categories. However, this might return no data due to security changes. Consider adjusting your approach or using Basic Auth for a more comprehensive export.

By following these steps and using the provided scripts, you can successfully export Zendesk Guide article data into a .csv format for easier handling. If you encounter any issues related to internal articles, OAuth limitations, or encoding errors, consider adjusting the script to better meet your needs.

Help Desk Migration Service: Automated Zendesk Help Center Data Export

In addition to using API scripts, Help Desk Migration offers an automated data migration service that simplifies the process of exporting Zendesk Help Center data and migrating it to other Zendesk instances or different platforms.

With Help Desk Migration, you can:

• Export Help Center data: Easily export all of your Zendesk Help Center content, including articles, sections, and categories, directly into a CSV file.
• Automated, Secured Migration: Seamlessly move your Help Center data from one Zendesk instance to another or transfer it to a different support platform in a secure way. The process is automated, ensuring quick, accurate, and hassle-free migration without the need for complex API scripting.

Unlike manual scripting, Help Desk Migration streamlines the entire process, making it an ideal solution for businesses that need an efficient way to export and migrate their Zendesk Help Center data without technical complexity.

How to Migrate Zendesk Guide with Help Desk Migration

Help Desk Migration can migrate Zendesk Guide content as part of a help desk migration process. The migration typically includes transferring data such as articles, categories, and sections from the Zendesk Guide knowledge base to a supported destination. Here’s an overview of how the process works:

1. 1. Assessment: Analyze the Zendesk Guide structure to determine which data needs migration, including articles, sections, categories, and formatting.
   2. Preparation:
      • Gather the necessary credentials, such as API keys, for the source (Zendesk Guide).

      

      • Ensure the target platform supports knowledge base migration and has the necessary structure to accommodate the Zendesk Guide content.
   3. Configuration:
      • Use the Migration Wizard to map data fields between Zendesk Guide and the target platform.

      

      • Customize settings to preserve article hierarchies, attachments, tags, and other metadata.
   4. Demo Migration: Run a free demo migration to transfer a small set of data. This ensures data integrity and allows you to verify how the content will appear on the target platform.

1. Full Migration: Once the Demo results are checked and confirmed, proceed with the full migration of Zendesk Guide data. The process is automated, minimizing manual work and the risk of errors.
2. Post-Migration Checks:
   • Review the transferred knowledge base content on the target platform.
   • Confirm that articles, sections, and categories are properly organized and formatted.

Conclusion

Both options for exporting Zendesk Guide data offer distinct advantages, but the choice depends on your specific needs and technical expertise. While using a Python script provides flexibility for those comfortable with coding, it requires time and effort to set up, troubleshoot, and customize. On the other hand, Help Desk Migration offers a user-friendly, automated data migration solution that eliminates complexity and ensures accuracy. Whether you're exporting data for analysis, migration, or repurposing, Help Desk Migration streamlines the process, saving you valuable time and resources. For businesses seeking efficiency and reliability, this automated service is the ideal choice.