# Export and Import Outbound Routes

Cloud Voice lets you download your outbound routes as a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file and upload routes from a CSV file. Working from an exported file gives you a ready-made template, so bulk changes take far less time than editing each route by hand. It is also a quick way to back up your routing setup or copy it to another system.

:::note
An outbound route is the rule that decides how an outgoing call leaves the system: which trunk carries the call and which dialed numbers (dial patterns) are allowed to use it. Exporting captures the settings for all of these routes in one file.
:::

## Export outbound routes

Download every outbound route to a single CSV file that you can then add to, trim, or adjust as needed.

1. Sign in to the PBX (Private Branch Exchange) web portal and open **Call Control > Outbound Route**.
2. Click **Export**.

   A CSV file downloads to your computer. For a breakdown of each column and the values it accepts, see [Outbound Route Parameters](/pbx/administrator-guide/import-and-export-parameters-outbound-route/).

:::note
**Export** downloads all outbound routes at once, not just a selected one. To share or edit a single route, export the full file and delete the rows you do not need.
:::

## Import outbound routes

Uploading a CSV file adds the outbound routes it contains to your system. Use this to apply bulk edits, restore a backup, or reuse routes from another setup.

:::tip
Export your existing outbound routes first and edit that file. Starting from the exported CSV as a template saves time and keeps the column layout correct.
:::

Before you upload, make sure the file meets these requirements:

- **Format**: UTF-8 CSV (the encoding must be UTF-8, not another format that Excel or a text editor might save by default).
- **Size**: Under 50 MB.
- **File name**: Fewer than 127 characters.
- **Parameters**: Each value must be valid. See [Outbound Route Parameters](/pbx/administrator-guide/import-and-export-parameters-outbound-route/) for the accepted entries.

:::caution
If the file breaks any of these limits (wrong encoding, over 50 MB, a name that is too long, or an invalid value in any column) the import fails. When you save the file, choose the "CSV UTF-8" option specifically. A CSV saved in another encoding can corrupt accented characters and special symbols.
:::

To import the file:

1. Sign in to the PBX web portal and open **Call Control > Outbound Route**.
2. Click **Import**.
3. In the window that opens, click **Browse** and choose your CSV file.
4. Click **Import**.

   The routes from the file appear in the **Outbound Route** list.

:::caution
Importing changes how outgoing calls are routed, and outbound routes control every outgoing call, including 911 emergency calls. After the import finishes, review the **Outbound Route** list and place a test call to confirm calls still connect the way you expect before you rely on the new configuration.
:::