How to export data in different formats with the CLI
This guide shows you which format to use and what to expect during each export.Formats at a glance
How to specify the format
Pass the desired extension to--download:
What happens during each export
JSONL and CSV
Both JSONL and CSV trigger a publish workflow before downloading. Landbase runs the publish step asynchronously — it formats and flattens the data, then makes it available for download. This usually takes 30–90 seconds. You will see a progress indicator while the publish step runs. The CLI polls until the file is ready.Compressed JSONL
Same as JSONL — triggers a publish workflow. The output is compressed with gzip. Unzip with:Parquet
Parquet downloads the native dataset bytes directly — no publish step. This is the fastest format for large datasets. Use it when feeding results into DuckDB, Pandas, or Spark:Choosing between JSONL and CSV
Use JSONL when:- You are writing a script or piping through
jq - You want every available field (CSV may truncate or flatten nested fields)
- You are loading data into Python or a database
- You are opening in Excel or Google Sheets
- You are handing off to someone non-technical
- A BI tool requires it
Publishing a dataset you already have
If you already have a dataset from a prior run and want to download it in a new format:Related
- How to chain workflows — publish as part of a full pipeline
- datasets reference —
datasets downloadflags - workflow reference —
workflow publishflags