Forum Discussion
"Download Your Information. We want happy customers, not trapped ones."
I have notice in this forum over many years, questions regarding 'exporting data'. The title above is from the 1Password website Privacy Policy.
1Password appears to offer 2 ways of exporting data - 1PUX or CSV. The CSV route, exports a limited set of fields and so anyone making extensive use of 'Custom Fields' is not going to get 'all their data'.
The route producing a 1PUX file, apparently 'DOES' export all data, including 'Custom Fields' but not 'Passcodes'
1Password kindly explains the '1PUX' , "Unencrypted Export Format" which includes 'File Structures', 'Export Attributes', and numerous other "Attributes' - which frankly, for the average end user, is confusing and unattainable. We are generally not trained in software development, data engineering or degree level understanding of JSON (whatever that is)
If I wish to access 'MY' data, as a normal enduser, it appears to be impossible. I would very much like to download ALL my data in a format that does not require me to have a PHD!
To reference your own words above - I would like to download my information and be a happy customer, not a trapped one.
I would be grateful if someone could address this please. Note: I am aware of the security issues regarding unencrypted files - but that should be my choice, with 'my' data.
Thank you
5 Replies
Since I'm not even an untrained software developer or data engineer and have no Ph.D., I am qualified to sympathise with the apparent user-unfriendliness of 1PUX, but also to point to how you might handle it to provide a more user-friendly view.
The `1PasswordExport-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS.1pux` file is a ZIP file. Unzipping it will give you two JSON files.
- `export.attributes` is a very short file with data concerning the export
- `export.data` is all your data except for files
The `files` folder contains files such as images, PGP keys, etc.
Since it's just text, you can read `export.data`, search for specific information, filter for whatever things you want, or use a tool to convert this structured data into some other format such as HTML which you can view with familiar tools.
As you are clearly aware, anything which stores or processes this unencrypted data adds to the risk of unintended disclosure.
- 1P_Dave
Moderator
Hello sixtdb! 👋
Thanks for reaching out! As you mentioned, 1Password provides two different unencrypted export formats so that you can take your data with you if you decide to leave 1Password in the future:
- A CSV export that is compatible with almost all other password managers. The CSV format isn't the most resilient so only a limited set of fields is included.
- A 1PUX export that includes a lossless copy of all of your data, files, and items aside from passkeys.
Exports are not designed to be read directly by a human (although they can be opened using a text editor). They’re intended for use by another password manager to import your passwords and other data from 1Password. It’s the password manager app itself that’s responsible for presenting the data in a human-readable format. If you choose not to use 1Password for that, you’ll need to use a different password manager app to import and render your data.1Password provides these export options so that you can move your data to another password manager in the future if you choose to do so without being trapped in 1Password. Can you tell me a little more about why you're looking to export your items and then view them outside of 1Password or another password manager? I'd like to understand your use case a little better.
-Dave
Dave, Thank you for your comments in regard to my wanting to export ‘My’ data from 1Password. I feel there is no need to revisit ‘CSV’, ‘1PUX and ‘Unencrypted Export Format’ - we all have a good understanding of what they do and the risks. The point missed is the ability for a ‘normal’ user to be able to export ‘All’ of their data in a meaningful way. You make the case that CSV does not export all data (namely custom fields) and that 1PUX does (without Passcodes). You continue by referencing that the 1PUX export format ‘can move your data to another password manager in the future’. I presently do not wish to ‘move’, but do wish export ‘all’ of my data for the purposes of being able to ‘backup’ that data to an off-cloud, personal facility. Whilst I am sure 1Password is secure (presently), and encrypted, we live in a world where cybercrime is prevalent and increasing. In the UK the list of major companies (including Jaguar Land Rover, M&S, Harrods, CO-OP) suffering data breaches, places the risk to personal data, high. I am personally experiencing this presently with the JLR breach. The need to easily access one’s own data, in an easily accessible manor, is paramount to the individuals data security. It is also a fundamental right. I have no issue with the 1Password software and will continue to use it, but having a responsibility for ‘family’ data means it falls upon me to make sure their data is secure and that I can guarantee a backup of their data, should a breach or other occur. I would like to think that ‘1Password’ as a company, seriously consider their own marketing and privacy policy when stating;
“Download Your Information. We want happy customers, not trapped ones”
Alan (Sixtdb)
