You want to download a complete copy of your Bluesky account data as a single CAR file. Bluesky stores all your posts, likes, follows, and block lists in a personal data repository. This export lets you back up your content or move it to another Bluesky Personal Data Server. This article shows you how to request and download that repository file from your account settings.
Key Takeaways: Exporting Your Bluesky Repository as a CAR File
- Settings > Account > Export my data: Opens the Bluesky repository export page where you can download your CAR file.
- Repository CAR file download: Downloads a single .car file containing all your account records, including posts, likes, follows, and blocks.
- Third-party tools for usage: Use the official AT Protocol tools or the bluesky-exporter community script to inspect or re-import your repository data.
What a Bluesky Account Repository CAR File Contains
Bluesky runs on the AT Protocol. Every account has a personal data repository stored on a Personal Data Server. This repository is a collection of all the records you create on Bluesky. Each record is a structured piece of data, such as a post, a like, a follow, or a block. The entire repository is exported as a single file using the CAR format, which stands for Content Addressable aRchives. A CAR file is a binary container that stores the repository data and the cryptographic signatures that verify its integrity.
When you export your repository, you get a snapshot of everything you have done on Bluesky up to that moment. The file includes:
Records Included in the Export
The CAR file contains records for each action you have taken on Bluesky. These records include:
- Posts you have created, including text, images, and embedded content.
- Likes you have given to posts.
- Follows you have made to other accounts.
- Blocks you have placed on other accounts.
- List memberships for any custom feeds or moderation lists you have created.
What Is Not Included in the Export
The export does not include direct messages, account profile information such as your display name or avatar, or any content that was deleted before the export was generated. The CAR file only contains the records that were present in your repository at the time of the export request.
Steps to Request and Download Your Bluesky Repository CAR File
You can request the export from the Bluesky web app or the official mobile app. The process is the same on both platforms. Follow these steps to download your repository CAR file.
- Open Bluesky Settings
Log into your Bluesky account on the web at bsky.app or open the mobile app. Click or tap the hamburger menu icon in the top-left corner. Select Settings from the menu. - Navigate to Account Settings
In the Settings page, scroll down to the Account section. On the web, this is the second section after Moderation. On mobile, it appears after Privacy. - Start the Export Process
Under the Account section, locate the option labeled Export my data. Click or tap it. A new page or dialog opens explaining what the export contains. - Confirm the Export Request
Read the information on the export page. It tells you that the download will include your repository as a CAR file. Click or tap the Start export button. Bluesky begins generating the export file on its servers. - Wait for the Export to Complete
The export process takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the size of your account. A progress indicator shows the status. Do not close the page or app during this time. - Download the CAR File
When the export is ready, a download button labeled Download CAR file appears. Click or tap it. Your browser or device saves a file namedrepo-export.carto the default download location.
After the download completes, you can move the CAR file to a safe storage location. The file is a binary archive and cannot be opened with a standard text editor. You need special tools to inspect its contents.
Common Issues When Exporting a Bluesky Repository
The Export Button Is Grayed Out or Unresponsive
This usually happens when your account is still being set up. If you just created your account, Bluesky needs a few minutes to initialize the repository. Wait 10 to 15 minutes and try again. If the button remains grayed out, log out and log back in.
The Download Fails or Stops Midway
A large account with many posts can produce a CAR file that is several hundred megabytes. A slow or unstable internet connection may cause the download to fail. Use a wired connection or a stronger Wi-Fi signal. If the download stops, start the export process again from step 3.
The CAR File Cannot Be Opened After Download
The CAR file is not meant to be opened with a regular file viewer. You need a tool that understands the AT Protocol repository format. The official AT Protocol SDK provides a command-line tool called atp that can read CAR files. Alternatively, the community-built bluesky-exporter script converts the CAR file into readable JSON. Both tools require basic familiarity with the command line.
Bluesky Account Export Methods Compared
| Item | Official Bluesky Export | Third-Party Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Data format | CAR file (binary) | JSON, CSV, or plain text |
| Ease of use | One-click download from settings | Requires command-line or programming skills |
| Post content | All posts included | Depends on tool implementation |
| Likes and follows | Included | Included |
| Direct messages | Not included | Not included |
| Verification | Cryptographically signed | No built-in verification |
The official Bluesky export is the only method that provides a cryptographically verifiable copy of your repository. Third-party tools are useful for reading or converting the data but do not offer the same integrity guarantees.
You can now download a complete CAR file of your Bluesky account repository directly from your account settings. After exporting, store the file securely. If you want to inspect the records inside the CAR file, use the official AT Protocol SDK or a community tool like bluesky-exporter. The export does not include direct messages, so treat the CAR file as a backup of your public activity only.