> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.crisp.chat/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to import / export message shortcuts

*Importing and exporting message shortcuts makes it easier to standardize replies across teams and workspaces.*

If your shortcut library is growing, CSV import and export become very useful. Exports help you back up or reuse your shortcuts elsewhere, while imports let you add many replies at once or migrate canned messages from another tool.

If you are new to shortcuts, start with [How can I use Shortcut replies / Canned messages?](https://help.crisp.chat/en/article/how-can-i-use-shortcut-replies-canned-messages-1bmff5q/).

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# ${color}[#0080dd](Export your shortcuts)

Exporting downloads your current shortcuts as a CSV file.

#### ${color}[#445055](When exporting is useful)

__Export shortcuts when you want to:__
* Back up your current library
* Reuse the same shortcuts across multiple workspaces
* Migrate shortcuts from or to another platform

#### ${color}[#445055](Export steps)

1. Go to **Settings → Inbox Settings → Message Shortcuts**.
2. Click **... (More)** next to the search bar.
3. Select **Export**.
4. Download the generated CSV file.

![Open the import and export menu from Message Shortcuts](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/7/a/e/87ae2703583ac800/crisp-shortcuts-import-export-_1k3zahg.png =1000xauto)

An export contains the shortcut trigger and message content, as well as associated tags.

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# ${color}[#0080dd](Import shortcuts from a CSV file)

Importing lets you upload many shortcuts in one go.

#### ${color}[#445055](Required file format)

__Expected columns:__
* **bang** → the shortcut trigger, such as `!refund`
* **text** → the shortcut message itself
* **tag** → optional, used to organize shortcuts

Example:

| bang | text | tag |
| ---- |
| !hello | Hello! How can I help you today? | greetings |
| !refund | You can request a refund within 14 days. | billing |

||| The CSV file must be encoded in UTF-8.

#### ${color}[#445055](Import steps)

1. Go to **Settings → Inbox Settings → Message Shortcuts**.
2. Click **... (More)** next to the search bar.
3. Select **Import**.
4. Upload your CSV file.
5. Click **Import Shortcuts**.

![Import shortcuts from a CSV file into Crisp](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/7/a/e/87ae2703583ac800/crisp-import-shortcuts-csv-mod_eyp7zf.png =1000xauto)

Imported shortcuts appear in your list immediately.

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# ${color}[#0080dd](What happens during import)

A few useful rules apply when a CSV is imported.

__Keep these behaviors in mind:__
* Existing shortcuts are overwritten only when they use the same **bang**
* Tags are created automatically when they do not already exist
* Imported shortcuts can still be edited manually afterward

---

# ${color}[#0080dd](Best practices)

__A few habits make shortcut imports easier to manage:__
* Keep bangs short and consistent
* Use tags to separate support, billing, sales, onboarding, and similar themes
* Review unused shortcuts from time to time to keep the library clean
* Use imports when you want several workspaces to share the same reply library

__Useful companion guides:__
* [How can I use Shortcut replies / Canned messages?](https://help.crisp.chat/en/article/how-can-i-use-shortcut-replies-canned-messages-1bmff5q/)
* [Keyboard shortcuts for your Crisp Inbox](https://help.crisp.chat/en/article/keyboard-shortcuts-for-your-crisp-inbox-1e7mg4k/)