How to Export Metafields in Shopify: A Complete Guide

Struggling to export metafields in Shopify? If you’ve tried Shopify’s built-in export tools, you’ve probably noticed they don’t support metafields, making it difficult to extract custom data efficiently. But don’t worry — there’s a way to get the job done without manual work.

Shopify metafields add powerful customization to Shopify, storing extra product details, shipping information, customer preferences, and more. Whether you need to export Shopify products with metafields for backups, migrations, or reporting, accessing this data in bulk is essential. However, since Shopify export metafields isn’t a built-in feature, you’ll need the right method to retrieve and structure them correctly.

This guide will walk you through how to export metafields in Shopify, covering everything from understanding metafield formats to using a corresponding tool for a hassle-free export process. Whether you’re filtering specific metafield sets or exporting data across multiple store sections, this step-by-step tutorial will help you do it efficiently.

Understanding Shopify Metafields

Shopify’s built-in data fields are great for basic store operations, but what if you need more? Metafields allow merchants to store custom information — whether it’s extra product details, advanced shipping parameters, or personalized data. However, when it comes to exporting Shopify metafields, the built-in tools fall short.

By default, Shopify doesn’t include metafields in standard CSV exports, making it difficult to retrieve structured data in bulk. If you’re looking to export Shopify products with metafields for reporting, migration, or backups, you’ll need a specialized approach.

What Are Shopify Metafields?

Metafields function as additional data containers, storing valuable information beyond Shopify’s standard fields. Each metafield consists of four essential components:

• Namespace – A grouping label to avoid conflicts between different metafields.
• Key – A specific metafield identifier.
• Value – Actual data (e.g., “Waterproof Material” or “Premium Subscriber”).
• Type – A data format (text, number, JSON, etc.).

These fields help Shopify merchants enhance product listings, optimize shipping rates, and create personalized customer experiences. For instance, metafields can store dimensions for shipping calculations, custom warranty details, or even hidden notes for internal tracking.

Why Exporting Metafields in Shopify Matters

If you’re managing a large inventory, switching platforms, or analyzing store performance, exporting metafields becomes essential. However, since Shopify’s default export tool doesn’t support metafields, pulling this data manually from the admin panel or API can be time-consuming and inefficient.

Instead, using a Shopify export metafields tool ensures you extract the right data seamlessly. Whether you need to export all metafields, filter specific product data, or integrate with third-party platforms, an automated approach saves time and preserves accuracy.

How to Export Metafields in Shopify Efficiently

Rather than manually retrieving metafields one by one, you can leverage the Firebear Import & Export Tool to extract complete metafield data in just a few clicks. This method allows you to export Shopify products with metafields, ensuring you capture the full depth of your store’s custom data without missing critical details.

Below, we’ll walk you through the best ways to export metafields in Shopify, covering everything from CSV file generation to structured data management for seamless integrations. Let’s get started!

Column Format

After performing a Shopify metafield export, you will find your metafield data in columns with the following format:

mf_<namespace>.<metafield key>

Where:

mf_ is a required prefix that indicates the column contains metafield data.
<namespace> is a grouping label to avoid conflicts between different metafields.
<metafield_key> is a specific name of a metafield.

Columns & Values

Below are examples of Shopify meatafield columns and their values you can get after export:

How to Export Metafields in Shopify Step by Step

Follow these steps to efficiently export metafields from your Shopify store using the Firebear Import & Export Tool:

1. Create a New Export Profile

• Navigate to Shopify Admin → Apps → Firebear Import & Export Tool → Export.
• Click the “New Export” button to begin.

2. Configure Basic Export Settings

• Select an entity – Choose Product to export product metafields.
• Choose a destination – Save the file to File, FTP, Google Sheets, or Google Drive.
• Select a file format – Available options include CSV, XLSX, XML, or Google Sheets.
• Adjust bunch size – Lower values optimize exports for low-end servers, while higher values speed up processing on high-performance servers.

3. Apply Filters (Optional)

If you only need specific products with metafields, set up filters to exclude unnecessary records and refine the exported data.

4. Customize Export Columns (Mapping)

• Use the mapping screen to select only the columns you need.
• Rename default Shopify columns to match your preferred format.

5. Export Metafields

• Click “Save & Close” to store your export profile for future use.
• Press “Export” to start transferring metafields from Shopify immediately.

This method ensures a smooth Shopify metafields export, allowing you to export Shopify products with metafields quickly and efficiently.

Final Thoughts on Exporting Shopify Metafields

Exporting Shopify metafields doesn’t have to be a challenge. While Shopify’s default tools lack metafield export functionality, using the right method — such as the Firebear Import & Export Tool — ensures you can efficiently extract custom data without manual effort. Whether you’re looking to export Shopify products with metafields for reporting, migration, or data backups, having structured metafield data at your disposal gives you full control over your store’s information.

By following this guide, you now understand how to export metafields in Shopify step by step — from configuring export settings to mapping custom columns and filtering specific data. With the right approach, you can streamline your workflows, improve data management, and enhance your store’s scalability.

If you also need to import metafields into Shopify, be sure to check out our Shopify Import Metafields guide for a complete overview of how to manage metafields in both directions. Stay ahead in e-commerce by making the most of Shopify’s customization potential!

FAQ: Shopify Export — Metafields