ClickUp import and export limits

Understanding how data moves in and out of ClickUp is essential for keeping your workspaces fast, reliable, and within plan limits. This how-to guide explains which import and export options are available, what is counted toward usage, and how to stay within the limits set for your workspace.

This article is based on the official feature availability and limits documented by ClickUp and will walk you through the most important behaviors step by step.

How ClickUp treats imports and exports

When you import or export data, ClickUp follows specific rules to protect performance and storage. Not every item is treated the same way, and some actions do not count as usage at all.

What imports into ClickUp count toward usage

Some imported content is measured against your workspace plan. The following items are counted as usage when they are brought into ClickUp:

• Attachments: File attachments imported into your workspace count toward your storage limits.
• Custom fields: Imported custom fields are included in workspace usage dashboards.
• Whiteboards: Any whiteboards generated during an import count toward your plan.

All other content that you import is currently not counted toward usage. This distinction helps you import large sets of tasks without immediately hitting storage limits, as long as you keep an eye on attachments and other tracked items.

What exports from ClickUp count toward usage

Exported data is treated differently. None of the following types of exports from ClickUp count toward your workspace usage:

• Data exported in any format from your workspace.
• Emails, tasks, or lists that you manually export for reporting or backup.
• Data exported using available public export tools.

You can safely export data from ClickUp without worrying about storage or feature limits being affected by the export itself.

ClickUp public import and export tools

ClickUp offers several public tools that let you move data into and out of your workspace. These tools are designed to be flexible while still honoring import limits set on the backend.

Where to find official details

The full, authoritative description of import and export feature availability and limits is maintained in the ClickUp Help Center. For reference, see the original article here: Import and export feature availability and limits.

How ClickUp enforces import limits

Public tools for importing into ClickUp rely on protected backend services. Those services enforce the same limits across all workspaces, regardless of how the import is triggered.

This means:

• Every workspace has defined import caps that the system checks against.
• If an import exceeds those caps, the request may be slowed, partially processed, or rejected.
• Limits are applied consistently whether the import comes from the user interface, an integration, or other supported tools.

Because these limits are controlled in the backend, they cannot be bypassed by modifying settings in the workspace. The only way to change how much you can import is through changes to plan features or system-level configuration handled by ClickUp.

How to work successfully within ClickUp limits

To make sure your imports and exports run smoothly, you should plan around the way ClickUp counts usage and enforces system protections.

Step 1: Plan your ClickUp import

1. Review item types: Separate data that counts toward usage (attachments, custom fields, whiteboards) from data that does not.
2. Estimate volume: Approximate the number and size of attachments you plan to import into ClickUp.
3. Check your plan: Confirm how much storage and custom field capacity your current workspace plan includes.

Step 2: Prepare data before import

1. Clean up attachments: Remove duplicates or outdated files before importing them into ClickUp to reduce storage usage.
2. Consolidate custom fields: Where possible, reuse existing fields instead of creating unnecessary new fields during import.
3. Break imports into batches: If you expect to be close to limits, prepare smaller data sets and import them one at a time.

Step 3: Run your ClickUp import

1. Use supported tools: Start imports from the official ClickUp interface or connected integrations that rely on public tools.
2. Monitor progress: Watch for any warnings or errors signaling that import limits are being reached.
3. Verify workspace usage: After an import finishes, check storage and feature usage dashboards to confirm everything is within acceptable ranges.

Step 4: Export data safely from ClickUp

1. Select the right export format: Choose CSV, PDF, or other available formats depending on your reporting or backup needs.
2. Export as needed: Run exports for lists, tasks, or spaces without worrying about storage usage increasing.
3. Store exports securely: Save exported files outside of ClickUp in a secure location or documentation system.

Best practices for ClickUp data management

Following consistent data management practices helps you avoid hitting hidden caps and keeps your workspace healthy over time.

Optimize storage inside ClickUp

• Archive or delete unused attachments when they are no longer needed.
• Standardize custom field usage so teams do not create redundant fields during imports.
• Limit unnecessary whiteboard creations when importing data from other tools.

Monitor ClickUp usage over time

• Schedule regular reviews of workspace storage and feature usage.
• Track large imports and note when usage spikes occur.
• Consider plan upgrades if your team regularly approaches import or storage limits.

Get more help with ClickUp setup

If you need strategic support designing imports, mapping fields, or planning long-term usage in ClickUp, you can work with an implementation and optimization partner. For example, Consultevo offers consulting services that can help you plan scalable workspaces, define data structures, and adhere to platform limits.

By understanding how ClickUp calculates usage for imports, how exports are treated, and how backend-enforced limits work, you can confidently move data while protecting workspace performance and staying within your plan.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

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