Exporting to XML

You can export issues, requirements, requirement documents, test cases, manual test runs, folders, users, and customers to an XML file. You can then use the file to import data to other Helix ALM projects or work with it in a third-party application.

Before exporting to XML, make sure you review export and import limitations to understand how Helix ALM formats and validates data, which can help you prevent errors. See XML export and import limitations.

Tip:  Use this method to export specific items or one item type to XML. You can also export multiple item types, security groups, and test configurations. See Exporting multiple item types to XML.

1. Open the item list to export items from.

2. To export all items displayed in the list, do not select any items. Keep in mind that the selected filter is applied to the export.

To export specific items, select the items in the list or open an item. Make sure you save any changes before exporting.

Keep the following in mind:

  • When exporting from an open requirement document, select the document in the tree to export the tree and requirements in the document. To export specific requirements, select them in the tree.
  • When exporting users or customers, you can only export from the list or when viewing a user or customer. You cannot export when editing.
  • When exporting from the Folders list, you cannot export private folder information or from the Task Board tab.
    • To export items in a folder, click the List tab. In the Display Options pane, select Items as the Contents and only one Item Type .
    • To export information about multiple folders, click the List tab. In the Display Options pane, select Subfolders as the Contents.
    • To export information about a specific folder, click the Folder Details tab. This also exports information about any child folders, but does not export the folder tree or items in the folders.

3. Click Actions and choose Export to XML.

The Export to XML dialog box opens.

Note:  If you are exporting users or customers, the dialog box does not open and the export starts immediately.

4. Select any Information to Include in the export. Most options are only available for issues, requirements, requirement documents, test cases, and manual test runs.

Option Includes in export:
Historical log information History of changes made to each exported item.
File attachments Files attached to exported items. Items and attachments are exported to a ZIP file.
Formatting and images for WYSIWYG fields Text formatting and images used in multi-line text fields. Items with formatting and images are exported to a ZIP file.
Links Link information for exported items, including the link definition, type, record ID, and summary for each linked item, the relation (parent, child, or peer), and if the item is marked as suspect. Linked items are only exported if they are also selected before starting the export or if all items of their type are included in the export.
Email messages Tracked emails with exported items.
Folder information Path of public folders that exported items are in. Private folder information is not exported.

5. Click Export.

The export starts and a progress dialog box is displayed. When the export is complete, the XML or ZIP file is downloaded or you are prompted to save it depending on the browser. The default filename is HelixALMXMLExport - <CurrentDateTime>.<txt or zip>.