---
title: "Importing and exporting Expenses categories"
slug: "importing-and-exporting-categories"
updated: 2026-08-19T14:56:44Z
published: 2026-08-19T14:56:44Z
canonical: "help.cintra.co.uk/importing-and-exporting-categories"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.cintra.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Importing and exporting Expenses categories

You can import categories in bulk using a CSV. You can also export your existing category data for reporting purposes.

### **Downloading the import template**

1. Go to **Setup > Categories**.
2. Select **Export** from the **Actions** menu.
3. Deselect **Include data** and click **Download**. A blank CSV template is downloaded containing the required column headers.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/fc2cda72-4645-4b36-96bf-60439ec11f11/Images/Documentation/image(362).png)

![](https://cdn.document360.io/fc2cda72-4645-4b36-96bf-60439ec11f11/Images/Documentation/image-AM4H9HNF.png)

### Completing the template

Open the downloaded file and add your category data. **Name**, **GL Code**, and **VAT Code** are mandatory. All other columns are optional and correspond to the settings described in the Category settings reference.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/fc2cda72-4645-4b36-96bf-60439ec11f11/Images/Documentation/image(365).png)

### **Importing categories**

1. Go to **Setup > Categories**.
2. Select **Import** from the **Actions** menu.
3. Click **Find File** and select your completed CSV file.
4. Click **Import**. A confirmation message appears and the categories are added to Capture Expense. [IMAGE: Categories page showing imported categories]

### **Exporting category data**

1. Go to **Setup > Categories**.
2. Select **Export** from the **Actions** menu.
3. Ensure **Include data** is selected and click **Download**. Your category data is exported as a CSV file.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/fc2cda72-4645-4b36-96bf-60439ec11f11/Images/Documentation/image(363).png)