A database dump is a file containing a database structure and content. You can use it for backup purposes. In earlier Plesk versions, dumps could be created only using database management tools. Now Plesk offers a quicker way to create database dumps, store them, and deploy previously created dumps on the server.

In Plesk, to export a database dump means to save a source database in a file, which then can be used for storage or distribution. To import a database dump means to restore data from such a file to a destination database. You can import a database to the same or another database server. The only restriction is that the source and destination databases must be of the same type, for example, MySQL.

In Plesk, database dumps are created in the SQL format and saved as ZIP archives. If you need to create a dump in another format or to set custom settings for a dump, use the native functionality of database management tools (phpMyAdmin, phpPgAdmin, or myLittleAdmin). For instructions on how to import and export data by using database management tools, refer to the tools’ documentation.

To save a copy of a database:

1. Go to Websites & Domains > Databases > Export Dump in the database tools pane.
2. Save a dump:
   • To save a dump in a certain directory on the server, select the directory. The home directory of your subscription is used by default.
   • To save a dump on your local computer as well as on the server, select Automatically download dump after creation.

To deploy your copy of a database in Plesk:

1. Go to Websites & Domains > Databases > Import Dump in the database tools pane.
2. Select a dump to deploy:
   • To deploy a dump from your local computer, select Upload and click Browse. Then select the ZIP archive containing the dump file.
   • To deploy a dump from a directory on the server, select Import and select the dump file.
3. To deploy the dump into a newly created database, select Recreate the database. The old database will be deleted and a new one, with the same name, created.