Import & Export
Migrate your existing passwords into vaultctl or export your vault data for backup.
Import from Bitwarden
vaultctl can import your data from a Bitwarden CSV export. The entire import process happens in your browser -- the CSV file is never sent to the server.
Step 1: Export from Bitwarden
- Log in to your Bitwarden web vault.
- Go to Tools > Export Vault.
- Select CSV as the format (not encrypted JSON).
- Enter your master password and click Export Vault.
- Save the
.csvfile to your computer.
Step 2: Import into vaultctl
Open the import tool
Go to Settings > Import in the vaultctl web vault.
Select the source
Choose Bitwarden (CSV) from the dropdown.
Upload the file
Click Choose File and select the CSV you exported. The file is read entirely in your browser.
Review the preview
vaultctl shows a summary of the items found: how many logins, notes, cards, and identities will be imported. Review the list for accuracy.
Confirm the import
Click Import. Each item is encrypted with your vault key and saved to the server. Folders from the Bitwarden export are re-created as vaultctl folders.
Type Mapping
Bitwarden item types are mapped to vaultctl types as follows:
| Bitwarden Type | vaultctl Type |
|---|---|
| Login | Login |
| Secure Note | Secure Note |
| Card | Credit Card |
| Identity | Identity |
Custom fields, URIs, and TOTP secrets are preserved during import.
Delete the CSV file after import. The exported CSV contains your passwords in plain text. Permanently delete it from your computer and your trash/recycle bin once the import is complete.
Security Notes
- Client-side processing -- The CSV file is parsed and encrypted entirely in your browser. It is never uploaded to the vaultctl server in its original form.
- No network during parsing -- The import tool reads the file using the browser's File API. Network requests are only made when saving the encrypted items.
- Duplicate handling -- If an item with the same name and type already exists in your vault, it is imported as a separate entry. vaultctl does not merge duplicates automatically.
Currently, vaultctl supports importing from Bitwarden CSV only. Support for additional formats (1Password, LastPass, KeePass) is planned for future releases.
Export
Export is not yet available in the current release. When added, exports will be encrypted by default to prevent accidental exposure of vault data.