Lotus ScanHow to Export Your MTG Collection to CSV
A step-by-step guide to help you export your mtg collection to csv quickly and accurately.
Exporting your MTG collection to CSV gives you a portable, universal copy of your data that you can open in Excel, Google Sheets, or import into another platform. It is the best way to create backups, share trade lists, prepare sell sheets for buyers, or migrate between collection apps. Most serious collectors export regularly to ensure their data is never locked into a single tool. Here is how to get your collection data into CSV format.
Step-by-Step Guide
Finalize your collection data in the app
Before exporting, make sure your collection is clean. Check that quantities are correct, conditions are marked, and there are no obvious duplicates or scanning errors. Any mistakes in the app will carry over to the export, and they're harder to fix in a spreadsheet.
Navigate to the export feature
In Lotus Scan, go to your collection settings and look for the export or backup option. Most apps offer CSV as an export format, though some may also support JSON or their own proprietary format. Choose CSV for maximum compatibility with other tools.
Tip: If your app lets you choose which fields to export, include at minimum: card name, set code, collector number, quantity, condition, foil status, and price.
Select what to export
Decide whether you want to export your entire collection or just a specific group. Exporting everything creates a full backup. Exporting a single collection like "Trade Binder" creates a focused list you can share with potential buyers or trade partners.
Download and verify the CSV file
Open the exported CSV in a spreadsheet app to make sure it looks correct. Check that the columns are properly separated, the card count matches what you expect, and prices are populated. A quick sanity check now prevents headaches later if you need to use this data.
Tip: If the file looks garbled when you open it, try importing it explicitly as a CSV with comma delimiters rather than just double-clicking it.
Store the backup safely
Save the CSV to cloud storage like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Name the file with the date so you can track versions over time - something like "mtg_collection_2025_03_15.csv." Having dated backups lets you compare your collection and its value across time periods.
Make It Easier with Lotus Scan
Lotus Scan for iPhone simplifies this entire process with AI-powered card recognition, real-time price tracking, and intuitive collection management. Just point your camera and scan.
Pro Tips
- Export a backup before and after every major collection change, like buying a large lot or selling a chunk of your collection.
- CSV files from most MTG apps can be imported into Moxfield, Archidekt, and other deck-building platforms. Check the target platform's import requirements for column naming.
- If you're sharing your trade list publicly, consider removing the "price" column and letting the recipient check current prices themselves.
- Keep at least three rolling backups so you can recover from accidental deletions or data corruption.