---
title: "Export role definition to file"
slug: "export-role-definition-to-file"
tags: ["How-to", "Totara Platform", "Site Administrator"]
updated: 2026-08-13T16:01:10Z
published: 2026-08-13T16:01:10Z
canonical: "totara.help/export-role-definition-to-file"
---

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

# Export role definition to file

You may want to export a [role](/totara-20/docs/what-are-roles) from your system, for example if you are transferring roles between systems or backing up custom roles. If you choose to reset a role then you will be able to upload a preset, so it is a good idea to export a role definition before making changes, especially if you are changing a default role.

1. Go to *Quick-access menu > Permissions > Define roles*.
2. Click on the role name you wish to export.
3. Click **Export**.

An XML file containing the definition of the role is downloaded to your computer.

The definition file includes the following data:

- Role name and description
- Allowed context levels
- Allowed settings for role assignments, overrides, and role switching
- List of permissions at the system level

## Next steps

- [Import role definition from file](/totara-20/docs/import-role-definition-from-file)
- [Reset existing role to definition](/totara-20/docs/reset-existing-role-to-definition)
- [Edit a role](/totara-20/docs/edit-a-role)

Join the [Totara Community](https://totara.community/) for more resources to help you get the most out of Totara.

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