Export Your Library as a CSV Spreadsheet
PastReads allows you to export your entire reading library as a single CSV file. Each highlight becomes one row, with source/book metadata, notes, tags, and other fields in columns. This makes it simple to open your library in tools like Excel and Google Sheets.
CSV export is a PastReads Pro feature
How to Export
Navigate to the Export page in PastReads
Scroll down to the CSV Export section
Click the "Export Library" button
Your browser will automatically download one CSV file containing all your highlights and notes
What Gets Exported
PastReads exports your complete library with these columns:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Highlight | The highlight text |
| Type | Source type (Book, Web Article, Museum Visit, Other) |
| Title | Source title |
| Author | Source author |
| URL | URL when present |
| Note | Notes attached to the highlight (or standalone notes on the source) |
| Location | Location as stored in PastReads |
| Highlighted at | When the highlight was taken |
| Tags | Comma-separated tag names |
| Color | Highlight color |
| Favorite | true when favorited; empty otherwise |
| Collections | Comma-separated collection names |
Standalone notes (not tied to a specific highlight) appear as rows with an empty Highlight column and the note text in Note.
Need any support?
If you encounter any issues with CSV export, please contact the support team.
Export your ebook library as PDF files. Each book becomes its own PDF in a downloadable ZIP, ready to read or archive offline.
Chat to your highlights
Connect Claude to PastReads with MCP so you can ask questions about your reading and get answers grounded in your own highlights, notes, and library.