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Use raw JSON export to save Sightline records in a structured file, either for one student or for the whole database. You can import a Sightline raw export to add its records to another Sightline database or update matching records already there. For a document to read or include in a report, use document exporting. For a recovery copy that can replace the database, use backup and restore. Even Whole database is a record-transfer export, not a complete backup of the database and your app preferences.

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Export records

  1. Turn off Demo mode, then open Settings → Privacy & Data.
  2. Under Raw JSON export/import, choose Whole database or a student’s name.
  3. Select Export raw JSON.
  4. Choose a filename and location for the .json file, then save it.
Wait for the raw-data-export-saved message before leaving. The file includes identifiable student information and is not protected by a backup passphrase. Store and share it according to your district’s requirements. A whole-database export includes archived students and observations. Choosing a student limits the student and observation records to that student, but the file can also contain shared library information, such as behavior definitions and ABC tag settings. Check the contents before sharing it outside your working environment.

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Import records

Import accepts a Sightline raw JSON export. It does not accept a PDF report, a CSV spreadsheet, or a .db backup file.
Import adds new records and updates existing records with the same internal ID. An older imported record can overwrite newer changes. Back up your current data before importing.
Sightline does not match students by name. If you created a student separately on two computers, importing their records may leave two entries with the same name.
  1. Turn off Demo mode and open Settings → Privacy & Data.
  2. Select Import raw JSON and choose the file.
  3. Check the student and session counts in Import raw data?.
  4. Select Import to add or update the records.
Wait for the message showing how many students and sessions were imported. Then open the relevant students and check their observations. Existing records that are not part of the import remain in the database. The import may also update definitions and other library settings included in the file.

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If an import fails

The file is not a valid Sightline raw export. Check that you selected the .json file created by Export raw JSON. Changing another file’s extension to .json does not make it an importable export. The export is from a newer version of Sightline. Update the receiving copy of Sightline, then try the import again. Import incomplete. Some records may already have been written. You can run the same import again; matching identifiers let Sightline update those records instead of adding another copy of each. Keep the original export file until you have checked the imported records.