borg-key-export
BORG-KEY-EXPORT(1) borg backup tool BORG-KEY-EXPORT(1)
NAME
borg-key-export - Export the repository key for backup
SYNOPSIS
borg [common options] key export [options] [REPOSITORY] [PATH]
DESCRIPTION
If repository encryption is used, the repository is inaccessible without the key. This command allows one to backup this essential key. Note that the backup
produced does not include the passphrase itself (i.e. the exported key stays encrypted). In order to regain access to a repository, one needs both the ex‐
ported key and the original passphrase.
There are three backup formats. The normal backup format is suitable for digital storage as a file. The --paper backup format is optimized for printing and
typing in while importing, with per line checks to reduce problems with manual input. The --qr-html creates a printable HTML template with a QR code and a
copy of the --paper-formatted key.
For repositories using keyfile encryption the key is saved locally on the system that is capable of doing backups. To guard against loss of this key, the key
needs to be backed up independently of the main data backup.
For repositories using the repokey encryption the key is saved in the repository in the config file. A backup is thus not strictly needed, but guards against
the repository becoming inaccessible if the file is damaged for some reason.
Examples:
borg key export /path/to/repo > encrypted-key-backup
borg key export --paper /path/to/repo > encrypted-key-backup.txt
borg key export --qr-html /path/to/repo > encrypted-key-backup.html
# Or pass the output file as an argument instead of redirecting stdout:
borg key export /path/to/repo encrypted-key-backup
borg key export --paper /path/to/repo encrypted-key-backup.txt
borg key export --qr-html /path/to/repo encrypted-key-backup.html
OPTIONS
See borg-common(1) for common options of Borg commands.
arguments
REPOSITORY
PATH where to store the backup
options
--paper
Create an export suitable for printing and later type-in
--qr-html
Create an html file suitable for printing and later type-in or qr scan
SEE ALSO
borg-common(1), borg-key-import(1)
AUTHOR
The Borg Collective
2023-03-22 BORG-KEY-EXPORT(1)