> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.lunchmoney.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.lunchmoney.app/setup/categories/export-and-import-categories.md).
# Export & Import Categories
#### Jump to:
* [How to export and share a category setup](#how-to-export-and-share-a-category-setup)
* [How to import a custom category setup](#how-to-import-a-custom-category-setup)
* [How to discover category setups shared by the community](#how-to-discover-category-setups-shared-by-the-community)
* [How to share my template setup with the community](#how-to-share-my-category-setup-with-the-community)
***
In Lunch Money, you can export, import, and share category setups, as well as discover setups created by the community, making it easier to get started or refine your existing setup!
### How to export and share a category setup
Whether you're looking to share your categories with others, load them into another budget, or simply copy the category setup for safekeeping. You can export your categories by copying them to your clipboard!
**Here's how:**
1. Go to the [Categories](https://my.lunchmoney.app/categories) page
2. Click on the arrow next to the 'Add new category' button
3. In the drop-down menu, click on "Export Categories"
4. Click on "Copy to Clipboard" at the bottom of the pop-up
5. Once copied, you can send the category setup to friends, [share it with the Discord community](https://discord.com/channels/842337014556262411/1143315755673333860), or [import it as a custom category set](/setup/categories/creating-categories.md#how-to-create-or-import-custom-categories-in-bulk-advanced)!
{% hint style="info" %}
Your categories will appear listed, one per line. A dash ("-") in front of the category name indicates subcategories. Category properties appear in square brackets after category names: \[*income]*, \[*exclude\_from\_budget]*, and \[*exclude\_from\_totals].*
{% endhint %}
### How to import a custom category setup
If you wish to import a custom category setup, you can do so using the 'Custom (Advanced)' option from the 'Create Preset Categories' view:
1. Open the [Categories](https://my.lunchmoney.app/categories) page
2. Click on the arrow next to "Add new category" and select "Add preset categories" in the dropdown menu:
3. In the 'Create Preset Categories' panel that appears on the right, click the drop-down menu and choose "Custom (Advanced)":
4. In the text field, paste the category setup or manually enter your categories, one per line. Use a dash ("-") in fron of the category name to indicate subcategories. Optionally add category properties in square brackets after category names. Supported tags include: *income*, *exclude\_from\_budget*, and *exclude\_from\_totals*.
5. In the "Preview of categories", review the list to make sure your categories, category groups, and subcategories were all entered correctly.
{% hint style="warning" %}
If you see red warning icon (), it means that the category name is already in use. In this case, it is recommended to change the name to something else, otherwise the category name will have a numbered suffix added to it, ie. "Category (1)".
{% endhint %}
6. To proceed with creating you categories, click on "Create".
### How to discover category setups shared by the community
Looking to explore real, field-tested ways to organize your money? Check out the [Category Templates](https://lunchmoney.app/category-templates) page to see how real Lunch Money users organize their finances.\
\
Whether you're just getting started, or wanting to give your existing category setup a fresh start, you'll find ready-made category setups that you can copy as-is or mix and match to build your own custom template.
#### How does it work?
1. **Browse the category setups** to find the ones that fit your lifestyle
2. **Select the categories** to add to your template
3. **Customize your template** to match your needs. You can add, remove, rename, or reorganize the categories as you see fit.
4. **Copy your template** and import your categories into Lunch Money
{% hint style="info" %}
Your spending habits and needs can change over time, and your categories can change with them. Use a template as a starting point, then adjust your setup as you go. You can always create new categories, or archive and delete ones you no longer need, at a later time.
{% endhint %}
Find a category setup that works for you
### How to share my category setup with the community
Built a category setup you're proud of and that others will find useful? Real setups from real budgets are far more useful than anything we could invent.\
\
You can submit your category setup [via Github](https://github.com/lunch-money/category-templates/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md), or email with your category list, a name for the setup, a short description, and how you would like to be credited.
---
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), it means that the category name is already in use. In this case, it is recommended to change the name to something else, otherwise the category name will have a numbered suffix added to it, ie. "Category (1)".
{% endhint %}
6. To proceed with creating you categories, click on "Create".
### How to discover category setups shared by the community
Looking to explore real, field-tested ways to organize your money? Check out the [Category Templates](https://lunchmoney.app/category-templates) page to see how real Lunch Money users organize their finances.\
\
Whether you're just getting started, or wanting to give your existing category setup a fresh start, you'll find ready-made category setups that you can copy as-is or mix and match to build your own custom template.
#### How does it work?
1. **Browse the category setups** to find the ones that fit your lifestyle
2. **Select the categories** to add to your template
3. **Customize your template** to match your needs. You can add, remove, rename, or reorganize the categories as you see fit.
4. **Copy your template** and import your categories into Lunch Money
{% hint style="info" %}
Your spending habits and needs can change over time, and your categories can change with them. Use a template as a starting point, then adjust your setup as you go. You can always create new categories, or archive and delete ones you no longer need, at a later time.
{% endhint %}
Find a category setup that works for you
### How to share my category setup with the community
Built a category setup you're proud of and that others will find useful? Real setups from real budgets are far more useful than anything we could invent.\
\
You can submit your category setup [via Github](https://github.com/lunch-money/category-templates/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md), or email