---
title: "Manual Cloud Sites MariaDB Database Backup"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/cloud-sites/database-management/mariadb-mysql/manual-cloud-sites-mariadb-database-backup/"
description: "Create a manual backup of your MariaDB database from the Cloud Sites control panel."
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2024-03-04"
last_modified: "2026-08-14"
---

# Manual Cloud Sites MariaDB Database Backup

Backing up your database is an important part of site maintenance in Cloud Sites. In order to create a backup of your MariaDB database from the Cloud Sites control panel, you will need to log into phpMyAdmin.

| ### **Note:** |
|---|
| Cloud Sites offers automated backups of sites and databases, to find out more see our article [What is Cloud Sites Backup?](https://www.liquidweb.com/help-docs/what-is-cloud-sites-backup/) |

This tutorial assumes you are already logged into phpMyAdmin, if you need instructions on how to log into your database, see our article [Logging into phpMyAdmin from Cloud Sites](https://www.liquidweb.com/help-docs/accessing-phpmyadmin-in-cloud-sites/).

1. From the home page of phpMyAdmin, click on the database to open it.  
    ![database name highlighted to click to open](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_ePYaEk.png)
2. Click on **Export** to open the options for exporting the database.  
    ![export button highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_mfibvO.png)
3. You can select an **Export Method**. 
    - **Quick** will display only minimal options and give you the entire database.  
        ![quick export selected](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_dFREFY.png)
    - **Custom** allows you to print selected rows, dump rows, and compress the output. Gzip is the preferred way of compressing the file.  
        ![custom export selected](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_XMdPrV.png)
4. Next, you can select the **Format** you want your backup to be sent in.  
    ![select export format from drop down](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_9F1Pl2.png)
5. Once you’ve selected the method and format, click **Go**.  
    ![go button highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_ku1b0f.png)
6. A pop-up will appear requesting you to save the file to your local computer. Click **Ok** or **Save** to save the file to your computer.