Bento

Export Data from ConvertKit for Bento

This guide will help you export all the lists, tags, segments, and custom fields you need from ConvertKit so you can import them into Bento.

Prerequisites

Access to your ConvertKit account

Required permissions to export data

A place to save your exported CSV files

Spreadsheet software to review and clean up CSVs

What You'll Export

  • Subscribers (Lists/People)
  • Tags
  • Segments (Saved Searches/Lists)
  • Custom Fields
  • Automations (for mapping later)

Step-by-Step Export Process

1
Log in to ConvertKit

Go to ConvertKit and log in with your credentials. And Select Grow -> Subscribers

Navigate to Subscribers
2
Export Active Subscribers

Below your Lifetime Totals subscriber count, click the type dropdown and make sure the Confirmed Subscribers is selected. Then click on the checkbox next to SUBSCRIBER and then Bulk Actions → Export (bottom of the list).

Finally click OK on the confirmation screen. ConvertKit will email you a download link to the CSV. Save the file when it arrives.

Select Confirmed Subscribers
After exporting, you will get an email with a download link
3
Export Other Lists

Repeat the above steps for Cancelled, Complained, Bounced, or Cold if they have subscribers.
For each you will want to name according to the type of subscribers they contain when you save them from the email, they will have file names like 2025-02-07-5318799.csv. Having clear names will be helpful when you start to import the subscribers.

4
Export Tags

Tags are included in each of the exported CSV if they are in use. So be aware if you have tags that are not assigned to any contacts they will not be included in any export and wil need to be manually created in Bento.

5
Export Segments

Below the Add Subscriber buttons, You can click on a segment to export the list of subscribers using the export option. Only Export segments with subscriber counts greater than 0.

Export Segments to rebuild them in Bento with Tags later.
6
Export Custom Fields

Custom fields are included in your main subscriber export CSV. Review the CSV columns in your export to see all custom fields in use.

Merge & Clean

  1. Open each of the exported CSV in your spreadsheet tool.
  2. Rename columns to Bento‑friendly names (email, first_name, tags, etc.), ensure they match in each csv file.
  3. Comma‑separate multiple tags (e.g. vip,customer).
  4. Delete any blank or irrelevant columns — Bento ignores missing headers but a tidy sheet is easier to debug.
  5. Save each CSV as a separate file.

Column Map Example

EmailTagsRemove TagsFirst NameLast Name
[email protected]customer, mqlleadJesseHanley

After Exporting

  • Double-check your CSV files for all required data (subscribers, tags, segments, custom fields).
  • Organize your files and screenshots for easy access during the Bento import process.
  • If you need to clean up or rename tags/fields, do so in the CSV before importing to Bento.

Troubleshooting

Missing Data?
  • Make sure you exported from the correct section (Subscribers, Tags, Segments).
  • Check your spam folder for the CSV email from ConvertKit.
  • Open CSVs in a spreadsheet app to review all columns.
  • If the export email hasn’t arrived after 10 minutes, check Promotions/Spam or Updates folders—ConvertKit sometimes routes it there.
  • Lists over 100 k rows? ConvertKit splits them into multiple CSVs—download all parts make sure to organize them either by combining them or naming them according to the type of subscribers they contain.
Export Button Not Visible?
  • You may need admin permissions to export data.
  • Try a different browser or clear your cache.
  • Contact ConvertKit support if you still can't export.

Critical Terminology Translation

Before we dive in, let's get our vocabulary straight. This is the Rosetta Stone of ConvertKit → Bento:

ConvertKit TermBento TermWhat It Actually Means
SubscriberPersonA human with an email address
List(doesn't exist)Bento uses one big People table—segment with tags
TagTagLabels for categorization (with more power)
SegmentSegmentDynamic groups based on rules
Custom FieldFieldArbitrary data attached to a person
BroadcastBroadcastOne-time email to a group
SequenceSequenceLinear time delayed email sequences
Visual AutomationFlowIf-this-then-that workflows on steroids
Link TriggerEvent + Flow logicClick tracking is automatic and universal
LiquidLiquidSame templating language, slightly different helpers

The Mental Model Shift

ConvertKit: "Here's a list of subscribers with tags."

Bento: "Here's a person who visited 5 pages, clicked 3 emails, has an LTV of $497, and is currently browsing your pricing page."

Final Thoughts

This migration will take you 2-4 hours of actual work.

Remember:

  • Take screenshots before changing anything
  • Test with your own email first
  • Keep ConvertKit running during transition
  • Document everything for your future self

Quick Reference Card

During Migration:

  • Check Bento's Dashboard
  • Monitor deliverability score
  • Test forms and integrations
  • Send one test email after changes

Before Canceling ConvertKit:

  • All subscribers imported
  • All automations rebuilt
  • List is warmed up on Bento
  • Forms all working
  • Deliverability metrics stable

Emergency Contacts:

You've got this. And if you don't? That's what support is for. Ship it.