Intermediate
How to export API data for analysis on Ahrefs
Quick Answer
Export API data from Ahrefs by accessing the API section in your account settings, generating requests through the API explorer or direct endpoints, and downloading results in CSV or JSON format. Use the exported data for custom analysis, reporting, or integration with other SEO tools.
Prerequisites
- Valid Ahrefs subscription with API access
- API token from your Ahrefs account
- Basic understanding of API endpoints and data formats
- Spreadsheet software or data analysis tool
1
Access Your Ahrefs API Dashboard
Log into your Ahrefs account and navigate to Settings > API Access. If you don't see this option, ensure your subscription includes API access. Copy your API Token from this page as you'll need it for all requests.
Tip
Store your API token securely as it provides full access to your account data
2
Choose Your Data Export Method
Ahrefs offers two main ways to export API data: through the API Explorer (user-friendly interface) or Direct API Calls (programmatic access). For beginners, click API Explorer in the left sidebar. For advanced users, you can make direct HTTP requests to
https://apiv2.ahrefs.com/.Tip
The API Explorer is perfect for one-time exports, while direct calls work better for automated reporting
3
Select Your Data Type and Configure Parameters
In the API Explorer, choose from available reports like Backlinks, Keywords, Organic Search, or Site Explorer data. Enter your target domain or URL in the Target field, select your desired Country and Language settings, and set the Limit for how many rows to export (maximum 1000 per request).
Tip
Start with smaller limits to test your query before requesting large datasets
4
Customize Columns and Filters
Click Select Columns to choose which metrics to include in your export. Common selections include domain rating, URL rating, referring domains, and traffic data. Use the Filters section to narrow down results by specific criteria like domain rating ranges, traffic thresholds, or keyword difficulty scores.
Tip
Export only the columns you need to reduce file size and processing time
5
Preview and Execute Your Request
Click Show Example to preview your API request and ensure the parameters are correct. Review the sample data structure and verify it matches your analysis needs. When satisfied, click Get Data to execute the request and retrieve your results.
6
Download Your Data Export
Once the request completes, you'll see your data in a table format. Click the Export button and choose your preferred format: CSV for spreadsheet analysis or JSON for programmatic processing. The download will begin automatically and save to your default downloads folder.
Tip
CSV format works best for Excel or Google Sheets analysis, while JSON is ideal for custom scripts
7
Set Up Automated Exports (Optional)
For recurring analysis, create automated API calls using tools like Python, cURL, or Postman. Use the Code Examples section in the API Explorer to get sample code in various programming languages. Schedule these scripts to run daily, weekly, or monthly to maintain updated datasets for ongoing analysis.
Tip
Monitor your API usage in the dashboard to avoid hitting rate limits with automated exports
Troubleshooting
API token authentication fails
Verify your API token is copied correctly without extra spaces. Check that your subscription includes API access and the token hasn't expired in Settings > API Access.
Request returns empty or limited results
Adjust your filters and parameters - they may be too restrictive. Increase the Limit parameter and check if the target domain has sufficient data in Ahrefs' index.
Export file is corrupted or won't open
Try downloading the file again or switch to a different format (CSV vs JSON). Clear your browser cache and ensure the download completed fully before opening the file.
API rate limit exceeded error
Wait for the rate limit to reset (usually 1 minute) or reduce the frequency of your requests. Check your current usage in the API Dashboard and consider upgrading your plan for higher limits.
Ready to get started with Ahrefs?
Put this tutorial into practice. Visit Ahrefs and follow the steps above.
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