How to export API data for analysis on Ahrefs

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-30

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.

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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

Step-by-Step Instructions

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.

Store your API token securely as it provides full access to your account data

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/.

The API Explorer is perfect for one-time exports, while direct calls work better for automated reporting

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).

Start with smaller limits to test your query before requesting large datasets

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.

Export only the columns you need to reduce file size and processing time

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.

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.

CSV format works best for Excel or Google Sheets analysis, while JSON is ideal for custom scripts

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.

Monitor your API usage in the dashboard to avoid hitting rate limits with automated exports

Common Issues & 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.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Ahrefs website before purchasing.

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