# Export and import a program

As an alternative to adding a program from a template, you can use Control Center to make a copy of an existing program and migrate it to a different environment or organization. You can only do this with **debit**, **credit**, and **prepaid** program types. This is helpful, for instance, when you need to move a program from a test environment into a production environment. When you export a program, it downloads a JSON file to your computer. Using a text editor, you can modify the program's configuration—including program parameter values—before you import it to the new environment or organization.

For details about what program data is copied to the new program, refer to [Cloned and imported program properties](https://developers.pismo.io/pismo-docs/docs/cc-cloned-and-exported-data).

# Export a program

Program export and import supports only the **debit**, **credit**, and **prepaid** program types (both Full balance and Zero balance).

To export a program:

1. From the main menu, select **Configurations** > **Programs**.
2. On the **Programs** screen, select the program that you want to export.
3. On the **Program information** screen, select **Export**.
4. In the confirmation dialog, select **Export**.
   <p>After a few moments, a **Download** button displays on the **Program information** screen.</p>
5. Select **Download**.
   <p>The button remains available for seven days.</p>

<Callout icon="📘" theme="info">
  When a program is first created, its status is `Processing`.  After you clone or import a program, you must request two configuration tasks through the Pismo Service Desk:

  * The Financial Accounts team must configure the accounting scripts that specify how the Pismo platform generates accounting entries for different types of financial operations. The accounting configuration and entry types are unique to each program and are not copied. For more information about accounting on the Pismo platform, refer to [Accounting overview](https://developers.pismo.io/pismo-docs/docs/accounting-overview).
  * For credit programs, the PCI Cards team must perform some verifications and manual configurations, such as for card embossing. For more information about card embossing on the Pismo platform, refer to [Physical card embossing](https://developers.pismo.io/pismo-docs/docs/physical-card-embossing).

  Each of these requests can take up to 90 hours (SLA) to fulfill. Once they are completed, the program's status becomes `Active` and it becomes available for use.
</Callout>

# Import the program to the new environment or organization

To import the program you just exported into a new environment or organization, you must use the JSON file that was generated during the export process (see above). The import process validates the JSON file and displays an error message if it encounters a problem.

<Callout icon="📘" theme="info">
  If the JSON file that you want to import contains a `transaction_category` field whose value is `null`, the program transaction type is not imported. As a result, the value of the `applicable_charges` field will be empty. If this happens, you should modify the program and then export it again.

  For more information about transaction categories on the Pismo platform, refer to [Configuring and managing rates at the program level](https://developers.pismo.io/pismo-docs/docs/configuring-accrual-rates#configuring-and-managing-rates-at-the-program-level).
</Callout>

To import a program to the new environment or organization:

1. From the main menu, select **Configurations** > **Programs**.
2. On the **Programs** screen, select **Import programs**.
3. In the **Import program** dialog, drag the JSON file into the file upload area and then enter the program name.
4. Select **Import**.

> 📘 Asynchronous processing
>
> Your request is processed in the background. You'll be notified when your program has been created. In the meantime, your new program remains in `Processing` status.