How do I export recipes from Cook'n?

Cook'n offers two export paths: File > Backup creates a .ckn (full library backup), and File > Export creates a .dvo (per-cookbook export with structured ingredient data). Both are supported. Upload either to MoveMyRecipes to convert to JSON, PDF, CSV, Markdown, or other open formats.

Can I access my Cook'n recipes without buying upgrades?

Yes! Export your Cook'n recipes to open formats like PDF, JSON, or CSV using MoveMyRecipes. You'll own your recipes forever without needing to pay for Cook'n upgrades.

Can I use my Cook'n recipes outside of Cook'n apps?

Cook'n recipes are locked within their ecosystem. By exporting to open formats like PDF, JSON, or CSV, you can access your recipes in any app or share them with anyone.

Can I convert Cook'n recipes to use in another app?

Absolutely. MoveMyRecipes converts Cook'n recipes to universal formats like JSON (Schema.org), CSV, and Markdown that can be imported into many other recipe apps.

.ckn backups and .dvo cookbook exports supported

Break free from the Cook'n upgrade cycle

Tired of paying for new versions just to keep using your own recipes? Export them once and own them forever.

100% free. No more upgrade fees.

How to Export from Cook'n Recipe Organizer

Get your recipes out of Cook'n and into formats you control.

1

Open Cook'n on your computer

Launch Cook'n Recipe Organizer. You'll need the desktop version (Windows or Mac) to export your recipes.

On Windows: Open Cook'n from the Start menu or desktop shortcut
On Mac: Open Cook'n from your Applications folder
Make sure you're viewing your recipe library

Tip: If you have multiple cookbooks, you may need to export each one separately.

2

Go to File > Export (or Backup)

In the menu bar, click File and look for Export, Backup, or similar options.

Windows: File > Export Recipes or File > Backup
Mac: File > Export or Cook'n > Export
Look for options like 'Export to file' or 'Create backup'

Tip: Different Cook'n versions may have slightly different menu layouts.

3

Select recipes and format

Choose which recipes to export. Select all recipes to get your complete collection.

Select 'All Recipes' or use Ctrl+A / Cmd+A to select all
Cook'n may offer different export formats - choose the most complete option
If given a choice, select 'Include images' or 'Full export'

4

Save the export file

Choose a location on your computer and save the file. Remember where you save it!

Cook'n will create an export file (the format varies by version). This file contains your recipes and can be converted to any format.

5

Upload to MoveMyRecipes

Upload your .ckn or .dvo file above and we'll convert it to PDF, JSON, CSV, Markdown, or any other format you need.

Tip: Your recipes are processed securely and deleted after 7 days.

Cook'n Database Location

If you can't find an export option, Cook'n stores your recipes in a database file. On Windows, it's typically in Documents\Cook'n or C:\ProgramData\DVO Enterprises. We'll be able to help you locate and convert this file.

Why Cook'n users are looking for alternatives

Cook'n has been around for decades, but the software model hasn't kept up with how we use recipes today.

The endless upgrade tax

Cook'n 14... 15... 16... Each major version means another purchase. Your recipes shouldn't require a subscription to your wallet.

Locked inside Cook'n's ecosystem

Your recipes only work within Cook'n apps. Export to universal formats and use them anywhere—any app, any device, forever.

Legacy software concerns

What happens when Cook'n stops updating? When your new computer won't run it? Future-proof your collection now.

Modern app compatibility

Want to use a sleek new recipe app? We export to universal formats that modern apps can import.

Your recipes should move with you

Keep them for yourself, or take them wherever you go next.

Remember Yummly?

When Yummly shut down their recipe box feature, thousands of users lost access to their carefully curated collections overnight. No export option. No migration path. Years of saved recipes, gone. Don't let this happen to you.

Keep forever

PDFs, printouts, your own archive. Your recipes in formats that never expire.

Move to any app

Standard formats any recipe app can import. Switch apps without starting over.

Future-proof

Apps come and go, but your recipes stay yours forever.

Export to any format

Get your recipes in formats that work for you

{ }

JSON

Schema.org compliant

PDF

Print-ready cards

CSV

Excel-friendly

MD

Markdown

Plain text

.cook

CookLang

For developers

DB

SQLite

Portable database

ORF

Open Recipe

YAML format

Supported Cook'n formats

We support Cook'n database exports from version 10 and later.

.ckn

Cook'n Database Backup

Supported

Cook'n's full database backup. Contains every recipe, ingredient, and bit of metadata in your library.

Found in Documents\Cook'n or via File > Backup

.dvo

Cook'n Cookbook Export

Supported

Per-cookbook export with ingredients, units, brands, and nutrition data preserved as separate fields.

Created via File > Export > Cook'n format

Cook'n Cloud

Coming Soon

Import directly from your Cook'n Cloud account. No file download needed.

Direct cloud import without needing to download files first

Ready to free your Cook'n recipes?

Upload your .ckn or .dvo file above, or subscribe to get notified about Cook'n Cloud import.