# Export training data without including a private journal

Canonical: https://romeoapps.app/en/mindbuilding/export-training-data-without-private-journal/
Author: Roméo Gambino · Published: 2026-10-07 · Updated: 2026-10-07 · App: MindBuilding (https://romeoapps.app/en/mindbuilding/)

Choose CSV and JSON exports, check the optional journal and inspect files before saving or sharing them.

## Choose the purpose of the export

Decide whether you want a spreadsheet summary, trial-level information or a copy of the recorded session data. MindBuilding prepares different files for these purposes. For example, a sessions CSV is not the same table as a trials CSV. An exported file records app activity; it does not certify IQ, a diagnosis or everyday cognitive ability.

[Attention or memory exercises: choose by the task](https://romeoapps.app/en/mindbuilding/attention-vs-memory-exercises/)

## Check the journal option first

In the data-export card, the option to include your journal is disabled by default. Leave it off if you do not want journal entries in this export. Review it each time rather than relying on memory. Changing this option invalidates the prepared file set, so prepare the files again after changing your choice.


## Recognise the files that can be created

The export creates session CSV, trial CSV and session JSON files. It adds a check-up CSV when assessment scores exist, and journal JSON only when inclusion is chosen and entries exist. A missing optional file can therefore reflect absent data or your choice, rather than a failed export. Keep sessions and trials distinct when opening a spreadsheet.


## Inspect before sharing

Open the files with an appropriate viewer and check their contents, dates and intended scope. If privacy matters, inspect the actual files rather than only counting them. Even without the journal, session details may be personal. Select a destination deliberately; a sharing option can create a copy outside the app and outside your control.


## Save a copy that you control

MindBuilding prepares exports in a temporary folder and replaces that export folder when preparing a new set. Save files you want to retain to a location you choose instead of treating the temporary preparation as a permanent backup. Apple’s Files guidance explains how to share files and manage copies. Check that your saved copy opens.

Sources for this section: [Apple — Send files from Files on iPhone](https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/iphone/iphf2746307f/ios) · [Apple — Files basics](https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/iphone/iphe9d46e90f/ios)


## Keep interpretation and storage separate

Use matching exercise settings when comparing recorded results, and distinguish training records from check-up scores. An export does not establish broad improvement or clinical validity. Keep track of recipients and copies if you shared it; deleting an app file does not establish deletion elsewhere.

[MindBuilding check-up or training record: what to compare](https://romeoapps.app/en/mindbuilding/mindbuilding-check-up-versus-training-records/)

## Questions

### Is the private journal always included?

No. Inclusion is optional and initially off; journal JSON is created only when inclusion is chosen and entries exist.

### Is preparing an export a permanent backup?

No. Preparation uses a temporary folder that is replaced for a new export. Save and check a copy in a location you choose.

## Further reading

- Apple — Send files from Files on iPhone — https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/iphone/iphf2746307f/ios
- Apple — Files basics — https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/iphone/iphe9d46e90f/ios

## About this guide

Published by Roméo Apps. Writing and translations are assisted by AI, with technical checks and targeted reviews. The cited sources do not certify the app or its results.

[About the publisher](https://romeoapps.app/en/about/)