# Importing and exporting preferences

Preference files can be both imported to and exported from the Workbench allowing you to easily share individual or group preferences.

The Import wizard can be used to import preferences from the local file system to the Workbench.

To import a preference file:

1. Select File > Import.
2. In the Import wizard select General > Preferences and click Next.
3. Click Browse... and locate the Preferences file on the local file system.
4. Select one of the following:
   - Import all to accept all of the preferences defined in the file.
   - Choose specific preferences to import to select only specified preferences defined in the file.
5. Click Finish.

The Export wizard can be used to export preferences from the Workbench to the local file system.

To export a preference file:

1. Select File > Export.
2. In the Export wizard select General > Preferences and click Next.
3. Select one of the following:
   - Export all to add all of the preferences to the file.
   - Choose specific preferences to export to add only specified preferences to the file.
4. Click Browse... and locate the preferences file on the local file system.
5. Click Finish

Note: If no changes have been made to the original preference settings the preferences file will be empty.