Use Design Data Loader

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Last updated: Dec 5, 2025
Who can complete this task? Veeva LIMS Basics: Design Data Admin, Vault Admin

Design Data Loader gives you the ability to export test definitions, sample plans, and spec data records from one Vault and import them into another Vault. This process will be used to move design data records that were created in the Sandbox Vault to the Production Vault. To ensure a successful export and import, you should make sure that any referenced data, like organizations or lab result picklists already exist in the target vault and that they have the same name in both vaults.

Best Practice Using Design Data Loader to export and import a spec data record requires that the referenced test definitions and sample plans exist in the target vault. It is best practice to move records in this order: Test Definitions, then Sample Plans, then Spec Data.

Prerequisite

  • Set up the necessary setup data in both the source and target vaults, with the same name in both vaults.
Warning If there are any missing references, such as lab result picklists or organizations, the load will fail.

Export Design Data from Source Vault

To export design data from the source vault:

  1. Navigate to Design & Admin > Design Data > Test Definitions, Sample Plans, or Spec Data.

  2. Hover over the record you want to export and select Export Test Definition, Export Sample Plan, or Export Spec Data from the All Actions menu.

    Screenshot step 2

    Note You can only export Effective records.

  3. You will receive a notification when the export is complete. Click the link in the notification to download the zip file.

Import Design Data to Target Vault

To import design data to the target vault:

  1. Log in to the target vault.

  2. Navigate to Design & Admin > Loader > Design Data Loader.

  3. In the File field, click Choose to select the zip file you exported.

  4. Click Start Load.

    Screenshot steps 3 and 4

  5. You will receive a notification when the import is complete. The imported record will come into the target vault in Draft state and will need to go through change analysis process for review & approval.