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Instance · Data

Emptying a Database

Last updated 1 November 2026

Delete every item in a database while keeping the database and its fields.

Emptying a database deletes every item in it and keeps the database itself, with its fields and settings. Use it to clear test data before you go live, or to reload a database from a fresh import.

Danger

Emptying deletes all items in the database. Export them first if you may need them.

Empty a database

  1. In the admin, open Data and choose Databases.
  2. Open the items of the database you want to empty.
  3. Open the options menu and select Empty Database.
  4. Type EMPTY in the confirmation box and confirm.

The admin then shows Deleting all items from your database and returns you to the list of databases. The deletion runs in the background, so a large database may take a moment to clear.

Before you empty

OptionWhen to use it
Export Database ItemsKeep a copy of the items first
Empty DatabaseRemove all items, keep the database and its fields
Delete DatabaseRemove the database itself, as well as its items

The Empty Database option appears only when the database has active items.

Note

These steps follow the Data module source (October 2026). They were not carried out, because emptying deletes data.

Common mistakes

  • Emptying the wrong database. Check the name at the top of the items list before you type EMPTY.
  • Expecting other databases that link to this one to be emptied too. Only this database's items are deleted.
  • Choosing Delete Database when you only wanted to clear the items. Delete removes the database and its fields.