---
title: "Data formats"
summary: "The datasets published by OpenSanctions are made available in multiple formats, suitable for different purposes."
url: "https://www.opensanctions.org/docs/bulk/formats/"
date_updated: "2026-08-28"
---

We offer data in multiple formats, each suited to specific tools and use cases. Try them out on our [default collection](/datasets/default/#download).

{% cardgrid %}
{% linkcard title="FollowTheMoney JSON" %}
[Recommended — the native graph format, best for data pipelines](/docs/bulk/json/)
{% /linkcard %}
{% linkcard title="Simplified CSV tables" %}
[The most important fields, for use in spreadsheets and simple analysis](/docs/bulk/csv/)
{% /linkcard %}
{% linkcard title="Names-only text files" %}
[Useful for simple cross-referencing and text search](/docs/bulk/plain/)
{% /linkcard %}
{% linkcard title="Senzing entity data" %}
[Exports generated for use with the Senzing entity resolution engine](/docs/bulk/senzing/)
{% /linkcard %}
{% /cardgrid %}

### Statements-based CSV

Data power users may also want to explore the [statement-based CSV format](/docs/statements/), which provides per-value lineage and language metadata. This identifies the source, language and freshness for each claim (property value) about each entity.

### Keeping up to date

Once you've picked a format, see [downloading the data](/docs/bulk/updates/) for update cycles and stable URLs, and [using delta files](/docs/bulk/delta/) to process changes incrementally instead of re-importing a full export each time.

### Specialized coverage exports

Some of our [specialized coverage](/docs/coverage/) areas ship their own dedicated export:

* [Securities-centric CSV exports](/docs/coverage/securities/): a custom export of information about public companies and the financial instruments they issue.
* [Maritime and vessel data](/docs/coverage/maritime/): a shipping-focused data subset for screening vessels, operators, and owners against sanctions.
* [Senzing entity data](/docs/bulk/senzing/): data exports generated for use with the Senzing entity resolution engine.

*If you would like to discuss a custom export format for OpenSanctions that is more suitable to your needs, please [get in touch](/contact/).*