---
title: "Parquet files - Xata"
description: "Learn how to migrate your data to Xata from Parquet files exported to AWS S3"
source: "https://xata.io/docs/migrations/parquet"
---

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## ​Overview

If your data already lives in [Parquet](https://parquet.apache.org/) files, you can load it into Xata. This is a common path when your source database doesn’t expose a live PostgreSQL connection but can export snapshots to object storage instead. A typical flow is to export your database to Parquet files in an AWS S3 bucket, and then have Xata load those files into your branch.

## ​Export to Parquet in AWS S3

Both AWS Aurora and AWS RDS can export snapshots to Amazon S3 in Apache Parquet format. AWS writes the export as a set of Parquet files, one set per table, into the S3 bucket you choose.

- **AWS Aurora**: Use _Export to Amazon S3_ on a snapshot or cluster. See the [AWS Aurora export documentation](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/AuroraUserGuide/aurora-export-snapshot.html).
- **AWS RDS**: Use _Export to Amazon S3_ on a snapshot. See the [AWS RDS export documentation](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/USER_ExportSnapshot.html).

In both cases the export lands in S3 as Parquet files that preserve your table schema and data.

Tip

If you have a live PostgreSQL connection to your source database, you can migrate directly with `xata clone` instead. See the [AWS Aurora](/docs/migrations/aws-aurora) and [AWS RDS](/docs/migrations/aws-rds) guides.

## ​Import Parquet files into Xata

Importing Parquet files into Xata is currently handled on a case-by-case basis. If you’d like to import Parquet files — whether exported from AWS Aurora, AWS RDS, or another source — [reach out to us](mailto:support@xata.io) and we’ll help you load them into your branch. When you contact us, it helps to share:

- The location of your Parquet files (for example, the S3 bucket and prefix)

- The source database and how the export was produced (AWS Aurora, AWS RDS, or other)

- The approximate size and number of tables

- A schema-only `pg_dump` of your source database:

  ```
  pg_dump --schema-only --no-owner --no-privileges '<<source-connection-string>>' > schema.sql
  ```

## ​Verification

After your data is loaded, verify it:

1. **Connect to Xata Branch**:

   ```
   psql `xata branch url`
   ```

2. **Check Data Integrity**:

   ```
   -- List tables
   \dt

   -- Compare row counts
   SELECT COUNT(*) FROM your_table;

   -- Check sample data
   SELECT * FROM your_table LIMIT 10;
   ```

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