Why Exporting Your Tracking Data Matters
PDF reports are the most universally accepted format, readable by 98% of dermatology practice management systems. But choosing the right export format depends entirely on what you plan to do with the data.
Tracking hair loss is only half the equation. The other half is making that data usable, whether you're sharing it with a doctor, running your own analysis, or simply creating a permanent backup of your progress. Raw data sitting inside an app helps nobody if it can't leave that app in a useful form.
This guide walks through every export format available, when to use each one, and how to prepare your data before exporting.
Step 1: Determine Your Export Purpose
Before clicking any export button, ask yourself one question: who is this data for?
For Your Dermatologist
Doctors need structured, visual information they can scan in under 2 minutes. They want dated comparison photos, treatment timelines, and any measured changes in density or coverage.
Best format: PDF report
For Personal Analysis
If you want to chart your own trends, calculate rates of change, or compare specific metrics over time, you need raw numbers in a spreadsheet-compatible format.
Best format: CSV (comma-separated values)
For Backup or Transfer
If you're switching devices, changing apps, or simply want a permanent archive, you need all data types bundled together.
Best format: ZIP archive (CSV + image gallery)
For Sharing Online (Forums, Communities)
If you want to share your results with others in hair loss communities, you need anonymized visual comparisons without personal metadata.
Best format: Image gallery (PNG/JPG)
| Purpose | Format | Contains |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatologist visit | Photos, timeline, metrics, treatment log | |
| Personal analysis | CSV | Raw measurements, dates, medication log |
| App transfer/backup | ZIP | CSV + dated photo gallery |
| Community sharing | Image gallery | Comparison photos (anonymized) |
Step 2: Prepare Your Data Before Export
Clean data exports start with clean data. Before you export anything, take 5 minutes to review your records.
Check for Gaps
Look at your tracking timeline. Are there weeks where you missed photo captures? Missing data points create gaps in trend lines that can confuse both you and your doctor. Note these gaps so they don't get misinterpreted as periods of stability.
Verify Treatment Logs
Make sure your medication entries are accurate. If you switched from 5% minoxidil to 2%, or adjusted your finasteride dosage, those changes should be logged with correct dates. Treatment changes that aren't recorded make it impossible to correlate dosage adjustments with results.
Tag Your Best Comparison Photos
Not every photo you've taken will be useful in a report. Select the clearest, most consistently lit images from each tracking session. Most export tools let you star or flag preferred images so they appear prominently in generated reports.
Step 3: Export as PDF for Clinical Use
The PDF export is your most important format. Here's how to generate one that your dermatologist will actually find useful.
What a Good PDF Report Includes
A well-structured report following a progress report template should contain:
- Patient summary header: Your age, treatment start date, current Norwood classification, and active treatments
- Photo comparison grid: Side-by-side images from baseline, midpoint, and current date, organized by angle (hairline, crown, temples)
- Treatment timeline: A visual bar showing what you've taken and when, including dosages
- Metrics summary: Any measured density changes, hair count estimates, or coverage percentages
- Notes section: Your self-reported observations (shedding episodes, side effects, lifestyle changes)
PDF Formatting Tips
- Use landscape orientation for photo comparisons (more horizontal space for side-by-side images)
- Keep the report under 5 pages (doctors won't read more)
- Include dates on every photo
- Add a one-paragraph summary at the top
This is closely related to documenting hair loss for your dermatologist, where the emphasis is on clinical communication rather than data formatting.
Step 4: Export as CSV for Analysis
CSV files are plain text files where each row is a data point and each column is a variable. They open in Excel, Google Sheets, or any data analysis tool.
Typical CSV Column Structure
| Column | Example Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| date | 2026-02-23 | Tracking session date |
| norwood_stage | 3 | Current classification |
| density_estimate | 142 | Follicular units per cm2 |
| treatment_active | finasteride 1mg | Current medications |
| photo_count | 4 | Number of photos captured |
| self_rating | 7 | Self-assessed progress (1-10) |
| notes | Slight shedding this week | Freeform observations |
What You Can Do With CSV Data
- Plot density changes over time in a spreadsheet chart
- Calculate your average tracking consistency (sessions per month)
- Identify correlations between treatment changes and outcome shifts
- Import into a new tracking app if you switch platforms
Step 5: Export Photos as a Dated Gallery
Photos are the most compelling evidence of progress (or lack thereof). When exporting images, ensure each file is named with its capture date and angle.
Recommended Naming Convention
2026-02-23_hairline_front.jpg
2026-02-23_crown_top.jpg
2026-02-23_temple_left.jpg
2026-02-23_temple_right.jpg
This naming convention makes it simple to sort chronologically and compare identical angles across different dates.
Image Quality Settings
Export at the highest resolution available. Compression artifacts can obscure fine details like miniaturized hairs or early regrowth. If file size is a concern, use PNG for lossless compression rather than heavily compressed JPGs.
Step 6: Schedule Regular Exports
Don't wait until you need your data to export it. Set a recurring reminder (monthly or quarterly) to generate a fresh export. This protects you against data loss if your device fails or if an app shuts down unexpectedly.
Store exports in cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) so they're accessible from any device.
Common Export Mistakes to Avoid
- Exporting without selecting a date range: You'll get everything, including blurry test photos from day one. Filter to relevant periods.
- Forgetting to include treatment data: Photos without context about what treatment you were on are far less useful.
- Using low-resolution exports: Always choose the highest quality option, especially for clinical use.
- Not backing up before switching apps: Export everything in CSV + ZIP before migrating.
Get Started With Your Export
Your tracking data is only valuable if you can access it, share it, and act on it. Whether you're preparing for a dermatologist appointment or building a personal progress archive, structured exports turn scattered data points into a coherent story.
Start your tracking journey at myhairline.ai/analyze and generate your first progress report today.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting or modifying any hair loss treatment plan.