Mobile app data exports typically use formats balancing accessibility and structure. Common choices include CSV (comma-separated values) for tabular data like spreadsheets, JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) for hierarchical data like app settings, and SQLite for relational databases. Each serves different needs: CSV is human-readable but limited to flat structures; JSON handles nested data but requires parsing; SQLite preserves complex database relationships locally. Platform-native formats like iOS Property Lists (PLIST) or Android SharedPreferences exist but lack cross-platform compatibility.

For example, fitness apps often export workout history via CSV for analysis in Excel, while social media tools use JSON to transfer user connections between platforms. Messaging apps might employ SQLite to preserve entire chat histories during device migration. Industry-wise, productivity tools (Notion, Trello) favor CSV/JSON for interoperability, whereas gaming apps frequently choose platform-specific formats for saved progress.

Advantages include CSV's universal readability and JSON's flexibility for APIs. Limitations involve JSON's verbosity affecting large exports and CSV's inability to represent relationships. Ethical considerations include ensuring user consent for sensitive data exports. Future trends lean toward standardized schemas (like JSON-LD) to improve semantic understanding across applications, facilitating innovation in cross-app data portability.