What the export contains
After a scan, the disavow download builds a UTF-8 text file with comment lines (starting with #) and one domain:example.com entry per unique referring domain in the spam-flagged shortlist. That format matches Google's published rules for listing domains. Confirm current limits (including size and line caps) on Google's help page before upload.
The export is a draft, not a verdict. Flags come from a commercial index heuristic. They are not Search Console manual actions and not a Google "toxic" score.
Search Console upload flow
- Edit the file until every remaining line is clear spam you cannot remove.
- Open Google Search Console for the correct property.
- Use the Disavow links tool and upload the UTF-8 text file.
- Keep a dated copy of what you uploaded for your records.
- Allow time for processing; do not expect instant ranking changes.
For decision trees and when to stop, read when not to disavow and the Google disavow file guide.
File format rules to respect
- UTF-8 plain text
- One URL or domain: entry per line
- Comments start with #
- Stay within Google's published size and line limits
- Prefer domain: lines for sitewide junk when that is accurate
Need a spam shortlist first without focusing on disavow? Use the homepage toxic backlink checker. Methodology details live on /methodology.