# Data Backup and Restore

Manually backing up your local data is the best way to minimize the risk of data loss before changing devices, reinstalling your operating system, or adjusting experimental settings. Octoclip supports exporting your local data to a standard JSON backup file, which can be imported and restored on any supported platform.

## What is Included in a Backup

Before performing a backup, please familiarize yourself with the scope of covered data:

*   **Included Data:** Local clipboard history records, starred and pinned clip cards, Quick Input alias configurations, categorization tags, and local application preferences.
*   **Excluded Data:** Cloud Sync configuration credentials and end-to-end encryption keys. These sensitive items are saved in system keychains or secure stores and are never written to the backup file. Keep them safe in your password manager.

> [!DANGER] Backups cannot recover lost encryption keys
> If you lose your Cloud Sync encryption key, importing a history backup will not help you decrypt existing encrypted sync blocks in your bucket. Always secure your Cloud Sync encryption key separately.

## Export Steps

:::steps
:::step{title="Go to backup settings"}

In Octoclip's main screen, open **Settings** -> go to **Data Management** -> select **Backup & Restore**.

:::
:::step{title="Run export and choose path"}

Click the **Export Local Backup** button. In the system save dialog, choose a secure local directory and confirm to save the generated `.json` file.

:::
:::step{title="Verify file generation"}

**Success sign:** Confirm that the backup file is present in your chosen folder. We recommend keeping the export date in the filename for easy identification.
:::
:::

## Import and Restore Steps

:::steps
:::step{title="Go to restore settings"}

On your new or reinstalled Octoclip client, open **Settings** -> go to **Data Management** -> select **Backup & Restore**.

:::
:::step{title="Import the backup file"}

Click the **Import Local Backup** button. In the file picker, select your previously saved JSON backup file and confirm.

:::
:::step{title="Verify data recovery"}

**Success sign:** The interface displays `"Import Successful"`. Return to your clipboard history and confirm that your past clips, pinned cards, and starred items are loaded and visible.
:::
:::

> [!WARNING] Version Compatibility
> When restoring from a backup, use the same or a newer version of Octoclip. Older builds may fail to parse JSON backup files exported by newer versions due to structural changes.

## Next

Learn about privacy defaults on the [Privacy and Sensitive Content](/features/data-security/privacy) page.