Backup and Restore

Skribane lets you create complete backups of your data and restore them when needed. Your novels are valuable — back up regularly.

Accessing

Click Config in the sidebar and scroll down to the Backups section.

Create a Backup

Click Create backup. A native dialog opens to choose where to save the file. The suggested name includes the date and time.

The backup is a .zip file containing:

• Complete database — All your projects, acts, chapters, scenes, content, Codex, statistics, AI configuration.
• API keys — Your AI provider keys (stored securely).
• Metadata — App version, creation date, indicator of whether keys are included.

When finished, the created file size is displayed.

Restore a Backup

Click Restore backup and select a backup .zip file.

Before restoring, Skribane shows a backup preview:

• Creation date.
• File size.
• Number of projects it contains.
• Whether it includes API keys.

Destructive Action

Restoring a backup replaces all your current data (projects, Codex, configuration). This action cannot be undone. You'll be asked for confirmation before proceeding.

Skribane automatically creates a safety copy of your current data (.pre-restore files) before restoring, in case something goes wrong.

Integrity Validation

When restoring, Skribane automatically verifies:

• That the file is a valid Skribane backup (contains correct metadata).
• That the database is not corrupt (PRAGMA integrity_check).
• That the main tables exist.

If any verification fails, the restore is cancelled and your current data remains intact.

Recommendations

• Create a backup before updating Skribane to a new version.
• Back up regularly (at least once a week if you're actively writing).
• Store backups in a different location than your computer (external drive, cloud, etc.).
• The backup does not include editor preferences (font, size) or the light/dark theme, which are stored separately.