Local Backups

Learn how to use automatic local backups to protect your writing and restore accidental deletions

Local Backups

Local backups provide an additional layer of protection for your writing by automatically saving snapshots of your text directly on your device. These backups complement the main cloud sync, giving you peace of mind that your work is always safe.

What Are Local Backups?

Understanding the difference between local backups and cloud sync

Double Protection for Your Writing

While your main sync automatically saves your work to the cloud every 1-2 minutes, local backups create additional snapshots on your device. This means you always have a recent backup available, even when you're offline or experiencing connectivity issues.

Local backups are particularly valuable when you accidentally delete content - you can quickly restore a previous version without losing your progress.

Local Backups in Action:

The local backups indicator appears in the editor footer when snapshots are available

Main Cloud Sync

Syncs your content across all devices every 1-2 minutes, ensuring your work is accessible anywhere.

Cross-Platform

Local Backups

Creates text snapshots on your device, providing quick access to previous versions while writing.

Device-Local

Accessing Local Backups

How to find and use your backup snapshots

1

Open the Editor

Navigate to the scene workspace where you're writing your content in the text editor.
Pro Tip

Local backups are created for each scene individually, so you'll need to open the specific scene you want to restore.

2

Check the Footer

Look at the bottom of the editor. When local backups are available, you'll see a backups indicator in the footer.
Pro Tip

The backups indicator only appears when snapshots are available for that scene.

3

Click on Backups

Click on the local backups indicator in the footer to open the backups dialog.
4

Browse Snapshots

In the dialog, you'll see all available snapshots for this scene with timestamps.
Pro Tip

Each snapshot contains the full text of your scene at that moment in time.

5

Restore If Needed

Click on any snapshot to preview it, then confirm restoration to replace your current text.
Pro Tip

Restoring a backup will replace your current text, but you can still use the main sync to retrieve the most recent cloud version if needed.

Benefits of Local Backups

Why local backups are essential for your writing workflow

Protection from Accidental Deletion

If you accidentally delete important content, simply restore a previous backup to recover it instantly.

Safety Net

Offline Access

Local backups work regardless of your internet connection, ensuring your snapshots are always available.

Offline

Quick Restoration

Restore previous versions without leaving the editor, keeping your workflow smooth and uninterrupted.

Efficiency

Multiple Snapshots

Each scene maintains multiple snapshots, giving you various restoration points to choose from.

Flexibility

Best Practices

Tips for making the most of local backups

Regular Writing

The more you write, the more snapshots you'll have. Write consistently to build a comprehensive backup history.

Tip

Check Before Big Changes

Before making significant edits to your text, check your current backups to ensure you have a good restoration point.

Prevention

Use with Cloud Sync

Remember that local backups complement, not replace, cloud sync. Both work together to protect your work.

Integration

After Restoration

If you restore a backup, consider whether you want to keep the newer version by syncing it to the cloud separately.

Follow-up

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about local backups

How often are backups created?

Local backups are created at regular intervals while you're writing, ensuring multiple snapshots are captured during your writing session.

Are local backups shared between devices?

No, local backups are stored only on the device where they were created. They're not synchronized across platforms.

Can I manage which backups are kept?

Currently, the system automatically manages backup retention. This ensures you always have relevant snapshots available.

What happens to backups after cloud sync?

Cloud sync and local backups work independently. Cloud sync makes your content available everywhere, while backups remain local.

Write with Confidence

With local backups and cloud sync working together, your writing is always protected and easily recoverable.

Have questions? Check our support center for more help with MyStory.today features.

Last updated: June 20, 2025