Chrome Web Store ↗What to know
- Full backup creates one .plbackup archive with records, safe settings and available record-owned media.
- Export JSON preserves post data but excludes downloaded photos and videos.
- Restore defaults to Merge; Replace requires a separate complete safety backup first.
Before you start
Keep the original browser profile and library folder until you have checked the restored result. A backup marked Partial is useful but does not contain every expected media file.
Use the library folder that holds this Library’s downloaded photos and videos, not an unrelated downloads folder. Download-only files without Library records are not automatically included. The archive does not contain API keys, browser logins or private computer paths.
How to do it
Create a Full backup
Open Backup & Restore and choose Full backup under Full backup (move to another computer). When prompted, select the folder holding the Library’s real photos and videos. The operation reads relevant available files and packages the saved data into a .plbackup file.
Check the backup status
Wait for Full backup complete or Full backup saved as Partial. Read the missing-media details rather than treating a successful archive download as a complete media copy. Keep the archive separately and resolve missing files before discarding the original data.
Choose the destination restore mode
On the destination, open Backup & Restore and leave Mode on Merge (recommended) to add the archive without clearing the existing Library. Choose full backup… selects the archive for checking; selecting the file does not immediately replace your Library.
Review before confirming
The Check full backup preview reports the record and media counts and whether the archive is Partial. Review any additional content or conflict choices presented. Select Merge into library only after checking the intended mode and contents; Cancel ends the preview without applying it.
Verify the restored copy
Read the final restore status and open several relevant records and local media files. Check text, categories and reminders that matter to you. Keep the original data and backup until this practical check is satisfactory; this guide does not imply your personal archive has been tested.
Full backup and JSON serve different purposes
| Option | Included and excluded |
|---|---|
| Full backup | Saved records, category order, safe settings, in-app media and readable record-owned library files; unavailable media is reported. |
| Export JSON | Post data such as categories, replies and to-do or reminder dates; no downloaded photo or video payloads. |
| Import JSON | Merges supported imported records; it cannot reconstruct missing media bytes from a filename or link. |
Use Replace deliberately
Replace this library removes the current extension Library only after a separate complete safety backup has been written. Before selecting the archive for Replace, use Choose folder under Your saved photos and videos to select the current computer’s library folder. If the safety backup is Partial, replacement stops.
Downloaded files outside the archive are not deleted by replacement. Restore is not cloud synchronization, and it does not sign you in to source sites or transfer AI API keys. Safe settings are restored from the archive; not every interface preference is part of that allowlisted set.
Apply the same check across sources
One Library may hold supported entries from Threads, Instagram, Facebook, X and Patreon. Backup captures the records and available associated media that were actually saved, not the complete source accounts. Pinterest is download-only, so keep those files separately unless you have subsequently added relevant images to the Library.
Limits to keep in mind
- Current archive safety limits are 4 GB overall and 512 MB per entry; oversized archives or individual files can be rejected.
- Restore validates supported archive formats and file checksums; incompatible or damaged archives must not be treated as successfully restored.
- Only available, record-associated media is included; unrelated download-only files and unavailable remote media are not a full backup of your device.
Questions and answers
Can I use JSON alone to move my downloaded videos?
No. JSON contains record data, not downloaded media. Use Full backup with the correct readable library folder and review any missing-media report.
Will Merge empty my existing Library?
No. Merge is the default mode and adds or merges supported archive records without first clearing the Library. Review any conflicts and restored settings before confirming.
Can a Partial archive be restored?
Supported Partial archives can be checked and restored, but the unavailable media remains missing. A Partial safety backup cannot satisfy the prerequisite for replacing the current Library.