> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sightlinebehavior.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Back up and restore your data

> Protect your records, move them to another computer, or recover them from a backup.

Sightline can keep backups on your computer and save a separate, encrypted backup wherever you choose. Use a separate copy if you need to recover after losing or replacing the computer.

A backup restores Sightline’s database. It does not transfer separate files or downloaded models, or activate your license on another computer. On a replacement computer, you may also need [AI setup](/ai-setup) and [license activation](/licensing).

Open **Settings → Privacy & Data** and find **Backups**. Turn off Demo mode first to work with your own records.

| Your goal | Use |
| - | - |
| Keep recent recovery copies on this computer | **Automatic backups** or **Back up now**. |
| Recover after losing or replacing this computer | **Back up to a file**, with a passphrase, saved somewhere separate. |
| Add or update records in an existing database | [Raw-data import](/raw-data), rather than restoring a backup. |

## Save a backup you can keep elsewhere

1. Under **Backup file**, select **Back up…** next to **Back up to a file**.
2. Choose a location and filename for the `.db` file. An external drive or a district-approved synced folder lets you keep a copy beyond this computer.
3. Enter a passphrase of at least 12 characters, then enter it again in **Confirm passphrase**.
4. Select **Save backup** and wait for the backup-saved message.

To keep a backup for use on another computer, export it with a passphrase and store the file separately from this computer. Keep the passphrase in a safe place; Sightline cannot recover it.

A local backup protected only by this computer's encryption key cannot be opened if that key is lost or reset.

## Keep recent backups on this computer

Turn on **Automatic backups** to let Sightline maintain local backups. The status shows when the last automatic backup was made. The three newest backups are listed below with each one’s date, student and session counts, and size. When there are more, select **Show all** under the list to see the rest.

Select **Back up now** to add a local backup immediately. This adds to the list in Sightline; it does not ask where to save an external copy.

To keep one of the listed backups elsewhere, select **Export…** beside it, choose a file location, and set a passphrase. You are exporting that backup’s contents, which may be older than your current records.

Local backups are stored on the same computer as your data. Keep a separate copy as well if you need protection against a lost, damaged, or reimaged computer.

## Restore a backup

<Warning>
  Restoring replaces the current database with the selected backup. Records added since that backup will no longer be in the restored database. Before restoring, save a separate backup of your current data if you may need it later.
</Warning>

To restore a file you saved elsewhere:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose the backup" id="choose-the-backup">
    Under **Backup file**, select **Restore…** next to **Restore from a file**, then choose the Sightline `.db` file.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Unlock the file" id="unlock-the-backup">
    If prompted, enter its passphrase and select **Unlock**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check and restore" id="check-and-restore">
    Check the student and session counts in the confirmation, then select **Restore**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

To restore a backup already listed in Sightline, select **Restore** beside that entry. Check its date and counts, then select **Replace my data** to proceed. Sightline needs room to set aside your current data plus about 2 GB of free space; the confirmation explains this requirement.

After a successful restore, Sightline reloads the restored data. Open the student records you need and check that the expected observations are present.

If you want to add records to the current database, use [raw-data import](/raw-data) instead of restoring a backup.

## If recovery does not go as expected

**The backup needs a passphrase.** Enter the passphrase chosen when that file was exported. If it does not open, check that you selected the intended file and passphrase.

**The backup is from a newer version of Sightline.** Restore it with a version that supports that backup’s database format. Check **Settings → About** for updates. If the latest available version still refuses the backup, keep the file and contact support.

**The backup list does not load.** Close and reopen Settings. A list-loading error does not by itself mean the backup files are missing.

**Sightline reports a failed data upgrade or missing records after an upgrade.** Stop entering new data and contact support. Read the message before attempting a restore; Sightline may refuse a backup if restoring it would repeat the problem. You can export the listed **Before update** backup to keep a separate copy.

**Sightline cannot open the database.** If the startup screen offers **Restore from a backup**, select it, choose your backup, and unlock it if asked. Review the counts before selecting **Replace and open**. If the computer’s encryption key is gone, you need a backup exported with a passphrase.


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.