Your data

Import, export, and backups

Move reading lists in and keep a portable desktop backup of your library.

Reviewed August 12, 2026 · Stowspace team

Import, backup, and restore are desktop features. They work with the local database owned by the Windows background service.

Import a reading list

The desktop import flow accepts supported reading-list exports, browser bookmark HTML, and URL lists. Choose the source format, select the file, review the preview, and start the import. Imported web links are added to the local library and can be archived as their capture work finishes.

Keep the original source file until you have reviewed the imported items.

Create a backup

Use Settings → Sync & data to export a portable ZIP. The archive includes:

library.json with structured library records
a Markdown file for each item
standalone HTML for saved article content
referenced media and stored files when available

Keep the ZIP somewhere outside the Stowspace app-data folder.

Restore a backup

Preview the ZIP in the desktop restore flow before applying it. Merge adds the archive to the current library and lets the backup win matching conflicts. Replace makes the restored archive the library state and requires an explicit REPLACE confirmation.

Replace is destructive to the current local library. Make a fresh backup first. If sync is enabled, the restored state is then eligible to sync.

Android cannot create or restore backup archives.

Follow the guide

Before you start

The source bookmark, reading-list, URL, or Stowspace backup file available locally.
Enough free storage for imported records and any archived content they contain.
A separate current backup before using an option that replaces existing data.

Steps

Open the Windows data tools and choose import, backup, restore, or export for the intended task.
Preview the input and confirm its item count and format before making changes.
Use merge for additive recovery; use replace only when you deliberately want the restored library to become authoritative.
After completion, open representative items and keep the resulting backup or export in a location you control.

Stowspace Windows library containing saved and organized items — Verify representative items in the library after an import or restore, then keep a separate portable backup.

Expected outcome

The expected records appear without silently discarding the existing library, and you retain a portable ZIP or readable export suitable for independent storage.

Common errors

An import contains fewer items than expected: Review the preview for unsupported or malformed rows and compare the source count before running the import again.
A restore would overwrite current work: Cancel, create a new backup, and choose merge unless replacing the complete library is explicitly your goal.