Import, export, and backups
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.jsonwith 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.