Backups
Nifty makes a backup before every update and whenever you ask. You can restore a backup in a few steps.
A backup is a copy of everything you've written, along with your photos and documents. Nifty always makes a backup before an update, so a faulty update can't cost you your data. To see your backups, open Settings → Backups.
Back up now
Choose Back up now. The first backup copies every file. Later backups copy only what's new, so they're quick and small.
To back up once a day, turn on Back up daily. If Nifty wasn't running when a backup was due, it makes one shortly after it starts.
Keep sets how many backups Nifty keeps. Older backups are deleted when the next backup is made. Nifty always keeps the newest backup made before an update and the newest made before a restore.
Where they're kept
Backups are kept in a folder beside Nifty's data folder, so deleting one doesn't delete the other.
| Backup folder | |
|---|---|
| Mac | ~/Library/Application Support/Nifty Backups |
| Windows | %LOCALAPPDATA%\Nifty Backups |
| Linux server | /var/lib/nifty-backups |
To use another folder, such as one on an external drive or a synced folder, choose Nifty → Desktop Settings… in the Mac app (Desktop settings… on Windows). Then choose Change… beside Backup folder. On a server, choose Change… in Settings → Backups. For details, see Use another folder.
Backups aren't encrypted. A synced folder, such as iCloud Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive, works well for backups, but the sync service can read them.
If the drive with your chosen folder isn't connected when Nifty updates, Nifty puts the backup in the default folder instead.
Restore a backup
In the Mac or Windows app:
- Open Settings → Backups.
- Choose Restore… beside the backup.
- Choose Restore and restart.
Nifty backs up your current data, restores the backup you chose and restarts. If you change your mind, restore the backup marked Before restore. If Nifty is making a backup when you choose Restore and restart, it asks you to wait until the backup has finished.
On a server, you restore a backup from the command line. See Restore on a server.
What's not in a backup
A backup doesn't include the key that unlocks your AI providers' API keys. After you restore a backup onto another computer, enter those API keys again in Settings → Providers and models.