---
title: Restore Points
category: Restore Points
tags: restore, backup, recovery, safety, project
contextKey: restorePoints.overview
micro: Save recoverable snapshots before major project changes.
quickTitle: What are Restore Points?
quickSummary: Restore Points are database-saved project snapshots that let you return to an earlier state after risky edits, imports or restructuring.
screenshot:
---

# Overview

Restore Points are safety snapshots for a project. They save the current project state as structured backup data inside the database. Later, you can download the snapshot or restore the project from it.

They are designed for moments when you are about to make changes that might be hard to undo: importing a large backup, restructuring chapters, testing a big revision plan, or cleaning up archived material.

Restore Points are different from ordinary exports. A downloaded project backup is a file you keep locally. A restore point stays inside PlotDirector and is ready to use from this page.

# When Should I Use This?

Create a restore point before major edits, before importing, before restoring from another snapshot, or before trying a structural experiment that affects many records.

You do not need a restore point before every small scene edit. Use them when the cost of manually undoing the change would be high.

# How To Use It

Give the restore point a short name or leave the default name. Add notes if you want to remember why it was created. Download older restore points before deleting them if you want an extra local copy.

When you restore, PlotDirector creates a safety backup first so the current state can still be recovered.

# Example

Before reworking the order of several chapters, create a restore point called "Before Act Two restructure". If the experiment fails, restore that snapshot and return to the earlier arrangement.

# Writer Tip

Name restore points after the decision you are protecting, not just the date. Future you will thank present you for "Before removing Rebecca subplot".

# Common Mistakes

- Waiting until after a risky change to create the snapshot.
- Keeping too many unnamed restore points without notes.
- Confusing downloaded backups with database-saved restore points.
- Restoring without reading which snapshot is selected.

# Related Guides

- [Project Dashboard](/Help/Article/projectDashboard.overview)
- [Imports](/Help/Article/imports.overview)
- [Projects](/Help/Article/projects.overview)
