Data Backup: Export & Import

Baulit stores your data in the cloud, but sometimes you want a local copy. The Data Backup feature lets you export your complete Baulit data as a JSON file and restore from a previous export. Think of it as downloading your project binder to your own hard drive.

Accessing Data Backup

Data export and import are located in Settings → Data tab.

Exporting Your Data

Open Settings. Click the gear icon or navigate to Settings from the app menu.

Click the Data tab. The Data tab shows export and import options.

Click Export Data. Baulit gathers all your data and packages it into a JSON file. Depending on how many projects you have, this may take a few seconds.

Save the file. Your browser downloads a JSON file with a name that includes your account and the export date (e.g., baulit-backup-2026-03-15.json). Save it somewhere safe.

What the export includes

The JSON export contains a complete snapshot of your Baulit data:

Projects — all project details including name, type, dates, budget, and settings
Tasks — every task with status, duration, predecessors, cost line items, and phase assignments
Change orders — full change order records with amounts and status
Daily logs — all log entries with weather, crew, work performed, and notes
Contacts — your contact directory including vendor insurance data
Settings — your feature toggles, preferences, and company profile data
Templates — all saved task templates

What the export does NOT include

File attachments are not included. Photos, PDFs, and other files uploaded to your projects are stored in Supabase Storage and are not part of the JSON export. If you need to back up attachments, download them separately from each project's Files tab.

Importing Data

Open Settings → Data tab.

Click Import Data. A file picker appears.

Select your backup file. Choose a previously exported Baulit JSON file from your computer.

Confirm the import. Baulit reads the file and restores the data. The app reloads to reflect the imported data.

Import replaces existing data. Importing a backup file restores your account to the state captured in that file. Be sure you want to overwrite your current data before proceeding. If in doubt, export your current data first so you have a fallback.

Use Cases

Offline backup

Export your data monthly or after major milestones. Store the JSON files on your local drive, an external hard drive, or a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. If anything ever goes wrong with your account, you have a complete backup ready to restore.

Account migration

If you need to move your data from one Baulit account to another (for example, switching from a personal account to a company account), export from the old account and import into the new one. All your projects, tasks, and history transfer over.

Disaster recovery

While Baulit's cloud infrastructure includes its own backups, having your own local copy gives you an extra layer of protection. If you accidentally delete projects or make changes you want to undo, a recent export lets you restore to a known good state.

Data portability

The export is standard JSON, a format that any developer or data tool can read. If you ever need to analyze your data outside of Baulit, migrate to a different system, or integrate with other tools, the JSON export gives you full access to your data in an open format.

Best Practices

Export regularly. Set a reminder to export your data monthly, or after completing a major project phase.
Name files clearly. The default filename includes the date, but consider adding your own notes (e.g., baulit-backup-2026-03-15-after-oak-ridge-closeout.json).
Store in multiple locations. Keep copies on your local drive and a cloud storage service. A backup that only exists on one hard drive is not a real backup.
Test your backups. Occasionally verify that your export files are valid by opening them in a text editor. A valid JSON file opens without errors and shows readable data.
Export before major changes. Before importing data, bulk-deleting projects, or making significant account changes, always export first so you can roll back if needed.

Tip: The JSON export file is human-readable. Open it in a text editor or JSON viewer to inspect your data, verify completeness, or look up historical records without logging into Baulit.