> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.skylum.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.skylum.com/how-to-use-luminar-for-desktop/catalog/catalog-files/backing-up-a-catalog.md).

# Backing Up a Catalog

Ensure your photo catalog is safe by learning how to back it up properly in Luminar for Desktop.

<figure><img src="https://3998991287-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FynrwC8fnGXULbglwsNaw%2Fuploads%2FD8naaJoPIORLv5D7VQTq%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=0dcfe7f3-0d99-4461-9eb9-f823888b0975" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Luminar for Desktop constantly backs up its database as you work with it. This ensures your latest edits are stored. However, you may want to manually back up a Catalog in case your hard drive malfunctions. We suggest backing up your Catalog to an external drive or cloud storage.

**Backing Up a Luminar for Desktop Catalog on Windows and macOS**

The easiest and recommended way to back up your Catalog is to use Luminar for Desktop's built-in Backup command.

1. With Luminar for Desktop open, select the Catalog you want to back up.
2. Choose **File > Catalog > Backup**.
3. Choose where you want to save the backup file.

To restore a backup, choose **File > Catalog > Restore from Backup**, then select the backup file you created.

**Manually Backing Up a Catalog**

You can also manually create a copy of your Catalog folder.

1. With Luminar for Desktop open, select the Catalog you want to back up.
2. Choose **File > Catalog > Show in Explorer** (Windows) or **Show in Finder** (macOS).
3. The Catalog file is located inside a folder. Go up one level in the folder structure.
4. Copy the entire folder to a safe location, such as an external drive or cloud storage.

To restore a manually backed-up Catalog, copy the folder to your machine and choose **File > Catalog > Open**. Then select the Catalog folder you backed up.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://support.skylum.com/how-to-use-luminar-for-desktop/catalog/catalog-files/backing-up-a-catalog.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.