> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.themeware.design/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.themeware.design/additional-features/add-ons/backup-manager.md).

# Backup Manager

The **Backup Manager** saves, transfers and edits your theme configuration directly in the **"Backup"** tab of the ThemeWare® Hub. It bundles three functions: **export** of the configuration as a JSON file, a guided **import** with a mandatory pre-backup safeguard, and an **advanced mode** with an inline JSON editor for direct editing.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important**: The Backup Manager is an add-on and must be unlocked separately. [Why add-ons?](/additional-features/add-ons.md#why-add-ons)
{% endhint %}

## Theme configuration

### Export

Downloads the theme's configuration values as a JSON file. Useful as a safety net before larger changes, or for transferring settings between shops.

**Step by step:**

1. Find the relevant theme in the backup tab.
2. Click "Export".
3. The browser downloads a file named `tcinn-<theme-name>-<date>.json`.

{% hint style="info" %}
**What gets exported?**\
Only the theme configuration values (configValues) — i.e. all your adjustments to the theme. Uploaded media (logos, images) are referenced by ID; the actual media files are not bundled in the current format.
{% endhint %}

### Import

Loads a previously exported JSON file into the chosen theme. Existing configuration values are fully replaced, so the import dialog walks you through a backup step first.

**Step by step:**

1. In the backup tab, click "Import" on the target theme. The "Import theme configuration" modal opens.
2. In the modal, click "Download backup" (step 1). The current configuration is saved as a safety net.
3. Click "Choose file …" (step 2) and select the JSON file to import.
4. If the file is accepted, click "Import configuration".

The theme is recompiled automatically.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Existing configuration is replaced**\
Import overwrites current configuration values completely. That's why the backup in step 1 is mandatory — without it the import button stays disabled.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Cross-variant import**\
If the import file comes from a different ThemeWare® variant (e.g. a Plants file imported into a Modern theme), the import detects this automatically and shows a notice. Your customizations are transferred, while non-customized fields fall back to the current variant's defaults.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Media note**\
If the file references media IDs (logos, images), those may not exist in the target shop and need to be reassigned manually after import.
{% endhint %}

***

## Advanced mode

**For experienced users**: a JSON editor directly below each theme, allowing the configuration to be edited without going through the standard UI.

**Step by step:**

1. At the top of the backup tab, click "Activate advanced mode".
2. A JSON editor appears below each theme, showing its current configuration.
3. Before saving, click "Export" on the affected theme (backup is mandatory).
4. Edit the JSON.
5. Click "Save".

The theme is recompiled automatically.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Edit with care**\
Invalid JSON input can damage the theme or break the storefront. The "Save" button stays disabled until a backup has been created for the theme and the input is valid JSON.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Deactivate advanced mode**\
Use "Exit advanced mode" at the top of the page. The editors are hidden again — unsaved changes are lost.
{% endhint %}

***

## Use cases

Typical scenarios for the backup functions:

### Save and restore

* **Backup before larger changes** — Before a plugin update, an extensive theme adjustment, or activating "advanced mode", download a backup.
* **Restore after a mistake** — A change broke the theme or caused unwanted side effects? Simply re-import the previously exported JSON file into the affected theme.

### Transfer between themes or shops

* **Write a configuration into another theme** — You have an existing custom duplicate and want to merge in the configuration of a different variant (e.g. from Plants). Export from the source theme, import into the target theme.
* **Move a setup from test shop to live shop** — You develop on a test shop and want to apply the finished theme setup on production. Export on test, download the file, import on live.

### Direct editing

* **Detail tweaks at JSON level for power users** — Individual configuration values need to be changed quickly and precisely, without going through the standard UI in the Theme-Manager. Activate "advanced mode" for that.