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Exporting & Importing Data

Export your TipLink configuration to create backups or transfer to another computer. All your alerts, platform connections, settings, events, and overlays are included.

Quick Start Guide​

Exporting Your Data​

  1. Open Settings (gear icon) from the sidebar.
  2. Scroll to the "Backup & Import" section.
  3. Click "Export Full Backup".
  4. Choose a save location and filename.
  5. Click Save.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Settings page - Backup & Import section with Export button]

Password Protection

You can optionally password-protect your backup during export. This encrypts all data including platform credentials.

Unencrypted Backups

You are prompted to use password encryption by default. If you export unencrypted data, your credentials will be exposed to anybody with the ability to read the file contents.

Export with Password Protection​

  1. Click "Export Full Backup".
  2. Check "Password Protect" checkbox.
  3. Enter a strong password (you'll need this to import).
  4. Choose save location.
  5. Click Save.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Export dialog with password protection option]

Remember Your Password

If you forget the password, your backup cannot be recovered. Store it somewhere safe!

Importing Your Data​

  1. Open Settings (gear icon) from the sidebar.
  2. Scroll to the "Backup & Import" section.
  3. Click "Import Full Backup".
  4. Select your backup file (.json).
  5. If password-protected, enter the password.
  6. Review the preview showing what will be imported.
  7. Click "Import".
  8. Restart TipLink when prompted.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Import dialog showing backup preview]

Import Overwrites Data

Importing replaces ALL existing data (alerts, platforms, settings, events, overlays). Export a backup first if you want to keep any current data!

What Gets Exported?​

Your backup file includes everything, such as...

  • Alerts - All alerts and alert sets with configurations.
  • Platforms - All platform connections and credentials.
  • Settings - All TipLink settings and preferences.
  • Events - Event history (optional).
  • Overlays - All overlay configurations.

Backups are exported as JSON files:

  • Filename: tiplink_full_backup_YYYY-MM-DD.json.
  • Encrypted: Optional AES-256-GCM encryption.

Common Use Cases​

Switching Computers​

On old computer:

  1. Export full backup.
  2. Save file to USB drive or cloud storage.

On new computer:

  1. Install TipLink
  2. Activate License.
  3. Import backup file.
  4. Restart TipLink.

Sharing Configurations​

Export and share alert setups with other streamers:

  1. Export full backup.
  2. Share file (careful with platform credentials!)
  3. They import and customize to their liking.
Sharing Backups

Backups contain platform credentials and API tokens. Only share backup files with trusted people.

Troubleshooting​

Import Failed: Invalid Backup File​

Causes:

  • File is corrupted
  • Not a TipLink backup file
  • Wrong backup version
  • Manually edited JSON broke structure

Fix: Try re-exporting from source, or check file wasn't modified.

Import Failed: Incorrect Password​

Causes:

  • Wrong password entered
  • Case-sensitivity issue (passwords are case-sensitive)
  • Backup file corrupted

Fix: Double-check password, try again.

Import Failed: Password Required​

Fix: Enter the password used when exporting the backup.

Nothing Happens After Import​

Fix: TipLink requires a restart after importing. Close completely and reopen.

Some Platforms Don't Reconnect​

Causes:

  • Platform changed login/API (Twitch, YouTube, etc.)
  • Tokens expired
  • Platform account deleted

Fix: Manually reconnect affected platforms:

  1. Go to Platforms
  2. Find disconnected platform
  3. Click "Reconnect" or delete and re-add

FAQ​

Can I export only alerts without platforms?​

Yes! Go to the Alert you wish to export, and click the three dots (⋮) next to it on the right, followed by "Export". Follow the on-screen prompts to remove the accounts you wish to avoid exporting.

Can I merge two backups?​

No. You'd need to manually edit JSON to combine (advanced users only - risky).

Will importing delete my current data?​

Yes! Import completely replaces existing data. Always export current data first!

What if I lose my password?​

No recovery possible. Encrypted backups without the password are unrecoverable. Keep passwords in a password manager!

Do I need to restart after import?​

Yes! TipLink loads data at startup. Import writes to storage, but restart is required to reload everything into memory.

Can I edit backup files manually?​

Yes, but risky. Broken JSON won't import. Only for advanced users who understand the structure.