> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mneno.lollopanta.it/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import, Export & Backup

> Migrate and back up your memory data with ease.

Mneno provides built-in tools for exporting memories to JSON, importing them back, and creating timestamped backups. This is essential for data migration, persistence, and disaster recovery.

## Exporting Memories

You can export your entire memory store to a JSON payload or directly to a file.

```python theme={null}
# Get a JSON-serializable dictionary
payload = client.export_json()

# Export directly to a file
client.export_json("exports/my_memories.json")
```

The exported file includes a version field to ensure compatibility with future Mneno versions.

## Importing Memories

Importing allows you to load memories from a previous export. Mneno supports several import modes to handle conflicting IDs:

```python theme={null}
# Import from a file
result = client.import_json("exports/my_memories.json", mode="append")

print(f"Imported: {result.imported_count}")
print(f"Skipped: {result.skipped_count}")
```

### Import Modes

| Mode            | Description                                                               |
| :-------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `append`        | Add memories; if an ID exists, a new unique ID is generated for the copy. |
| `replace`       | Clear the current store first, then import everything.                    |
| `skip_existing` | Keep existing memories; don't import anything with a conflicting ID.      |
| `overwrite`     | Replace existing memories with imported ones if they share the same ID.   |

## Backups

Backups are a specialized form of export that use timestamped filenames by default.

```python theme={null}
# Create a backup in the 'backups/' directory
backup_path = client.backup()
print(f"Backup created at: {backup_path}")
# Output: backups/mneno-backup-20260524-120000.json
```

## Restore

Restoring is a shortcut for a `replace` or `append` import from a backup file.

```python theme={null}
# Restore from a backup (replaces current memories by default)
client.restore("backups/mneno-backup-20260524-120000.json")

# Append from a backup instead
client.restore("backups/mneno-backup-20260524-120000.json", mode="append")
```

## Validation

Mneno validates the format and version of all incoming JSON payloads during import. If a file is corrupted or uses an unsupported format version, Mneno will raise a clear error to prevent data corruption.