Database Backup Tips

Last updated: November 2025

Backup Tips for MTDify Starter & Local Edition

MTDify stores all your bookkeeping data in a single SQLite file on your computer.
This makes backups simple, fast, and completely under your control.

Local Edition now includes automatic daily backups, but you can still create your own manual backups for extra protection.
Starter Edition does not include automatic backups, so manual backup is essential.

Where Your Data Lives

All your financial information is stored in one file:

db.sqlite3

This file is created automatically the first time you open MTDify and contains:

  • income

  • expenses

  • categories

  • suppliers

  • user accounts

  • dashboard totals

If you ever move to a new computer or restore a previous version, this is the file you work with.

Automatic Backups (Local Edition Only)

MTDify Local Edition creates automatic backups once per day when you open the application.
Backups are stored inside a folder named:

backups

Each backup file is named with the date it was created, such as:

  • db-2025-01-10.sqlite3

  • db-2025-01-11.sqlite3

  • db-2025-01-12.sqlite3

These are full snapshots of your data and can be restored at any time. More information on automatic backups here

Automatic backups are not included in Starter Edition.

Optional Manual Backup Methods

Even with automatic backups in Local Edition, you may still want manual backups.
These give you extra control and extra safety — especially before updates or big changes.

Manual File Copy (Quickest Option)

Copy:

db.sqlite3

to a safe location such as:

  • a USB drive

  • an encrypted folder

  • an external hard drive

  • a cloud-sync folder you already use (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive)

This takes a few seconds and protects your entire bookkeeping history.

Versioned Backup Folder

You can also create your own folder such as:

MTDify Backups

Inside it, save dated copies of your database:

  • 2025-01-10-db.sqlite3

  • 2025-01-17-db.sqlite3

  • 2025-01-24-db.sqlite3

This allows you to roll back to earlier weeks if needed.

Automated Tools (Optional)

If you already use Windows backup tools such as:

  • File History

  • Backup & Restore

  • OneDrive folder backup

…these will automatically include your db.sqlite3 file when they run.

No special configuration is needed.

When Should You Back Up?

Recommended:

  • once per week

  • before making large changes

  • before updating to a new version of MTDify

  • before moving MTDify to a new computer

  • anytime you want a “snapshot” of your records

Local Edition users benefit from automatic daily backups, but manual backups provide extra peace of mind.

Restoring a Backup

To restore a previous version of your data:

  1. Close MTDify if it is running

  2. Go to your MTDify folder

  3. Replace the existing db.sqlite3 with your backup copy

  4. Open the EXE again (MTDifyLocal.exe or MTDifyStarter.exe)

Your restored records will appear instantly.

If you are restoring a dated backup from Local Edition’s backups folder, rename it first to:

db.sqlite3

…then replace the current file.

Important Notes

MTDify stores all data locally on your own device.
This means:

  • if your computer is lost, damaged, or stolen, your database goes with it

  • automatic backups in Local Edition are also stored locally

  • external backups (USB, cloud, external drive) offer extra protection

For maximum safety, copy your db.sqlite3 or your backups folder occasionally to an additional location you already trust.