Library Snapshot
One of the new features in the Silhouette Studio v4.2 software is a Library Snapshot.
This takes a “Snapshot” of the library as it is right now and also allows you to revert back to this “snapshot” of the library if needed.
To access and setup the Library Snapshot, click on the Library tab in the top right corner.
Then click on your name in the top left corner.
You will need to be logged in to the Silhouette library.
Then choose Settings.
A Library Snapshot Options window will pop up.
At the top of the Library Snapshot Options box is the log of all the snapshots that are taken of the software.
The middle section gives you options to create, delete, browse, or revert snapshots manually.
The bottom section allows you to set up automatic snapshots of the Silhouette library.
I would recommend setting the Snapshot option to Daily.
It never hurts to have multiple copies.
The Library Snapshots are computer specific. Depending on how it is set up, the snapshot will occur when you open the software.
If I have my snapshots set to daily but I leave my software open on my computer overnight, it will not take a snapshot the next day until I have closed and reopened the software again.
These snapshots are only stored on the computer you are accessing at the moment. Each computer will create a snapshot when the software is opened on it. So if I access my software from my computer upstairs, that snapshot is saved on my upstairs computer only. It is not stored in the cloud and synced between computers.
Does this replace making a backup of the library? No!
I would still highly recommend making a backup of your library on a regular basis and I would also recommend having your personal files saved to an outside source, which is also backed up as well too. There is nothing that is 100% safe and just like a computer crash, you cannot predict when something will happen.
Do you remember years ago when typing in Word documents and we were taught to save often? It is still a great habit to get into.
Save & backup often and you will not regret it.
Exporting a Backup
To make a backup of your library in Silhouette Studio v4, open the Library tab.
Click on your name in the top left corner (must be logged in).
Choose Library Export.
A “Select Location” pop up window will come up.
Choose Browse and then select a safe location to save the backup file to.
This is a backup file only. It cannot be opened outside of the software and only can be imported back into the software if needed.
It does not contain individual files.
If you want the files saved individually, you will need to open each file and choose File > Save As > Save to Hard Drive.
I add the date to the file name and save in a Backup folder that I can find if needed.
I’d recommend making a backup of the library on a regular basis, just in case because you just never know.
If you ever need to import the backup back in, click on your name in the top left and choose Library Import.
The Library Snapshot is just one of the new features in the v4.2 software.
Hopefully, you will never need to use it, but it is great that it is there.
Now, it’s a great time to go make a backup of your Silhouette library, no matter what version you are using and if you are in v4.2, set up the snapshot to your specifications.
Have questions or comments feel free to post below or on my Facebook group at Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.
Enjoy!
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I don’t understand what a Snapshot is. Can you explain its purpose?
It creates a snapshot of your library at that point in time, then if something happens and things disappear from your library – you can revert back to a previous “snapshot” of your library and it will be restored to that point….. it’s an automatic backup, however, it should not replace you making a regular backup of your library…. the safest place to have backups and files stores is in multiple places… nothing is 100% safe.
Hi I have tried unsuccessfully to revert to the previous snapshot but it keeps crashing and won’t let me please help as I have lost most of library
What software version are you currently using? Do you have older snapshots that you can test with?
Can you store your library on a thumb drive?
Thank you!
You can export a copy of the library to a thumb drive, but the library itself is in the Silhouette software.
Hi – I find this site most helpful. Here is my problem. I have a new computer. I downloaded the studio and silhouette brought back all my designs (about 5000 of them). The problem is that on my old computer, when I made a scrapbook page with a design for one of my grandchildren (I have 8 that I make yearly scrapbooks for), I would edit the properties description of the design with the grandchild’s name and year I used that design so that I wouldn’t duplicate that design again for that child. Now in the new computer, those descriptions are gone and the ‘default’ properties description is back. This is disastrous for me. I am beyond unhappy if I cannot get those back. I’ve been on the phone with support, but not too much help there. Can you help me?
Susan, I have contacted Silhouette and am looking into this one. EllyMae
Thanks for looking into this. I experimented a little with the version 4 software and now if I change the description and save it, it will revert back to the original description. What my solution now has to be that I go through all my scrapbook pages and enter a ‘keyword’ for that child. It will be a pain in the you-know-what but in the long run will be better as then I can search on that child’s name and see all the designs I used for them.