Save, Back Up and Import Projects

Understand the two forms of keeping a project

Saving writes a project to the current browser’s storage for this site. It does not create an account, upload the project or make it appear automatically on another device. Browser data can be removed by settings, cleanup or other changes.

Download a JSON backup when you want a portable editable file. Keep it somewhere you control and protect it according to the information in its names, notes and prices.

Use the supported project format

The current project format is version 1. It records the project identity and dates, areas, material items, calculator inputs, notes and optional prices. Imported calculations are validated from their inputs rather than accepted as an unexplained final total.

The file must be a PackLedge project JSON file. A PDF or CSV shopping list serves another purpose and is not the editable project import format.

Keep the file within the current limits

A project JSON file may contain up to 2,000,000 bytes, 200 area records and 500 material items. The saved-project store permits up to 60 projects within its own size limit; the browser may impose a smaller practical storage limit.

If a file is too large, keep the original intact and divide the work into smaller valid projects. Do not delete arbitrary fields from a JSON backup to force it through validation.

Review before importing

The import checks format version, required fields, identifiers, unit choices, item parameters and references to areas. Unknown fields or impossible quantities require correction. A failed import should leave the existing saved projects unchanged.

If an imported mass unit is an ambiguous ton, choose the explicit intended unit or retain a volume-only interpretation where offered. Do not guess from the size of the number. Other validation errors still need correction after that choice.

Treat an existing identity deliberately

Importing a file whose project identity is already saved is different from adding a new project. Review whether you intend to replace that saved record or keep an independent copy. A replacement must be an explicit choice, not a silent side effect.

After a successful import, open the project and compare a few dimensions, material specifications and notes with the original file. Save a fresh backup after substantial edits. Deleting a browser record does not delete copies already downloaded elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

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