How do I back up and restore my Banktivity Ledger?

Posted on by Marcie Bernat

We recommend using the Cloud Sync service in Banktivity as a primary backup option, and using Apple’s Time Machine service as a secondary backup option. Cloud Sync automatically saves only the latest version of your data on the Banktivity Cloud, while Time Machine keeps chronological backups of your data.

To restore your Banktivity Ledger from a Time Machine backup,
you will need to navigate to a hidden system folder.

✽ If you use Cloud Sync, it is important that you first turn off Automatic Updates in Banktivity so that your backup is not immediately overwritten once it is restored. To do this, please open Banktivity and go to Banktivity > Settings. Under the Import tab, make sure you turn off the option to “Automatically update financial data”.

Please follow these steps carefully:

  1. Click on the Finder icon in your Dock to open the Finder.
  2. Press ⇧Shift + ⌘Command + G on your keyboard to open the Go To Folder window.
  3. Copy and paste the exact line below into the box and hit Enter:
    ~/Library/Group Containers/group.com.iggsoftware.banktivity.library/IGGFinance/production/Documents
  4. With that folder window remaining open and active, click the Time Machine icon in your Mac’s menu bar and select Browse Time Machine Backups (or open Time Machine from your Applications folder).
  5. Use the timeline on the right edge of the screen to go back to the date and time you wish to restore. Select your Banktivity file, and click Restore.

Important Note: If the Time Machine window resets to your desktop instead of staying in the specific Library folder, enter Time Machine first. Once inside the backup timeline, press ⇧Shift + ⌘Command + G to bring up the search bar within Time Machine, paste the path above, and press Enter to jump straight to the hidden folder.

For a detailed, visual walkthrough on how to use the Time Machine interface and manage restored files, please refer to Apple’s official guide: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/restore-files-mh11422/mac

Once you are positive your data has been restored, you should then Reset the Server with the local ledger:

  1. Go to Ledger > Show Cloud Sync Settings
  2. Choose “Advanced Options”
  3. Select “Reset Server”
  4. Turn back on “Automatically update financial data” in the Banktivity Settings

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