---
title: Backup
description: Create a full safety copy of your VirtualDJ databases, folders, playlists, and history before repairing anything.
url: "https://vdjtools.com/docs/backup/"
updated: "2026-10-28"
category: "Feature Guide / Backup & Restore"
tags:
  - backup
  - safety
---

# Backup

Backup creates a full safety copy of your VirtualDJ databases, folders, playlists, and history before you start repairing anything.

## When to use it

Before any import, and before any large repair session. Treat it as routine, not something you only reach for when things feel risky.

## What it does

It writes a timestamped zip containing your VirtualDJ data as it currently stands. It's VirtualDJ data only — database, folders, playlists, and history — not your actual music files.

## Key arguments

- `/backup`

## Example command

```
vdjtools /backup
```

## Safety notes

A backup doesn't fix anything by itself — it just gives you somewhere safe to come back to. Restore is the recovery path if you ever need it.

## Common scenario

You want the freedom to experiment with workbook edits, knowing there's a clean point to return to if something doesn't look right.

## Related pages

- Restore
- Why Backups Matter

## Example output

```
Virtual DJ Tools (vBeta)
Copyright© 2024-2026 Quick Apps UK. All rights reserved
Build: 1.0.38.0

backup: true
Starting full backup

Folders loaded: 469 folders from C:UsersDJOneDriveVirtualDJFolders
Folders loaded: 3 folders from D:VirtualDJFolders
Folders loaded: 1618 folders from E:VirtualDJFolders
Folders loaded: 2213 folders from F:VirtualDJFolders
Folders loaded: 3 folders from H:VirtualDJFolders
Playlists loaded: 1128 playlists from C:UsersDJOneDriveVirtualDJ (Debug)Playlists
Histories loaded: 1023 histories from C:UsersDJOneDriveVirtualDJ (Debug)History
Full backup complete: 5787 files backed up
```