Data & Backup
Settings → Data & Backup is where you manage the TalkBar data stored on this computer. It covers complete backups, restoring a backup, moving data to another computer, the recovery code for saved keys, and resetting data.
This device
Your TalkBar workspace data stays on this computer unless you turn on an external AI provider or a notification channel. Open the data folder using Open data folder on this page.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Open data folder | Opens TalkBar's data folder in File Explorer. |
| Open logs folder | Opens the folder with TalkBar's application logs. Support may ask you for these. |
To learn what is stored and where it goes, see Privacy and your data.
Backup & restore
A complete backup is one ZIP file with the TalkBar database plus all session media and local files. Restoring replaces what is on this computer.
| Control | What it does | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Create backup | Asks where to save the ZIP, then shows progress (files and size). You can Cancel while it runs. When it finishes, the page shows the file path, size, and how many workspaces and sessions it holds. | — |
| Skip downloaded models (they download again when needed) | Option in the Create a complete backup? dialog. Leaves downloaded AI and voice models out to keep the file smaller. | Off |
| Restore backup | Asks you to choose a TalkBar backup ZIP, shows what it contains, then restores it and restarts TalkBar (Restore and restart). | — |
| Create a safety backup of current data first | Option in the restore dialogs. Saves your current data before it is replaced. | On |
A backup made by a different TalkBar version that this version can't read is flagged in the restore dialog and can't be restored.
For step-by-step instructions, see Backup and restore.
Recovery code
TalkBar encrypts your saved API keys, passwords and tokens in its own data, and keeps the key that unlocks them in the system keyring. A recovery code lets you restore them if the keyring loses TalkBar's key, or after you copy TalkBar's data to another computer.
When you click Set up, choose Generate a code (safer), Use my own password (at least 12 characters) or Use a code I already have. Keep the code or password somewhere safe outside TalkBar.
| State | What you see | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| No saved keys yet | "Available after you save your first API key, password or token." | Set up is turned off. |
| Off | A note that saved keys can't be restored without it. | Set up |
| On | "On, with a generated code." or "On, with your own password." | Change, Remove |
| Keys can't be read | "TalkBar can't read your saved keys on this computer", with how many are affected. | Fix issue |
Default: Off. Removing the code doesn't affect backups made earlier; they still open with the old code.
Transfer to another device
A transfer file moves chosen data to TalkBar on another computer. Unlike a backup, a transfer file adds to what is already there instead of replacing it. Passwords and API keys never travel in a transfer file.
Export data
Export data opens Export data to a transfer file. Choose what to include, then Choose where to save.
| Option | What it does | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Workspaces | Which workspaces to include. Shown only if you have more than one. | The active workspace |
| What to include | Checkboxes for Workspaces and projects, Settings, templates and AI setup, Knowledge, documents and people, Session series and calendars, Sessions and transcripts, Notes and AI chats. | All checked |
| Which sessions | All sessions in the chosen workspaces, Sessions in selected projects, Sessions in selected series or Selected sessions (pick them with Choose sessions). | All sessions in the chosen workspaces |
| Include session audio | Adds the audio recordings. The dialog shows how much space audio adds. | Off |
| Include items in Trash | Also exports items that are in Trash. | On |
Import data
Import data opens Import data from a transfer file. Click Choose transfer file, review what it contains, then pick Where to put it:
| Option | What it does | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Merge into a workspace | Everything lands in the workspace you choose. | Selected, with the active workspace |
| Create a new workspace | Everything lands in one new workspace that you name. | — |
| Keep the original workspaces | Recreates the file's workspaces with their names. Existing workspaces with the same identity are merged. | — |
If the file has more sessions than your plan allows, choose Stop; I will free up space first (default) or Import anyway and move the oldest extra sessions to Trash. If it needs another workspace or more projects than your plan allows, the dialog tells you before you import.
After an import, Reconnect these services lists anything you need to set up again, such as an AI provider, a notification channel, an export destination or share branding, each with an Open settings button.
Danger zone
These actions empty or erase data on this computer. Each one asks you to confirm before it runs.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Reset workspace data | Pick a workspace from the list, then Reset workspace. Erases its sessions, notes, documents and files. The workspace name and profile stay. You confirm by typing the workspace name. Create a safety backup of current data first is on by default. |
| Reset database | Starts over with an empty database and restarts TalkBar (Reset and restart). Downloaded voice models, voice settings and speaker profiles are kept. The old database is moved into a backup folder inside TalkBar's data folder, not deleted. Use this if TalkBar won't start after an update. |
| Reset all data | Erases all TalkBar workspace data and settings on this computer and restarts with a fresh database (Erase and restart). You confirm by typing this computer's device name. This can't be undone. |