Make a backup you can open
A backup is useful when it can restore the material you need. Keep the notes and attachments together, store the copy separately, and test it before there is a problem.
Create a dated copy
- Finish any pending notebook downloads.
- Export the complete notebook with its attachments.
- Use a name that includes the notebook and date, such as Research 2026-09-18.
- Save the archive to a computer, external drive, or a separate storage location.
- Keep the active notebook and the backup clearly distinguished.
For Memobound, keep a full document copy for preserving the notebook and a readable Markdown or HTML export if you want an additional format. PDFs are convenient reading copies but do not preserve all editable content.
Inspect the backup
Open a long note, an image, a PDF, and an audio file from the copy. Check links between exported notes. Compare the file manifest with what you expected to export. A folder full of note titles is not enough if the attachments are missing.
Try opening or importing the archive into a separate test notebook. Do not overwrite the working library just to find out whether the backup is valid.
Keep sync separate
iCloud Drive sync propagates changes. Apple documents that deleting a file in iCloud Drive removes it from other signed-in devices. A dated archive gives you a separate point to return to.
Local version history helps with recent edits, but it lives with the device or notebook storage. It should complement the independent copy.
Before deleting an app
Move or copy documents out of the app's local folder and verify them. Apple explains that deleting an app removes its related data. Keep any passwords required to open encrypted archives in a separate place you can recover.