> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usekao.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Backups

> Back up and restore a server's emojis.

## Overview

Backups save a point-in-time copy of a server's emojis. Use them before large imports, rotations, syncs, or cleanup work.

You can restore a backup to the original server, copy it to another server, or convert it into a collection.

## Create a backup

1. Go to **Backups**.
2. Choose **Create Backup**.
3. Select the server.
4. Choose what to include:
   * **Backup All** for every custom emoji
   * **Select Emojis** for a specific set
5. Add an optional name.
6. Confirm the backup.

<Info>
  The confirmation screen shows the total count and static versus animated breakdown before you start.
</Info>

## What a backup includes

A backup includes the emoji images, names, type, role restrictions when available, and the server boost level at the time the backup was created.

Your plan controls how many backups you can keep and how many you can create in a day.

## Restore a backup

1. Open **Backups**.
2. Select the backup.
3. Choose **Restore**.
4. Pick the target server.
5. Choose a restore mode.
6. Confirm the restore.

| Restore mode   | What it does                                                   |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Add Missing    | Adds emojis from the backup without deleting existing emojis   |
| Sync to Backup | Removes emojis not in the backup, then restores missing emojis |

<Warning>
  Sync to Backup can delete emojis from the target server. Use Add Missing if you want to keep existing emojis.
</Warning>

## Restore to another server

You can restore a backup to any server Kao can manage. This is useful when you want to copy an emoji set to a new community.

The target server still needs enough emoji capacity for the restored items.

## Convert a backup to a collection

Use **Add to Collection** when you want to reuse a backup without restoring it immediately.

Collections are easier to browse, import from, rotate, and sync later.

## Best practices

* Create a backup before bulk deleting emojis.
* Create a backup before using Sync to Backup or full replacement rotations.
* Name backups with dates or event names.
* Delete backups you no longer need if you hit your plan limit.
* Convert long-term reusable sets into collections.

## Troubleshooting

| Problem                     | What to try                                                         |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Backup limit reached        | Delete an old backup or review your plan                            |
| Restore partially failed    | Check target capacity and open Activity for item-level status       |
| Restored emojis are missing | Confirm the restore finished and the target server has enough slots |
| Wrong emoji count           | A backup reflects the server at the moment it was created           |

## Next steps

<CardGrid>
  <Card title="Managing Emojis" href="/guides/managing-emojis">
    Clean up a server before or after restoring.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Collections" href="/guides/collections">
    Convert backups into reusable sets.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Activity Log" href="/guides/activity-log">
    Watch backup and restore progress.
  </Card>
</CardGrid>